8 Places You Should Never Plant Lavender or Risk It Dying, According to Gardeners

Lavender is a reliable favorite in many gardens and landscapes. It’s drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators, and offers beautiful, fragrant blooms throughout many of the spring and summer months.

But if you’ve ever had a lavender plant struggle to thrive in your garden, you know that these hardy plants can’t survive just anywhere. Choosing the right location for your lavender plant is the first step to ensuring it thrives in your garden, and there are several places you should always avoid.

According to gardening professionals, here are the top spots you should never plant lavender.

Shady Areas

Lavender is a sun-loving plant that requires several hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. As such, it’s essential to avoid shady areas for this perennial plant. 

“If you plant it in shade, like under thick tree canopies or on the north side of a building, it won’t get the light it needs to thrive and bloom,” says Julia Omelchenko, resident botany expert at Plantum. “In low light, the lavender becomes leggy, flowers less, and is susceptible to diseases.”

Instead, ensure you choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day, and avoid planting your lavender too close to large trees or shrubs that may grow to block the sunlight over time. 

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Spots With Poor Drainage

If there are two things to know about lavender, it’s that it’s sun-loving and it loves dry conditions. Lavender roots are very prone to overwatering, so proper drainage is essential to the plant’s longevity. Avoid areas prone to water-logging and retaining moisture, such as low spots in your landscape or heavy clay soils. 

“This kind of environment can cause root rot and lead to fungal diseases like Phytophthora root rot,” Omelchenko says.

Opt for sandy soils in high areas that are not prone to flooding. Planting lavender in raised beds or planters can also be a great solution if your landscape is not well-suited to dry conditions. 

Near Sprinklers and Downspots

Similarly, avoid planting your lavender close to sprinklers, irrigation systems, and downspouts, Omelchenko says.

Not only will the plants be more susceptible to overwatering and root rot in these locations, but they may also be more likely to develop fungal diseases due to excessive moisture and water spraying on the leaves.

Consistent moisture can also attract pests like fungus gnats and spider mites, which can quickly kill a plant.  

Crowded Flower Beds

Air circulation is critical to the health of lavender plants, which is why it’s best to avoid planting it in crowded flower beds.

Overcrowding can result in reduced airflow and increased moisture in and around the plant’s foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and gray mold (Botrytis), according to Omelchenko.

Ideally, lavender plants should have about 18 to 24 inches of space on all sides to prevent overcrowding and competition for sunlight and nutrients. 

Acidic Soil

Acidic soil is another no-no for lavender, according to the experts, which is why its important to conduct a soil pH test before planting your lavender. Ideally, lavender should be grown in soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline, but never acidic. 

“Acidic soils with a pH below 6.0 can hinder nutrient absorption, lead to poor growth, yellowing, and even plant death,” Omelchenko says. 

Acidic soil is typically found in areas prone to rain, in spots where organic material accumulates, in woodlands, or near pine trees. Lime or wood ash can be used to amend the soil to decrease its acidity before planting. 

Rich, Heavily Fertilized Soil

Fertilizer isn’t always a good thing! While many plants love their soil packed with nutrients and organic material, lavender isn’t one of them. Rich, heavily fertilized soil can actually damage lavender plants in the long run, making it a spot to avoid. 

“Lavender thrives in poor soils. If you plant it in a bed that’s been heavily amended with compost or fertiliser, it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and reduce its overall lifespan,” says Petar Ivanov, a garden and plant expert with Fantastic Gardeners. 

Beds with Organic Mulch

Similarly, lavender plants can struggle when planted in beds with organic mulch. 

“Mulch is great for keeping roots warm, locking in moisture, and stopping weeds—but not all types are good for lavender,” Omelchenko says. “Dense organic mulches like bark, wood chips, and compost hold too much moisture around the base of the plant, causing rot and fungal infections, especially in humid or rainy climates.”

Specifically, she warns against using pine bark, pine needles, and peat moss, as these organic mulches not only lock in moisture but also raise the soil’s acidity. Lavender is an excellent choice for rock gardens or gardens where mulch isn’t used at all.  

Cold, Windy Areas

Lastly, experts advise against planting lavender in vast, open areas that are exposed to cold and wind. While some lavender species, such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), can tolerate cold temperatures, most varieties will suffer when exposed to consistent winds and freezing conditions. 

“When the soil is frozen and the roots can’t absorb much water, cold winds can dry out the leaves and cause the plant to lose even more moisture,” says Omelchenko. 

Instead, choose a bright, sunny spot that is protected from the wind to provide your lavender with the warm conditions it craves. For those in cooler climates, two options are available: close to a south-facing wall or behind a windbreak.