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Key Differences:
Light: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) is essential for best growth and flowering.
Soil: Well-drained soil is critical. Lavender hates wet feet and is prone to root rot in soggy soil. Sandy or gravelly soil is ideal. Amend heavy clay soils extensively with compost, grit, or sand to improve drainage. A slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.5-8.0) is preferred.
Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, Lavender is very drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of Lavender failure.
Planting (Potted Plants):
Planting (Bare-Root Plants):
Fertilizing: Lavender generally does not need much fertilizer. In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers and a weaker scent. A light application of compost or a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient, especially in poor soils.
Pruning:
Propagation:
Winter Care:
Pests and Diseases:
Container Growing: Lavender grows well in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Terra cotta pots are a good choice because they allow for better air circulation. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Lavandula, commonly known as lavender, is a beloved perennial for gardeners worldwide, valued for its beauty, fragrance, Lavender is a relatively low-maintenance plant that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. Its versatility, coupled with its attractiveness to pollinators, makes it a must-have for gardeners of all levels.
Fragrance, Beauty, and Resilience in Your Garden
Lavender (genus Lavandula) is a beloved perennial herb and flowering plant, prized for its captivating fragrance, beautiful blooms, and easy-going nature. It is a fantastic addition to any sunny garden, offering a range of benefits from culinary uses to attracting pollinators.
Popular Uses:
Popular Species & Cultivars:
Growing Lavender Successfully:
Challenges and Solutions:
Common Names: Common Lavender, English Lavender. Lavender. Narrow-Leaved Lavender
Phonetic Spelling lah-VAN-dew-lah an-gus-tih-FOH-lee-ah
English lavender, though cherished for its fragrance and beauty, can be a challenging plant to grow in certain regions, particularly those with high humidity and harsh winters. While not native to England, its ability to thrive in the English climate earned it its common name.
Cultivation and Care
Landscape Uses
Cautions:
Embrace the Challenge
Common Names: Bract Lavender, Butterfly Lavender, French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, Topped Lavender
Phonetic Spelling lah-VAN-dew-lah STOW-kass
French Lavender, distinguished by its unique "eared" flower spikes, brings a touch of Mediterranean charm to the garden. Though less hardy than common lavender, it thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and offers a delightful sensory experience.
Landscape Value
Care Tips
A Fragrant Delight
French Lavender, with its unique beauty and captivating fragrance, adds a touch of Mediterranean elegance to any sunny garden. Though requiring a bit more care than its hardier cousins, its visual appeal and aromatic qualities make it a rewarding addition for those seeking a sensory-rich experience.
Common Name(s): Hybrid Lavender, Lavandin
Phonetic Spelling lah-VAN-dew-lah x in-ter-MEE-dee-uh
Lavandin, a hybrid cross between English and Portuguese Lavender, boasts larger growth and more abundant flower spikes than its parent species. Although slightly less hardy, it offers a longer blooming season, extending from July to September, and a delightful array of culinary and ornamental uses.
Cultivation and Care
Landscape Applications
Popular Cultivars
Embrace the Abundance
Lavandin, with its prolific blooms, extended flowering season, and diverse uses, is a valuable addition to any sunny garden. Its resilience, fragrance, and ability to attract pollinators make it a delightful choice for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Common Name: English Lavender
Aromatic & Versatile Perennial
This compact, mounded lavender is known for its deep purple-blue flowers and fragrant gray foliage. A mainstay of herb gardens, it is equally at home in borders, rock gardens, or as a low hedge.
Key Features:
Growing Tips:
Note:
Landscaping Ideas:
Common Name: English Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia 'KERLAVANGEM'
Growing Conditions:
Additional Notes:
Enjoy the timeless beauty and fragrance of English lavender in your garden!
Growing Conditions:
Additional Notes:
Enjoy the timeless beauty and fragrance of 'Munstead' English Lavender in your garden!
Lavandin 'Grosso'
Common Name: Lavandin
Growing Conditions:
Additional Notes:
Enjoy the captivating fragrance and beauty of Lavandin 'Grosso' in your garden!
Common Name: Lavandin
Growing Conditions:
Additional Notes:
Enjoy the captivating fragrance and beauty of Lavandin 'Niko' PHENOMENAL in your garden!
Common Name: Lavandin
Growing Conditions:
Additional Notes:
Enjoy the captivating fragrance and beauty of Lavandin 'Provence' in your garden!
Lavandula, commonly known as lavender, is a genus of about forty-seven species of flowering plants belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to the Old World, you can find lavender in regions like Cape Verde, the Canary Islands, Europe, northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, and even southwest Asia to India.
Species:
Planting Lavandula, or lavender, is a rewarding experience that brings beauty and fragrance to your garden. Here is a guide to help you out:
Preparation:
Planting:
Aftercare:
Additional Tips:
Remember, good drainage and plenty of sunshine are key to success with lavender. Give it these, and you will be rewarded with years of fragrant blooms and beautiful foliage.
There are numerous Lavandula varieties, each with unique characteristics like size, bloom color, fragrance, and hardiness. Choosing the right one can depend on your desired purpose and climate. Here is a breakdown of some popular options:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas):
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula dentata):
Lavandin Hybrids (Lavandula x intermedia):
Other notable varieties:
Before choosing a variety, consider factors like your climate, desired flower color and fragrance, and intended use (ornamental, culinary, aromatherapy). Researching specific varieties will help you find the perfect fit for your garden.
Taking care of Lavandula in your garden is pretty straightforward, and once you know the basics, you will enjoy its fragrant presence for years to come. Here are some key aspects of Lavandula care:
Sunlight and Drainage:
Watering and Mulching:
Pruning and Deadheading:
Additional Tips:
Remember, different Lavandula varieties may have slightly different needs. For specific care tips, it is helpful to research the variety you planted. Do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions about your specific type of Lavandula!
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your Lavandula thrives in your garden, rewarding you with beautiful blooms and a relaxing fragrance for years to come. Happy gardening!
Lavandula plants, commonly known as lavender, are a magnet for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies! Several factors make them attractive to these essential creatures:
Nectar and Pollen:
Lavender flowers produce both nectar and pollen, providing valuable food sources for pollinators. The nectar is rich in sugars, essential for their energy needs, while the pollen offers protein and fats for nutrition and reproduction.
Fragrance:
The aromatic scent of lavender, mainly due to the essential oil in its flowers and leaves, acts as a beacon for bees and butterflies. These insects have a keen sense of smell and are drawn to the sweet, floral fragrance, guiding them to the nectar-filled flowers.
Flowering Time:
Many Lavandula varieties bloom for extended periods, often throughout summer and even into early fall. This extended bloom time provides a reliable source of food for pollinators during a crucial time when other flowers may be scarce.
Accessibility:
The shape and structure of lavender flowers also play a role. Their tubular blooms with open mouths are easily accessible to various pollinators with different tongue lengths, allowing them to readily reach the nectar inside.
Types of Pollinators:
Bumblebees are particularly fond of lavender due to their long tongues, perfectly suited for extracting nectar from the deep flower tubes. Additionally, honeybees are also frequent visitors, although their shorter tongues require them to work a bit harder to get their rewards.
Beyond bees, numerous butterfly species are attracted to lavender's vibrant blooms and sweet scent, adding a touch of color and fluttering beauty to your garden.
Importance of Pollinators:
By attracting pollinators, Lavandula plants not only benefit these vital creatures but also play a crucial role in healthy ecosystems. Pollinators are essential for plant reproduction, ensuring the success of fruits, vegetables, and many other flowering plants.
Planting for Pollinators:
If you are looking to attract a variety of pollinators to your garden, consider planting different Lavandula varieties with varying bloom times to offer a continuous food source throughout the season. You can also pair lavender with other pollinator-friendly plants like herbs, wildflowers, and native species to create a vibrant and thriving haven for these beneficial insects.
So, if you are looking for a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden that also benefits essential pollinators, look no further than Lavandula. These versatile plants offer a win-win situation, bringing beauty and ecological value to your outdoor space.
While Lavandula is generally quite resistant to pests and diseases, there are a few common issues to keep an eye out for:
Pests:
Diseases:
Other issues:
Overall, Lavandula is a hardy and resilient plant, but it is good to be aware of these potential threats and take appropriate action if you notice any signs of trouble. Early detection and intervention can help keep your lavender plants healthy and thriving.
Lavandula, commonly known as lavender, is a fantastic addition to floral arrangements, bringing both beauty and fragrance. Here is why it is such a great choice:
Benefits of using Lavandula in floral arrangements:
Tips for using Lavandula in floral arrangements:
Here are some specific ideas for using Lavandula in floral arrangements:
Remember, there are no hard rules when it comes to floral arrangements. Have fun experimenting with different Lavandula varieties, colors, and combinations to create unique and beautiful pieces that reflect your personal style.
So, the next time you are creating a floral arrangement, do not hesitate to add a touch of lavender magic! Its beauty, fragrance, and versatility make it an absolutely wonderful addition to any floral design.
Whether Lavandula (lavender) is invasive depends on the specific variety and your location. It is not generally considered an invasive species worldwide, but some varieties can become invasive in certain regions. Here is a breakdown:
Not generally invasive:
Potentially invasive:
Factors to consider:
Recommendations:
Remember, invasive plants can disrupt natural ecosystems and harm native species. By choosing the right varieties and practicing responsible gardening, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of Lavandula without harming the environment.
The best time to divide Lavandula plants depends on your climate and the species you are growing. Here is a breakdown:
In cooler climates (Zones 5-8):
In warmer climates (Zones 7-10):
Additional factors to consider:
Overall:
Spring is generally the safest option for colder climates, while fall works best in warmer regions.
Consider the specific variety, plant health, and weather conditions when deciding.
Remember, dividing Lavandula is not essential for their health, and they perform beautifully even without it. Do it only if you want to propagate new plants or rejuvenate a crowded cluster.
Lavender can be challenging to grow in certain climates, primarily due to the following factors:
Additionally:
Despite these challenges, lavender can be grown successfully in many areas with proper care and attention to its growing requirements. By providing well-drained soil, adequate sunlight, and good air circulation, you can increase your chances of enjoying the beauty and fragrance of lavender in your garden.
Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia) are generally considered to have the strongest scent among lavender varieties. This is because they produce a higher quantity of essential oil than other types of lavender. Within the lavandins, 'Grosso' is often cited as having one of the most potent fragrances, and it is frequently used for commercial perfume production.
However, if you prefer the classic scent of English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), some cultivars known for their strong fragrance include:
Ultimately, the "strongest" scent is somewhat subjective, as individual preferences for fragrance vary. It is recommended to experience different lavender varieties firsthand, if possible, to determine which one appeals most to your nose!
Here are some keyways to distinguish between English and French lavender:
Flower Appearance:
Leaf Shape:
Fragrance:
Other Clues: