Lavender (Lavandula spp. ) loves sunlight, but there are some shade-tolerant varieties of lavender to consider. There are many kinds of lavender that can grow in some shade, but they don’t always do well or have full blooms when they do. Plant your lavender where it will get full sun and little to no shade if you want strong plants with a strong scent.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, USDA zones 5–8) does best in full sun and soil that drains well, but it can also grow in some shade and with little light. Under optimal conditions, it can reach a height of 2 feet and a width of 3 feet. Soil pH should be between 6. 5 and 7. 3 for optimal growing conditions, whether the lavender is in full or partial sun. Use a soil tester to determine the pH.
Under shade, it’s not as likely to grow to its full size, but some shade is still good for growth. Lavender plants that can handle shade shouldn’t get too much water, and the soil should be able to drain so that root rot doesn’t happen. The potpourri-like scent of English lavender is weaker in low light and moist conditions.
Some kinds of lavender can handle some shade, but they won’t grow very well if they don’t get mostly sunny conditions. Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas, zones 7-9), French lace lavender (Lavandula multifida, zones 8–10), and French lavender (Lavandula dentata, zones 8–9) are some types of lavender that can grow in some shade. It’s best for these plants to grow in full sun or sun with some clouds. Too much shade can hurt their growth and flowers.
With its sweet floral aroma and vibrant purple blooms, lavender is a beloved garden plant. But there’s some confusion around whether this sun-loving Mediterranean herb can tolerate partial shade. Will it thrive or decline without full sun?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine lavender’s light needs, how much sun it requires, and if certain varieties can handle partial shade
The Short Answer
Lavender strongly prefers full sunlight. It thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily and does best with 8-10 hours of sunlight in the peak growing season. Some varieties like Spanish lavender are slightly more shade tolerant, but all lavender needs a good deal of sun exposure to flower and grow well.
While a small amount of afternoon shade can be beneficial in hot climates, regular partial or full shade results in reduced vigor, sparse blooms, and potential disease issues. Lavender grown in too much shade often becomes leggy and weak.
Why Lavender Needs Sunlight
To understand lavender’s sunlight requirements we must look to its origins. Lavender hails from the sunny arid slopes of the Mediterranean coast. Here, it’s found growing in rocky soil and intensifies sunshine.
Lavender relies on ample sunlight for
- Photosynthesis to produce energy
- Promoting bushy, compact growth
- Formation of fragrant oils in its flowers
- Flower bud development
- Drying out soil quickly after rain
When lavender receives insufficient sunlight, it cannot complete these essential processes that facilitate healthy expansion and reproduction.
Hours of Sun Per Day
Lavender thrives best with full sun – defined as at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Between 8-10 hours per day is ideal, especially during the active growing period of spring through fall.
If lavender receives under 3-4 hours of sun per day, it often becomes leggy and lanky as it reaches for light. Flower production also declines dramatically without enough daily light exposure.
Sunlight for Fragrant Blooms
One of the main reasons we grow lavender is for its fragrant purple blooms in summer. But did you know thesunny weather directly influences how much aromatic oil the flowers produce?
More sun exposure means the plants can generate more of the fragrant phytochemicals like linalool and lavandulol. So make sure to site lavender in the sunniest part of your garden for the most scent possible.
Can Lavender Tolerate Afternoon Shade?
While lavender needs sun for most of the day, a little bit of afternoon shade can be beneficial. In hot climates, afternoon shade prevents excessive solar heating of plants. It also reduces water needs slightly.
Just make sure lavender gets at least 6 hours of morning sun. And provide extra drainage in shadier sites to prevent fungal issues. Mulching around plants also warms the soil in lieu of direct sun.
If you garden in a part of the world with overcast skies, seek out lavender varieties bred to handle lower light like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Royal Velvet’.
Problems Growing Lavender in Shade
Too much shade results in leggy, weak growth and lackluster flowering.
Trying to grow lavender in partial shade or deep shade comes with multiple drawbacks:
- Leggy, stretched out growth form
- Sparse flower production
- Increased disease susceptibility
- Weak, floppy stems
- Lower oil content in flowers
- Smaller plants overall
Without reliable sunlight, lavender cannot complete all the cellular processes needed for lush, compact growth.
Are Some Lavender Varieties More Shade Tolerant?
Most lavender varieties strongly insist on full sun. But there are a few types that can tolerate partial shade or dappled sunlight better than others:
- Spanish lavender
- French lavender
- Fernleaf lavender
- Lavandin hybrids like ‘Grosso’
These varieties likely originated in slightly cooler microclimates than traditional English lavender, allowing them to adapt to lower light. But they still need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily for best results.
Caring for Lavender in Partial Shade
If you must grow lavender in partial shade, here are some tips to help it thrive:
- Choose shade tolerant varieties
- Plant in morning sun if possible
- Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Improve drainage with gravel, sand
- Fertilize monthly
- Monitor for disease vigilantly
Even with the best care, growth will still be inferior compared to plants grown in full sunlight. But you can help mitigate problems with proper maintenance.
Lavender Light Requirements By Region
Lavender’s sun requirements can vary slightly depending on your climate:
Hot & Humid Climates
Aim for morning sun only if possible. Providing afternoon shade prevents excessive heat stress.
Cool & Cloudy Climates
Seek out full sun whenever possible. Reflective mulch boosts available sunlight.
Coastal Climates
Site in full sun to allow sea breezes to circulate freely and prevent foliar diseases.
Mediterranean Climates
Lavender thrives in these sunny, arid conditions like its native habitat.
Container Grown Lavender Light Needs
Potted lavender should receive the same full sunlight as in-ground plants – at least 6 hours daily. Move container-grown plants in and out of sun as needed. Just make sure the soil drains very well and does not stay wet.
FAQs About Lavender and Sunlight
How much sunlight does lavender need to flower?
Lavender needs at least 8 hours of direct sun per day during the growing season to flower prolifically. Insufficient sunlight causes sparse or no blooms.
Should lavender be planted in full sun or partial shade?
Full sun is strongly recommended. Lavender often declines quickly in partial shade, developing weak growth and minimal flowers.
What direction should I plant lavender?
South-facing is ideal, followed by west or east facing. A north-facing site lacks adequate intensity of sunlight.
Is morning or afternoon sun better for lavender?
Lavender thrives in morning sun. Afternoon shade is occasionally welcomed in hot regions, but lavender still needs sun for most of the day.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, lavender excels in full sunlight and often struggles in partial shade conditions. Seek out the sunniest part of your landscape and choose varieties labeled “full sun” for success growing lavender. Monitor watering, pruning, and drainage carefully if you must plant in dappled or afternoon shade.
Growing Lavender in Shade
It’s likely that lavender will grow more slowly and not produce as many fragrant flowers if you put it in the shade. Pick a spot for your lavender plants that gets as much sunlight as possible. A spot with some dappled shade is better than full shade.
If you see that the plant isn’t getting any light, you might want to move it to a spot with more sun. One of the problems with growing lavender in shade is the risk of root rot. Without lots of sun, soil has trouble drying, which can lead to this fungal disease affecting the plant. To avoid this problem, make sure the soil drains quickly, water only in the morning, and leave a lot of space between plants.
Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia, zones 6–9) is the only type of lavender that won’t grow in full shade. It should be planted somewhere that gets full sun and has well-drained soil, because if you put it somewhere in the shade, it might not grow at all. Spike lavender prefers hot, dry climates and can withstand temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. But the flowers are very fragrant, and as with all lavender species, the best place to dry the flowers after cutting them off the plant is in the shade.