How to revive newly planted lavender plants?

emilyjg

 I purchased 5 x lavender princess's and planted them 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately I timed this with some very very hot days. 

Before planting I mixed sand and lime in the soil 

and did water, but tried not to over water… not sure what my next action should be 

EricL

Hello @emilyjg 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your lavender.

Your lavender looks like it is suffering from a combination of heat stress and transplant shock, which is quite common when young plants face extreme heat soon after being planted. Here is what is likely happening and what you can do next to help it recover.

Lavender prefers warm, dry conditions but needs time to establish its roots before it can tolerate harsh heat. Planting just before or during a heatwave can cause the leaves to wilt and dry out, even if the soil is moist. The symptoms you see drooping, greyish leaves, and dried flower tips suggest the plant is struggling to take up enough water through its roots. The sand and lime you added were a good choice for drainage and alkalinity, but new roots may still be finding it hard to access moisture evenly.

Your best next steps are to first check soil moisture by inserting your finger about 5 cm deep into the soil. It should feel slightly damp but not wet. If it is bone dry, water deeply but slowly, allowing moisture to soak through to the roots. If it is soggy, hold off watering until it starts to dry out. Second, add a light layer of organic mulch (such as small bark chips or straw) around the base to help regulate temperature and retain moisture. Keep the mulch a few centimetres away from the stem to avoid rot. 

Third, consider providing temporary shade during the hottest part of the day using shade cloth or even an upturned crate until the weather cools slightly. This reduces further stress and allows the plant to focus on root recovery.

Finally, trim away any dead flower stems and clearly dried, grey leaves. This will redirect the plant’s energy to new growth. Avoid fertilising for now, lavender dislikes rich soil, and feeding too early can worsen stress. With consistent care and some cooler days, new green shoots should begin to appear within two to three weeks, indicating recovery.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric