Troubleshooting
French Fringed Lavender problems — and how to fix them
French Fringed Lavender (Lavandula dentata) 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.
Cold damage / frost kill
Prolonged frost below -5°C (23°F) kills stems back to the base or kills the plant outright. Grow in containers in colder climates and move under glass before the first frost.
Spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius)
Frothy white masses appear on stems in late spring; the nymph inside saps vigour. Remove by hand or blast off with a jet of water; rarely needs chemical treatment.
Prevent french fringed lavender problems before they start
Most french fringed lavender issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
French Fringed Lavender problems — FAQ
Why is my french fringed lavender cold damage / frost kill?
Prolonged frost below -5°C (23°F) kills stems back to the base or kills the plant outright. Grow in containers in colder climates and move under glass before the first frost.
Why is my french fringed lavender spittlebug (philaenus spumarius)?
Frothy white masses appear on stems in late spring; the nymph inside saps vigour. Remove by hand or blast off with a jet of water; rarely needs chemical treatment.