Lavender
Lavandula spp.
Lavandula pedunculata sampaiana by Xemenendura (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
H5-H2
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1m |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Lavender
Lavender Overview
Lavandula is a genus of aromatic evergreen shrubs and subshrubs commonly known as Lavender, that naturally occur in dry, exposed, sunny habitats in many parts of the world. Their leaves are usually narrow, toothed or lobed, some silvery-green. Small white, purple or pink tubular flowers (some very intricate) form on dense spikes in summer. Lavender is very attractive to pollinators. Many species are well-known to gardeners and hundreds of cultivars have been developed. Some plants such as Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) have long been cultivated as garden herbs for their pleasant aroma and essential oils. Lavender plants are well suited to dry, poor or moderately fertile soil, and are often planted in sunny borders and rock gardens, or as low growing hedge/edging. Most are tender and won't cope with freezing temperatures, half-hardy varieties need to be planted in a warm, sheltered position. When planted in heavier clay soils, lavenders tend to develop woody bases and are often shorter-lived than those planted in chalky, alkaline soils with good drainage.
Common problems with Lavender
Lavandula are natural repellents of many pest species, but some species may be susceptible to Rosemary beetle, sage and Ligurian leafhoppers. Lavender is prone to ill-health when overwatered, such as root rot and leaf spot. Both can be prevented by letting the lavender bush dry out slightly in between watering and making sure soil is well-drained.
How to propagate Lavender
Cuttings
Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings from young specimens in early summer. Hardwood cuttings may be taken from new growth following flowering, in late autumn.
Seed
Seed may be collected after flowering, wait for the seedheads to dry out. Germination takes up to 3 months, they require warm temperatures (18-21 degrees Celsius) so may be better germinated indoors. Note many cultivars will not come true from seed.
Special features of Lavender
Attractive flowers
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees
Attracts butterflies
Drought resistant
Once estblished, lavender is fairly drought-tolerent.
Hedge plant
Other uses of Lavender
To dry, hang bunches of herbs upside down in a dry ventilated area.
Deer Resistant Plants
Although never fully deer proof - they are less likely to eat these.
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These plants will thrive in the free draining conditions created by chalky soils.
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