Troubleshooting
Vera lavender problems — and how to fix them
Vera lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Vera') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot / Phytophthora
The leading cause of lavender death, invariably linked to poorly drained or overwatered soil. There is no cure once advanced; prevent by planting in raised, gritty soil and watering sparingly.
Shab (Phoma lavandulae)
A fungal disease causing sudden die-back of stems, more prevalent in wet seasons. Remove and burn affected stems immediately; improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Woody, open habit
Without annual pruning, plants become leggy and woody with bare bases. Cut back by one-third immediately after flowering each year, never cutting into old wood below the foliage zone, to maintain bushy, compact growth.
Prevent vera lavender problems before they start
Most vera lavender issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for vera lavender in general rather than its problems? Read the full vera lavender care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Vera lavender problems — FAQ
Why is my vera lavender root rot / phytophthora?
The leading cause of lavender death, invariably linked to poorly drained or overwatered soil. There is no cure once advanced; prevent by planting in raised, gritty soil and watering sparingly.
Why is my vera lavender shab (phoma lavandulae)?
A fungal disease causing sudden die-back of stems, more prevalent in wet seasons. Remove and burn affected stems immediately; improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Why is my vera lavender woody, open habit?
Without annual pruning, plants become leggy and woody with bare bases. Cut back by one-third immediately after flowering each year, never cutting into old wood below the foliage zone, to maintain bushy, compact growth.