Plant guide:ð Lavender
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Leaves
Yellowing Lower Leaves on Lavender
Commonly affects: Lavandula angustifolia / L. x intermedia (Lavender)
Leaves near the base of the plant turn yellow or grey and drop, while upper growth remains green and healthy.
Potential Causes
- 1Natural shedding of the oldest, lowest leaves as normal turnover, especially as the plant matures toward its characteristic woody base
- 2Reduced light reaching lower leaves as the plant becomes bushier and shades its own base
- 3Occasionally a sign of overwatering if combined with other stress symptoms
Solution Steps
- 1Accept some lower leaf yellowing and drop as a normal, largely cosmetic part of lavender's growth habit
- 2Prune to improve light penetration and airflow to the lower part of the plant if drop seems excessive
- 3Check watering practice if yellowing is accompanied by other signs of stress like wilting or blackened stems
Prevention Tip
Some yellowing and dropping of the oldest, lowest leaves is a completely normal part of lavender's growth as it develops its characteristic woody base over time.
