Lavenders like well-drained soil in a sunny site that receives sun for most of the day. Lavandula angustifolia (English) prefers alkaline soil which will help extend its life whilst Lavandula stoechas (French) and to a lesser extent Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin), can thrive in slightly acid soil. Lime maybe added to acid soils where necessary.

Wet soil in winter can have a terrible effect on hardy and half-hardy lavenders. It is wet soil, rather than frost, that is more likely to kill these plants.