Lavender's distinctive fragrance makes it easy to seek out even when it's buried deep in a flower bed, but many gardeners make it the forefront of garden borders thanks to its attractive foliage. English (Lavandula angustifolia) varieties like Hidcote and Munstead are popular in the UK for being , provided they receive sufficient sunlight and well-draining soil.

As a Mediterranean plant, lavender has a reputation for , which can lull gardeners into thinking that lavender never needs a drop of water. But in reality, there's a critical window when young and container-grown lavenders are less self-sufficient. Overlooking their early watering needs risks stunning root development and overall vigour, which are what make lavender such an impressive addition.

Lavenders planted in the ground this spring must be treated as tender perennials rather than drought-tolerant shrubs, notes the Royal Horticultural Society.

The RHS explained that lavender "should be watered regularly during its first summer", roughly once or twice a week.

In very hot spells, the compost may dry out between watering days, so you may need to increase the frequency. This is particularly important for gardeners growing lavender in pots - perhaps as a decorative table plant, on a balcony or patio.

The RHS explained that these are less forgiving than ground-grown lavender as the roots have a limited amount of soil in which to search for moisture.

Aim for a thorough drench, enough that you see water trickling through drainage holes in the pots. Then, allow the compost to approach dryness before the next soak.

This may mean checking the moisture with your finger or a simple soil meter.

Once lavender has passed its first full season and its taproot has plunged downwards, supplementary water becomes the exception.

The RHS notes that in the UK, most established lavender plants will thrive on rainfall alone throughout summer, only requiring irrigation during prolonged periods of drought.

Overwatering at this stage does more harm than good for your lavender plants. It invites root rot and weakens what is considered a very hardy plant.

It's not just over- and underwatering that can damage lavender plants. Consistently watering them incorrectly also has its drawbacks.

When watering by hand, direct the liquid to the root or base of the plant; flowers and leaves should contact the irrigation water as little as possible.

Gardening experts agree that it is best to water lavender early in the morning, as this allows the water to evaporate throughout the day. This avoids common , which can occur when water sits on the plant for too long.

Two common fungal issues associated with overwatering are Botrytis and Septoria leaf spot.

Botrytis appears as grey, mouldy growth at the base of the plant, causing leaves to yellow, wilt, and eventually die. Meanwhile, septoria leaf spot starts with small grey spots on the leaves, which can spread and weaken the plant.