Published in local periodicals, this collection of articles is a treasure trove of advice from UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County for the residents of this beautiful region.
Central Sierra: The Enduring Appeal of Lavender
Tips and tricks for dealing with the wide variety of lavender
There is a plant that could be in your garden right now that has endured the test of time -- the lovely Lavender, Lavandula spp. It dates back 2500 years to the time of the ancient Egyptians and has been celebrated for its healing and relaxing properties, its contributions to the cosmetic and perfume industries, and its many culinary uses. It is a standout in the garden that does well in our area, with beautiful grey-green foliage displayed on a compact plant covered with stunning spikes of aromatic flowers. Lavender has a long bloom time from spring through fall and is a favorite of pollinators. It is pest free, drought tolerant, deer resistant, and very easy to grow. What’s not to love?
Growing conditions for lavender
While lavenders need relatively little care after planting, the right growing conditions are very important. Select a planting spot with six or more hours of sun per day; too little sun limits flower production and causes leggy growth. Soil should be gritty and drain well to avoid fungal root and crown rot problems. Amend soil used for backfilling with sand or organic matter to improve drainage. Planting high, one inch above the soil line, will help water drain away from the plant’s center. In areas with heavy soil, consider creating planting mounds above the soil line.
Lavender also grows well in raised planters and containers. Proper spacing based on plant size allows good air circulation and helps prevent fungal problems. Always consult plant tags for best recommendations. Apply two-three inches of mulch such as pea gravel or decomposed granite, leaving several inches of bare ground around the plant’s stems.
Take care not to overwater. Use drip irrigation to keep foliage dry and allow the soil to dry before watering. Lavender is very drought tolerant once established, but new plants need regular watering during the first year. Apply a balanced fertilizer to new plantings at half strength; established plants do not need fertilizing.
Pruning lavender is required to help maintain a compact plant shape and discourage woody growth. Remove faded flowers as the bloom cycle ends to encourage reblooming and pinch foliage to encourage branching. In the fall, cut the green plant material back one-third to two-thirds, depending on variety, leaving a tidy mound of foliage to overwinter. Do not prune into the wood below the green plant material. This dry wood will not generate new growth.
Lavenders vary greatly in plant size, flower color and shape, foliage color and leaf shape/texture. English lavenders, Lavandula angustifolia, are generally under two feet tall and known for their beautiful flowers, sweet fragrance, and narrow leaf shape. The newer lavender hybrids, Lavandula x. intermedia, are crosses between English lavender and broader leafed varieties, with large highly fragrant flowers on plants that are up to three feet tall. Spanish lavender, Lavandula stoechas, blooms early on plants 18-24’ tall and is known for its showy flower bracts.
The biggest problem may be which beauties to plant in your garden. Lavender has enduring appeal and is worthy of your time, effort, and affection.
This article by UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County Donna Marshall originally appeared in the Mountain Democrat in May 2026.
Trying to decide which lavender to plant in your garden? Direct any El Dorado County garden question to the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County!
Central Sierra: Spring Shrubs Bring Alluring Fragrance to the Air
Scents of Spring Shrubs
Ahhhh…Spring! Our California foothills spring flowering shrubs are not only stunning to look at but also provide alluring fragrances. In planning for the future, here are some of the most fragrant early blooming spring shrubs that you can add to your garden, which provide the promise that winter will soon be ending.
Let’s start with common Lilacs, Syringa vulgaris. There is nothing quite like the air being perfumed by these springtime favorites. They are also loved for their toughness and reliability. Once established, these shrubs can live for over 100 years. The floral stems are great for cutting and bringing inside to enjoy. Pollinators, such as butterflies, seek out lilacs. The blooms usually come in a fluffy variety of purple colors, pale to very dark. There are also varieties of white, cream, and pink.
Even though it is not in the same botanical family as common Lilacs, you may want to consider getting California Wild Lilac, Ceanothus spp. A native, drought tolerant, fragrant, perennial shrub, it can also act as a ground cover. This beloved native shrub turns the California hillsides blue. They do well in infertile conditions, have natural nitrogen fixing abilities and do not need feeding. They appreciate our Mediterranean climate. Bees and butterflies love them!
Who could resist the early blooms and fragrance of the Sweet Box plant, Sarcococca? Its tiny white flowers, with vanilla scent, fills the air for weeks in February and March. Dark green leafed, this evergreen ornamental shrub is outstanding. It thrives in partial shade, is tolerant of tree roots, low irrigation, and does well in a large container. Another plus, deer don’t seem to like really them.
The intoxicating scent of Winter Daphne, Daphne odora, will make guests at your spring garden say, “What smells so good?” Clusters of the scented pink and white flowers open gradually, but when they do, you immediately know Daphne is blooming. The fragrance is exquisite. Good drainage is key in successfully growing this shrub. Add ample compost to lighten the soil, so it will drain quickly. Ideal in large pots, situate it in partial shade near your door, so you can enjoy its delightful floral perfume as you are leaving or coming home.
Once established, the luscious four-petaled, citrus scented white blooms of the native California Mock Orange, Philadelphus lewisii, can beautifully frame a garden gate or trellis. This native plant was discovered and collected in 1806 by Lewis & Clark during their famous overland expedition to the West. It is a tough, drought tolerant shrub that needs little supplemental water. The early season nectar supports pollinators including bees, birds, and insects. The arching woody branches provide nesting cover for birds. Easy to grow, plant in full or partial sun, using average garden soil.
If one of your gardening goals is to experience a scent-sational, springtime yard, consider adding some of these uniquely fragrant shrubs. The moment you get a delightful whiff, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
This article by UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County Pauline Atkins originally appeared in the Mountain Democrat in March 2026.
