Lavender Sun Requirements: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Lavender is a popular, compact flowering shrub-like plant, native to the dry Mediterranean regions, where its natural habitat comprises rocky soils, hot summers, and mild winters. It’s easy to grow at home, as long as you meet its light needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the lavender sun requirements in detail, covering everything from the number of hours of sunshine to the best type of sunlight it needs.

About Lavender

Lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a compact, woody herb with purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. It blooms in late spring to early summer, filling gardens with its signature scent and vibrant color. Lavender requires well-draining soil and moderate watering, as it’s a relatively drought-tolerant plant. It's a hardy plant that thrives in the dry, sunny slopes of the Mediterranean regions. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors (in a pot or the garden), adding a touch of elegance to any space.   

Symbolically, lavender represents purity, calmness, and devotion. Its oil is a popular choice in aromatherapy. However, it can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs, if ingested, so it’s best to keep it out of their reach. 

But how much sun does lavender need? Keep reading to find out!

Lavender Light Requirements: Best Practices

Lavender is a resilient, forgiving, and low-maintenance plant. If you meet its soil and sun requirements, it will reward you with its delicate aroma for months when in bloom. 

So, does lavender like sun or shade?

If you're new to this fragrant herb, the following sections have all the answers for you. 

Does Lavender Need Full Sun?

Yes, lavender needs full sun. Dappled sunlight or shade reduces growth rate and the production of flowers. The plant will grow leggy and weaker, and can become prone to diseases, especially in wet weather or slightly humid conditions. Direct sunshine is like fuel for lavender’s flower production, creating more fragrant blooms, reducing the risk of diseases, and promoting strong growth. 

How Much Light Does Lavender Need? 

So, how many hours of sunlight does lavender need? The answer is at least 6 hours. In the growing season, your hardy herb flourishes with 8-10 hours of sunshine a day, which helps it produce its aromatic blooms. This is because the plant is native to the dry, sunny slopes of the Mediterranean regions, where it grows at higher elevations with full, direct sun exposure for 6-8 months of the year. 

Can Lavender Grow in Shade?  

No! Lavender, being a Mediterranean herb, doesn't like sitting in the shade. Low exposure to sunlight can significantly slow down lavender’s growth and blooming capabilities, as well as limit the production of essential oils in the flowers. If you're primarily growing lavender for its coveted scent, you can't afford this to happen. 

Wondering how to tell if your plant is getting the right amount of sunlight or not? These sighs should help:

• Leggy growth
• Lack of vigor
• Pale or yellow leaves
• Little to no flower production
• Drooping leaves
• Fragrance going away
• Weak stems
• Uneven growth

Lavender Low Light Issues: How to Bring Lavender Back to Life?

If you think your lavender suffers from low-light issues, the first step is to move your lavender to a bright, sunny spot. Rotate the plant so it gets light evenly. You can move it outdoors in the summer to get the full spectrum and benefits of the sunshine. In overcast and cooler weather, you can supplement your lavender with artificial grow lights. Consider placing your English lavender on a white surface to reflect some light on the leaves.

What Happens When Lavender Gets Too Much Sun? 

Can lavender get sunburned? Well, lavender thrives in full sunlight, but too much can also harm it, especially in extreme heat. Intense sun combined with dry soil can cause the plant to dry out, wilt, or develop brown leaves gradually. This happens because lavender cannot absorb enough water to keep up with the heat. If the soil stays too dry, the plant becomes stressed, and its flowers may fade quickly. 

Too much sun can also lead to weaker growth over time. That said, ensure the soil stays slightly moist and consider some afternoon shade in very hot climates.

How Do You Revive Burnt Lavender? 

If your lavender is burnt, don’t worry—it can recover with care. Follow these steps:

• Trim damaged parts: Cut off any brown or crispy leaves and flowers to encourage fresh growth.
• Water gently: Water the plant deeply, but avoid soaking it. Lavender prefers slightly dry soil.
• Add shade: Use temporary shade to protect it from intense sunlight.
• Mulch the soil: Add a light layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and retain moisture. 
• Move potted plants: If you have a potted lavender plant, it's a good idea to place it in a spot where it can be protected from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun

Lavender Requirements: FAQs

Q: Where is the best place to plant lavender?

A: A sunny spot with well-draining soil is the best place to grow a lavender plant. Choose an area where it can get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, or 8-10 hours during the growing season. Avoid wet or soggy areas if growing it outdoors, though, as lavender doesn’t like sitting in water. 

Q: Can lavender grow in the dark?

A: No, lavender cannot grow in the dark. It needs plenty of sunlight to thrive, ideally 6 to 8 hours a day. Without enough light, lavender will become weak and may not produce its delicate, fragrant flowers. If you’re growing it as an indoor plant, place it near a sunny window or use artificial grow lights.

Q: Can lavender receive sun all day?

A: Yes, lavender loves full sun and can stay in sunlight all day. It thrives in bright, direct light, which helps it grow strong and produce scented flowers. Just make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely during very hot days, especially if you grow your lavender in pots. Use sheer curtains in the hottest part of summer days.

Q: Where does lavender grow best?

A: Lavender grows best in areas with warm weather, high sunlight, and well-draining soil. It prefers dry climates, unlike other perennials, and doesn’t want too much humidity around it. Sandy or rocky soils are great as they don’t hold water. Ideally, Mediterranean-like conditions are perfect for plants like lavender.

Q: Does lavender grow better in pots or ground?

A: Lavender grows well in both pots and the ground. Many plant parents opt for pots because they offer better control over the soil quality and drainage. Growing lavender in the ground is a great idea, as it allows the plant to spread naturally in suitable conditions and attract pollinators.

Q: How do you keep potted lavender alive?

A: To keep potted lavender alive, place it in a sunny spot where it gets plenty of sunlight daily. Use well-draining soil and water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Overwatering is a big no, as it will cause root rot. Trim back dead stems in early fall after flowering to encourage new growth in the active growing season, and maintain the plant’s shape.

Conclusion

Lavender plants require a lot of sunlight (at least 6 to 8 hours a day) to grow lush and healthy. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade outdoors. Ensure your lavender’s pot has good drainage to prevent root-related problems.

Many other perennials share similar light requirements with this potted aromatic, flowering plant. For example, White Christmas Cactus, Rosemary, and another Mediterranean favorite - the much-loved Indoor Olive Tree are perfect companion plants for your Lavandula spp., so consider adding these three options to your list.