Lavender is well-liked because it is drought-tolerant, abundant in nectar, evergreen, has lengthy blooms, and is so fragrant that it fills the yard with aroma. In her words, “You can never have too much of it in your garden” was expressed by the late Rosemary Verey. It grows easily in its ideal growing environment, which consists of well-drained soil roasted by the sun.
In the Old World, aromatic lavender was extensively used for perfume, magic, and cleanliness. The Romans used it in their baths, while the Ancient Egyptians used it for mummification (the name is assumed to derive from the Latin lavare, to wash). Arriving in Britain during the Roman occupation, it became a common household herb, spread on floors and tucked under beds to ward off illness and perfume the home; it was also hung over the entrance and used in rituals. It was thought to be fortunate and protective. A popular therapeutic tisane later on, Elizabeth I drank lavender tea to help with her migraines, and Culpeper suggested it for “tremblings, faintings, and swoonings.”
There are 41 species that are native to the Mediterranean, Africa, Arabia, and India; however, Lavandula angustifolia, sometimes known as English or real lavender, and Lavandin, or L. x intermedia, are the most important garden forms for aroma and wildlife. The latter is a hybrid known as spike lavender or Portuguese lavender, created by crossing L. angustifolia with L. latifolia. Bees prefer the bigger plant, L. x intermedia, although L. angustifolia yields the finest oil for perfumery. Both have a delightful scent in the garden.
While L. angustifolia and L. latifolia are often referred to as English and Portuguese lavender, respectively, they are really native to Spain, Italy, and, of course, France. They grow wild in high, open, rocky scrub that is warm and dry in summer, amid the fragrant limestone garrigue of Provence. Moreover, Haute Provence is the primary location worldwide for the commercial production of lavender, the well-known plant that fills the air with its fragrant, expansive purple fields. But in the past, particularly in the 19th century, Surrey provided the oil needed by perfumers all over the globe, which is why English lavender got its popular name.
Lavender is a highly adaptable plant in the landscape; it looks well in both classic and modern designs and is comfortable in borders or containers. It works well for trimming into sculptural boules and gives shrub rose or perennial gardens more structure. Although there are white and pink variations, the majority are purple-blue in color. Rosemary Verey used ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ to develop purple lavender hedges and planted the pink ‘Rosea’ in borders. One of the greatest blooming hedges to plant next to a walkway is lavender. Strong and fragrant, it won’t be harmed by foot traffic and will emit an amazing aroma into the air as legs brush by.
Which lavender plants should cultivate for wildlife and smell
For borders: In the center of sunny borders, larger lavenders measuring 60 to 75 centimeters look beautiful. Lizzie is royal purple, and “Miss Katherine” is pink. Pale-purple ‘Ashdown Forest’ grows to a height of 50 cm at the front of the border.
For containers: Select small, fragrant lavender plants no taller than 45 centimeters. Grow them in windowboxes so their aroma fills the home, or plant them in pots to scent the patio or entrances. Little Lottie is pink, ‘Thumbelina Leigh’ is purple, and ‘Purity’ is white.
For a hedge: Lavender creates a lovely, low-maintenance blooming hedge. A low hedge to edge a border may be created by selecting a smaller form that reaches 40 to 50 centimeters tall, such bright-violet ‘Purple Treasure’. Alternatively, a variety that reaches 60 to 80 centimeters, like ‘Folgate’ (purple-blue) or ‘Edelweiss’ (a white intermedia), can be used to line a walkway generously.
For bees: L. x intermedia is the sort of lavender that bees love, and ‘Gros Bleu’ is their favorite variation, according to studies conducted by the University of Sussex. Lavender is one of the greatest plants for bees. Bumblebees, on the other hand, would gladly visit any kind of Lavender, even pink and white variants, since they possess the long tongues required to reach the tubular blossoms of lavender.
How to grow lavender
Plant in April or May for optimal harvesting. September is another nice month, if necessary. Lavender will pout if you plant it in bad weather.
In borders: Pick a location that receives plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil (a gravel garden is great for this); if needed, add grit to improve drainage.
Guidelines for Fertilizing Perennials
When planting in containers: Unless you are growing in big containers, choose for a compact type for pots or windowboxes. Make sure the container has holes for drainage; it’s a good idea to place it on pot feet, especially during the winter. Combine grit and multipurpose compost.
For hedging: Select a commonly accessible cultivar (like ‘Hidcote’) in case you eventually need to replace a plant. Plant in April, leaving around 45 centimeters between each plant in extremely well-drained, sun-baked soil.
How to cultivate lavender
Drainage is crucial, so before planting, add a lot of grit if your soil isn’t already very well-drained.
A fence or patio that faces south or west is good since full sun is essential.
The ideal soil is neutral to alkaline.
Pruning the plant every two years maintains its health and fertility. Lavender looks ragged and lanky without it. Using sharp scissors, give the plant a thorough trim after it flowers (in August or September), taking care not to cut below the new silver-green growth. Then, to give the plant a nice shape and encourage development, give it a much lighter cut in April. Keep lavender hedges trimmed according to the same biannual schedule.
If a plant is in a container or until it is established, give it water, particularly in hot and dry conditions. Watering border plants should be unnecessary once they are well-established. Read more
Lavender is a terrible plant to feed. They don’t need fertilizer and are content in poorly or somewhat rich soil.
