With their beautiful flowers and pleasant fragrance, lavender plants are a beloved addition to many gardens. But before planting some in your own yard, you may be wondering – how much do lavender plants cost?
The price of lavender can vary quite a bit depending on where you purchase it and what type of plant you get Read on for a full breakdown of what impacts lavender plant costs, along with typical price ranges so you know what to expect
Factors That Affect Lavender Plant Prices
Several key factors influence how much a lavender plant will cost from different sources:
-
Plant Size – The largest determinant of price is what size pot or container the lavender comes in. Small starter plants in pots under 1 gallon are cheapest, while larger lavender bushes in 3-5 gallon pots cost more.
-
Plant Variety – Common varieties like English lavender are typically less expensive than rare cultivars like phenomenal lavender.
-
Where It’s Purchased – Big box stores sell small lavender plants at lower prices than specialty nurseries that offer larger, more mature plants Going through an online retailer can also impact cost.
-
Time of Year – Prices are often highest in spring and lowest in fall after the main growing season. Buying “out of season” can mean better deals
-
Organic vs Conventional – Organically grown lavender usually costs a bit more than conventionally grown plants.
As you shop for lavender, keep these factors in mind as they greatly impact the price you’ll pay. The cheapest option is usually a small potted plant from a big box store, while pricier lavender can be found at boutique nurseries.
Typical Lavender Plant Prices
To give you a better idea of common lavender plant prices, here is an overview of what to expect:
Cuttings or Plug Trays
-
$3 to $6 per cutting – Unrooted lavender cuttings intended for rooting yourself before planting in the garden Each cutting has 2-3 stems,
-
$1.50 to $3 per plug – Small starter lavender plants in plug trays, ready for transplanting Very young plants.
Potted Lavender Plants
-
$4 to $8 for 2-3 inch pots – Mini lavender starter plants, often sold in multi-packs.
-
$8 to $15 for 4 inch pots – Larger than mini plants but still compact. Sometimes sold individually or in packs.
-
$10 to $25 for 1 gallon pots – A common pot size sold at most garden centers, containing an established young plant 1-2 years old.
-
$15 to $40 for 2-3 gallon pots – More mature lavender plants, 2+ years old. Decorative pots may increase cost.
-
$25 to $60 for 5+ gallon pots – Very large lavender bushes, may be 3-5 years old.
Live Lavender Plants (Bare Root)
- $10 to $20 per plant – Shipped dormant in spring or fall. Usually 1-2 years old. No pot or soil.
As you can see, lavender plant prices encompass a wide range, with many options between just a few dollars for a starter cutting to $60+ for a huge potted bush. On average, expect to spend $10-25 for a nice 1 gallon lavender plant from a garden center.
Price Differences Between Lavender Varieties
Some specific lavender varieties tend to be pricier than others. Here are some of the most common types and what they typically cost:
-
English Lavender – The least expensive, as low as $3 per starter plug or $8 potted. Often the default inexpensive nursery variety.
-
Spanish Lavender – Similar pricing to English lavender, usually $8 to $15 for a 1 gallon potted plant.
-
Provence Lavender – Slightly more than Spanish, around $10 to $20 per gallon pot.
-
Hidcote Lavender – Prices comparable to Provence lavender, $10 to $20 on average.
-
Munstead Lavender – Often sold for $12 to $25 per gallon pot, so moderately priced.
-
Phenomenal Lavender – Usually one of the most expensive varieties, ranging from $15 per gallon pot up to $40. Marketed as superior.
There are always exceptions, but this gives a general idea of which lavender varieties fall on the cheaper or more expensive side of the range. The color of the flowers can also impact price.
Buying Lavender Plants for Less
If you’re hoping to get lavender plants for your garden at lower prices, here are some smart shopping tips:
-
Buy small starter plants instead of large mature bushes.
-
Shop for lavender in the fall when most plants are being cleared out cheap.
-
Check big box stores for sales on lavender – they want to sell excess inventory.
-
See if you can find lavender sold in value multi-packs by the tray.
-
Ask local nurseries if they have any discount overstock lavender remaining.
-
Check for coupons and promo codes when ordering lavender online.
-
Be flexible about the exact variety and go for cheaper common types.
With the right approach, you can often find very reasonably priced lavender to add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space. Lavender makes a lovely addition to gardens and landscapes at many budget levels.
Tips for Choosing the Right Variety of Lavender Plant
The most important thing to consider when choosing to plant lavender is climate. Lavender is best suited to a middling climate in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. Some cultivars, like the lavender Hidcote and the lavender ‘phenomenal’, are suited to zones 4 through 9, giving them a wider range. In other words, the northernmost and southernmost regions of the continental United States are typically outside the growing area of most lavender plants.
Be sure to check the cultivar you like to ensure it’s suited to your local climate before purchasing. If you live in an area where lavender is compatible with the climate, you can choose whichever variety suits your aesthetic and functional purposes best.
Is Lavender Poisonous To Dogs And Cats?
Yes, the ASPCA has included Lavender, both Common and English Lavender, within the list of toxic plants for both cats and dogs.
While this plant may be toxic to your furry friend, it is not toxic to humans. You can safely consume Lavender Flowers and it’s commonly used in various baked goods. A neat way to eat the aromatic petals is to mix them dry, mash up them, and mix them with granulated sugar (or sugar of your choice) to create Lavender Sugar. It’s often used as a topping on cookies, cakes, or pastries because it adds a unique and unexpected flavor.
You can also dry its flowers and use them to create your own teas or combine them with other herbs or ingredients, such as Black Tea, to create a blend of Earl Grey.
5 Tips to Grow Perfect Lavender
FAQ
What month is best to plant lavender?
when to plant lavender The best time to plant lavender depends on your climate and growing conditions, but late spring (April to May) is generally the ideal season for planting lavender. Here’s why: After the Frost: Lavender is sensitive to cold temperatures, especially young ones.
How much does it cost to plant lavender?
Know your costs. “It might cost you about $3,000 per acre to get started. You may have to amend the soil and possibly put in a drip system. And there will be additional upfront costs.”
What is the 8 8 8 rule for lavender?
The 888 rule dictates that you should prune on the 8th day of the 8th month to about 8 inches high in the centre of the plant from the ground in a mound shape. Through the last weeks of summer, the plant will put on a small amount of growth and green up into a tidy hillock of lavender.
Does lavender come back every year?
-
Perennial Nature:Lavender is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years and will regrow each spring.
-
Climate Considerations:Lavender thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, where it can survive the winter and return in the spring.
-
Care and Maintenance:To ensure your lavender comes back every year, provide it with plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and moderate watering.
-
Pruning:Pruning lavender regularly, especially in the spring, can encourage new growth and flowering.
-
Overwintering:In colder climates, you may need to take extra steps to protect your lavender plants during the winter, such as mulching or moving potted plants to a sheltered area.
-
Variety:Some varieties of lavender, such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), are more cold-hardy than others.
-
Signs of Life:In the spring, new green growth will start emerging from the woody stems, often at the base of the plant.
How big does a lavender plant get?
A bushy perennial, lavender grows from 1 to 3 feet tall, bearing small blue-violet flowers on spikes with blue-green, needle-like foliage. The oils in the flowers give the herb its distinctive balsam-like fragrance.
How much does a lavender plant cost?
The price of lavender plants can also vary depending on the size of the plant, the variety, and where it is purchased. Generally, a 4-inch potted lavender plant can cost anywhere from $3 to $15. A larger 10-inch pot can range from $10 to $50. Bulk lavender can also be purchased in larger quantities, ranging from $20 to $100 or more.
Why is lavender so expensive?
In addition, the time of year that you purchase your lavender can also have an impact on the price. Prices tend to be higher during the spring and summer months when there is a greater demand for lavender plants. Finally, the quantity of lavender that you purchase can have an effect on the overall cost.
How much does dried lavender cost?
For example, an ounce of dried culinary lavender will cost around $20, while an ounce of dried English lavender flowers can cost up to $50. A pound of dried lavender buds can range from $50 to $100 or more, depending on the variety. When purchasing bulk lavender, it’s important to consider the quality of the product.
What is bulk lavender & why should you buy it?
Bulk lavender can be purchased in larger quantities, which can save money compared to purchasing individual plants. Additionally, purchasing lavender from a nursery or online retailer can also save you money, as they may offer bulk discounts or other incentives.
Can you grow lavender from seed?
Lavender is challenging to grow from seed; we recommend purchasing small starter plants from a garden nursery or taking a softwood cutting from an existing plant. Seeds may take up to 3 months to germinate, and seedlings must be overwintered indoors in cool climates. Plant lavender 2 to 3 feet apart.