Lavender is the ultimate easy patio plant that will grow brilliantly outside – and the best part is, it smells great too
Sprucing up your garden patio can be a bit of a head-scratcher, especially when you’re working with limited space. Even with the addition of a table and chairs, patios can still risk appearing drab due to the absence of soil for vibrant flowers and plants.
However, if you’re fed up with your patio looking lifeless, there are numerous ways to enhance its look that don’t involve heaps of high-maintenance greenery or splashing out on furniture. A handful of simple potted plants can swiftly brighten up a patio area, and there’s one plant in particular that flourishes outdoors.
Lavender is the perfect plant to introduce to any patio, regardless of its size. Not only does it inject a burst of colour with its purple leaves, this plant also emits a delightful scent, instantly transforming your patio into a sensory paradise.
Renowned for flourishing in pots and containers, lavender plants don’t demand much room and can easily be incorporated into even the tiniest of patios, making them an excellent low-maintenance choice, reports the Express.
Favouring drier conditions, this shrub doesn’t need frequent watering either, making it easy to look after if you’ve already got plenty on your plate with garden chores.
Selecting a pot for your lavender can also enhance the aesthetic of your patio, with terracotta pots often suggested for their porous nature which drains well.
However, bear in mind that the plant needs up to six hours of sunlight daily. So, when deciding where to place it on your patio, consider this.
Lavender can also be damaged by excessive wind, making a sunny corner an ideal location.
Once you’ve identified a suitable spot for your lavender plant and chosen a pot for it, ensure your soil is appropriately prepared. The shrub thrives in dry and fertile soil, including chalky and alkaline types.
To achieve this, the Royal Horticultural Society suggests using a multipurpose or loam-based compost and incorporating coarse grit to aid drainage and stop the soil from retaining too much water.
After planting your lavender and positioning it on your patio, give it a good watering and continue to do so once or twice a week, particularly during hotter weather or if you observe the soil becoming dry.
Opting for a more robust variety of lavender like English lavender can also help your plant survive through the colder months.