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French lavender · Lavandula stoechas

Why are my French lavender leaves turning yellow?

It is less common for French lavender to have yellow leaves, and this is usually caused by overwatering or soil that stays damp for too long. Check the moisture level of your soil immediately to see if the roots are sitting in water.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for moisture.
  2. Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Inspect the base of the plant for signs of rot.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel soft or limp before dropping off. The soil will feel damp or soggy to the touch even days after watering.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil is heavy or holds too much water, repot the plant into a fast draining mix with plenty of grit or perlite.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Yellowing occurs across the whole plant, and the roots may look dark or mushy if you inspect them. This happens when water pools at the bottom of the pot.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Elevate the pot slightly on feet or a saucer to allow air to circulate underneath.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your french lavender

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

A few yellow leaves at the very bottom of the plant can be normal as it ages. You should worry if the yellowing is widespread or if the stems feel soft.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the soil dry out significantly between waterings and use a gritty, well draining potting mix.

French lavender: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your french lavender and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

How often should I water my French lavender?
Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the soil has dried out significantly. Always check the soil moisture before adding more water.
Should I fertilize my yellowing lavender?
No, never fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until it is healthy and actively growing before considering any plant food.

More problems with French lavender

Back to the French lavender guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.