Lavender (Lavendula) and citrus trees grow well together due to the protection every plant offers the other. Lavender loves sunshine but suffers from too much rain or high humidity. The canopy of a citrus tree keeps the rain and allows the sunlight. The oils in lavender oil act as a natural repellant such as flies, that may harm the fruit of the trees, for insects.
Growing Conditions
Lavender develops in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. A lavender cultivar that does in the warmer climate is Spanish or yellow lavender. Trees, such as mandarin oranges, limes and lemons should be emptied to allow the sunlight to penetrate the canopy to the ground below. Trimming the branches of the tree permits space for your own lavender to grow. Lavender demands sunshine in the cooler climates, however the direct sunshine of a warmer or subtropical climate can damage the plant; so that the lavender isn’t damaged, the leaves of the trees filter the light.
Soil Preparation
Lavender demands a well drained soil with a pH level between 6.4 to 8.2 for optimum growth. The pH level is adjusted by adding lime to raise or sulfur to reduce the level. The inclusion of sand improves drainage, benefiting the lavender in addition to the tree. Lavender does not benefit from the inclusion of fertilizers, but it is possible to improve soil quality with compost or other organic matter. It’s likely to work the soil to a depth of four to six inches, letting the roots of the lavender although citrus trees have a root system.
Planting Lavender
The thickness of the lavender plants should stay exactly the same as when the plant was from the container. Placed approximately 12 to 14 inches away from the tree’s base, the plants get the sun and rain. Until the plant is established the roots of the lavender should stay moist. When the plant has established itself at the growing 14, lavender is drought tolerant. Undergrowth and weeds deplete the nutrients and moisture required by the lavender throughout the growing season.
Care
Lavender plants stay in bloom. If transplanted further from the base of the tree, the plant shows signs of wilting when there is not enough sunlight reaching the lavender and might benefit. The citrus trees defy pruning in the winter months to allow more sun to penetrate the canopy. Yellowing leaves means water is being received by the plant. Sand raises drainage. Lavender plants stay full when pruned back to a height of six to eight inches each two or three decades.
