Welcome back.
Forecasts can change. We check destination weather again before live plants leave the farm. Non-plant lavender goods continue shipping normally.
Real dishes from our Field Notes recipes, shared by the people who made them.
Your reaction votes in that category and also adds one equal point to the photo's overall Lavender Crown total.
Category accolades: the photo leading each emoji earns that badge; one photo can earn several. Overall Lavender Crown: all four emoji counts combine, and the highest monthly total wins. Monthly counts restart, but approved photos stay enrolled. Cultivar-confidence votes are separate.
Lavender companion · grow guide
Bee Balm · Monarda didyma
Plant in full sun with good air flow and moist but well-drained soil. It spreads by runners and can get powdery mildew, so give it room and steady water.
Check my zone & planting dates
Full sunLight
Moderate waterAverage drainage
pH 5.5–7.5Soil
Zones 4a–8bHardiness
18″ tall12″ wide
ResistantDeer · rabbits resistant
Not known toxicPets
Huckleberry saysTell me where you grow and I’ll check if Pardon My Cerise will thrive there.
Hardy in zones 4a–8b
Spring or early fall.
Your year with Pardon My Cerise
When it arrives
Plugs arrive in active growth. Water the tray right away, set it in bright light out of harsh wind, and plant within a few days. If you wait, bump them into 3–4" pots. Harden off for a week before planting out, and keep the root ball moist the first 3–4 weeks.
Spring or early fall.
Set the crown at soil level.
18–24" apart for air flow.
Loam; tolerates clay · pH 5.5–7.5
Fix-it tip: Add compost to sandy soil to hold moisture. It handles clay well; just loosen the area.
Full sun (tolerates part shade).
Full sun and air flow limit mildew and keep stems upright.
Don’t give up on it
New shoots appear in early to mid-spring. Shallow runners may pop up away from the main clump.
Divide crowded clumps.
Deadhead; watch for mildew; water regularly.
Cut back after frost.
No care.
First season: Water weekly the first season.
After that: Keep evenly moist; drought stress invites mildew.
Little needed; compost in spring.
Deadhead to extend bloom. Pinch back by a third in late spring for bushier plants. Cut back after frost or in spring.
Every 2–3 years in spring to control spread and renew the center.
Very cold hardy. No protection needed.
Blooms midsummer. Mildew peaks in humid late-summer weather, especially on dry or crowded plants.
White powder on leavesLikely cause: Powdery mildew
What to do: Thin stems; water at the base; choose mildew-resistant types
Center dying outLikely cause: Old crowded clump
What to do: Divide in spring
Spreading into pathsLikely cause: Runners
What to do: Dig out edges each spring
Lower leaves yellow and drop in drought; white powder on leaves means mildew.
Not listed by ASPCA; no known toxicity reported. Discourage pets from chewing any garden plant.
Deer: resistant · Rabbits: resistant
Finnegan saysStill not sure what’s wrong? Ask Plant Health — describe it or add a photo.
Good in pots · 3 gallon+
Good in large pots; divide often.
Outdoor plant
Not a houseplant.
Best after a cold winter
Grows best with a normal winter rest.
Plugs from the tray
3–4 inch pots for 3–5 weeks, until roots hold the soil
Garden bed or a 3 gallon potTime to move up? Slide the plant out: if white roots wrap the outside of the soil, it’s ready for the next size.
Planting with lavender
Plant it near your lavender
Wants more water than lavender. Plant it near lavender in a slightly moister spot; together they draw bees and hummingbirds.
Community Grower Report
Real results from gardeners who grow it, including how it does beside lavender. Answer only what you have experience with.
Loading community reports…
Overall
recommendation
Optional. The farm reads every tip before it appears on this page.
Grower-sourced information. Results reflect real gardens and farms and vary with climate, soil, plant age and care.
Great Lakes Lavender Farm
Use our evidence-led health checker for a practical recovery plan, staff review, or a second opinion from the Grower Community.
Reviews from growers, gardeners and shoppers.
Plants, lavender products, apparel, gifts and growing supplies.
You may also like
Here to help while we’re tending the farm
Hi! I’m Lavender Grower, Great Lakes Lavender Farm’s automated assistant.
I can help with growing lavender, choosing plants, orders, wholesale, claims, reviews, or the Farm Simulator.
