How To Re-Plant Potted Lavender With Long Stems

Question From: B. Dermody - Northville, Michigan, United States
Q: I purchased a Lavandula stoechas Anouk from Costco. It has a beeatiful spray of purple buds atop a long (10/12 inches) stem or trunk. It resembles a topiary. How should this be planted? Should the trunk be exposed or completely covered with soil up to the spray? I have only seen lavender planted hugging the ground. Would appreciate your advice. Thank you, Barb Dermody

A: Plant it so the crowns are at the same level as in the pot. Do not bury the trunk. The plant is grafted. Your Lavender is a half hardy perennial and is not hardy here in Michigan, so enjoy it this summer. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy