Read This Before Trying To Grow Lavender In Shady Areas

When you're looking for flowers that grow well in shade, lavender isn't usually high on the list — and for good reason. Often planted in wide open fields and bright flower gardens, lavender is a sun-loving plant that thrives with at least 6 to 8 hours of light each day. But you might be wondering, does that mean it's impossible to grow lavender in the shade? While many horticulturalists say yes, the answer isn't as simple as you might think.

In truth, your lavender's ability to grow, whether in part or full shade, depends on a few different factors, including the variety, your geographic location, and how you intend to use it. With more than 30 distinct species, the genus Lavandula offers a wide range of options. Sunlight is a requirement for most of them, but differences in soil needs and flowering times may impact their ability to perform in shaded areas.

No matter what variety you choose, you'll want to set realistic expectations for your shade-grown lavender. Without proper sunlight, plants often grow leggy and produce few blooms. If you're hoping to harvest stems and leaves for fragrances or crafts, this outcome might work for you. If not, you may need to make some adjustments to your garden. Here are a few key things to consider before you decide to plant lavender in a shady spot.

For many lavender species, especially English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), sufficient sunlight is necessary to produce the prized blooms harvested for culinary and aromatic uses. The heat of the sun helps regulate soil temperature by drying excess moisture — something lavender particularly hates. This is especially helpful in humid regions. If you live in an arid location, your lavender may still grow in part sun, but you may want to steer clear of the popular English lavender in favor of something a bit more shade-tolerant.

There are a few main species to consider when choosing the best lavender variety for your home and climate. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 9, Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) blooms earlier in the year and tolerates slightly lower levels of sunlight than its English counterpart. French lavender (Lavandula dentata), hardy to zone 11, may grow slowly in afternoon shade if it receives at least a few hours of direct morning sun.

French lace lavender (Lavandula multifida), hardy in zones 8 through 10, is perhaps the most shade-tolerant of the bunch. The reason? This species thrives in humid areas and performs well in slightly moist soils. It also blooms later in the year, continuing to produce new growth even as daylight hours fade. Also called fern-leaf lavender, it features delicate foliage that resembles ferns, helping it blend well with other shade-tolerant plants.

If you choose to plant your lavender in a shady spot, you'll want to manage your expectations of its growth. Full or even part-shade environments are not ideal for any lavender species, so you're likely to see stems stretch or become leggy as they reach for the sun. Lack of light may also stunt growth, so don't be surprised if your plant doesn't get as tall as the nursery card suggests. Most importantly, make sure your plant stays dry.

You should also expect the lack of sunlight to have a profound effect on your lavender's blooms. Shade-grown lavender may produce infrequent, smaller, and less showy blooms than the same variety would in full sun. Some plants may not bloom at all. If your goal is to attract pollinators, consider moving to a sunnier spot. But if you like the long, silvery foliage as is, or you're planning to use the stems or leaves in fragrances and crafts, this may not be an issue.

Of course, there are a few creative solutions to brighten a shady area, like using weather-resistant grow lights in your garden, or strategically placing reflective surfaces, like mirrors, to redirect sunlight to a specific area. However, the results of these DIY methods are highly varied. But with a little trial-and-error, you just might find a solution that keeps you — and your lavender — happy.