Troubleshooting
Chaytor's Lavender problems — and how to fix them
Chaytor's Lavender (Lavandula x chaytorae) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Rosemary beetle (Chrysolina americana)
Metallic green and purple striped adults and their grey larvae feed on foliage from late summer into autumn. Monitor from August; hand-pick in the evening or apply a suitable contact insecticide; infestations are rarely plant-threatening but repeated defoliation weakens plants.
Winter stem rot
The woolly stems inherited from the L. lanata parent are prone to rotting at the base when wet and cold simultaneously; avoid autumn pruning in exposed locations, dress around the crown with horticultural grit, and ensure no waterlogging occurs near the root zone from October to March.
Prevent chaytor's lavender problems before they start
Most chaytor's lavender issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Chaytor's Lavender problems — FAQ
Why is my chaytor's lavender rosemary beetle (chrysolina americana)?
Metallic green and purple striped adults and their grey larvae feed on foliage from late summer into autumn. Monitor from August; hand-pick in the evening or apply a suitable contact insecticide; infestations are rarely plant-threatening but repeated defoliation weakens plants.
Why is my chaytor's lavender winter stem rot?
The woolly stems inherited from the L. lanata parent are prone to rotting at the base when wet and cold simultaneously; avoid autumn pruning in exposed locations, dress around the crown with horticultural grit, and ensure no waterlogging occurs near the root zone from October to March.