Lavender plants adds sweeping drifts of color from early summer into fall, and it looks great in borders and perennial gardens. It is a great choice for making informal hedges because of its compact shrub-like structure, upright flower spikes, and silvery-green foliage.
Despite the fact that all Lavandula is indigenous to the Mediterranean, there are numerous cultivars that give a wide range of bloom periods, flower shapes, and sizes. Not all lavenders are purple, despite their name. Other pretty pastel colors, such violet lavender blue, rose, soft pink, white, and even yellow, are also available in certain hybrids.
COMMON TYPES OF LAVENDER
ENGLISH LAVENDER
| Botanical name | L. angustifolia |
| Zones | 5-8 |
| Bloom time | June to August |
| Height | 2 to 3 feet |
| Lavender color | Deep blue-purple |
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavendar, grows well in the nation that bears its name and provides a lovely contrast to its Mediterranean origins. This herb adds visual appeal to gardens and fills the air with a delightful fragrance from June to August thanks to its aromatic gray-green foliage and attractive whorls of small blooms.
FRENCH LAVENDER
| Botanical name | L. dentata |
| Zones | 8-11 |
| Bloom time | Early summer to fall |
| Height | 36 inches and larger |
| Flower colors | Light purple |
Its vivid light purple blooms, which bloom from early summer to fall, not only catch the eye but also form a mesmerizing show against the tiny, finely-toothed leaves. This variety stands out from others due to the distinctive purple bracts that decorate the tiny flower heads, adding textural texture and depth.
SPANISH LAVENDER
| Botanical name | L. stoechas |
| Zones | 8-11 |
| Bloom time | Mid to late summer |
| Height | 18 to 24 inches |
| Flower colors | Deep purple |
Mid- to late-summer is a striking time to see its unique pineapple-shaped blooms, which are covered with colorful bracts that resemble amusing bunny ears. These unusual blooms give a touch of whimsy and elegance to borders and herb gardens alike, more than making up for their lack of scent with their vivid deep purple hues.
How To Plant Lavender
When to plant: The right time and place to plant lavendar are essential for a successful garden. Planting time is best in the spring, after the last frost and after the earth has warmed up. Savvy gardeners, however, may also choose to plant in the fall; just make sure you give your plant ample weeks to take root before the first frost.
Where to plant: Choosing the ideal location is also crucial because these sun-loving beauties require at least six hours of direct sunshine daily. Think about ventilation as much as light while selecting your spot. Good airflow helps prevent illnesses that can harm plants in less demanding situations in humid areas.
How to plant: In your garden, these established plants provide instant emotional fulfillment, unlike seeds that emerge sporadically and demand constant care so the lavender flower can grow faster. Give them enough space, 2 to 3 feet apart, so that each plant may grow to its full scented magnificence and improve air circulation and spread lavender flowers lavender everywhere.
Soil requirements: Gaining a solid understanding of the requirements of the soil can be really beneficial. Sandier, lower-nutrient soils with an alkaline pH are ideal for its growth because they provide the ideal conditions for the plant’s roots to extend and breathe without compromising drainage.
Growing from seed: It may be a satisfying experience to grow them from seed, turning a plain package of seeds into fragrant blooms of lavender flowers. Patience is essential once you’ve planted the seeds inside in the early spring. Keep the soil slightly moist and keep an eye out for signs of life as they sprout in a matter of weeks.
Growing in containers: These smaller cultivars not only look great on any patio or balcony, but you can easily adjust them to your environment because they are portable.
Lavender Plant Care
Watering: Well-established lavender plants require minimal watering and thrive on simplicity. You may be secure during dry times because of their exceptional resistance to drought; you only need to offer watered during extremely severe weather. Consider your watering strategies carefully in order to prevent root rot and unwelcome fungal diseases.
Amendments and Fertilizers: Refrain from adding compost or organic fertilizers to the soil as this could promote dense foliage at the expense of beautiful blossoms. If you struggle with thick clay soils, you could want to amend them with inert materials such as rice hulls to help with drainage and lavender seeds that could not grow properly.
Overwintering: In colder locations, it’s essential that you overwinter your lavender plants. Applying a layer of winter mulch composed of straw, shredded leaves, or evergreen boughs can significantly reduce their exposure to the harsh winter weather.
Propagation: Taking stem cuttings or seeds prior to the onset of flowering is a great way to start a new lavender plant in the spring. After planting, participants can achieve robust development by choosing young, vibrant shoots, which is supported by the use of healthy stems and a lavender tree finally grows.
How To Prune Lavender dress
Pruning creates a fragrant haven in your garden while also promoting luxuriant growth as they look floral. Time is of the essence to fully realize the potential of the plant. The early spring is the ideal time to prune away any damaged or dead wood to improve its shape and prepare it for fresh growth.
A thoughtful pruning after the initial late spring bloom will encourage an even more vigorous second flowering, producing a stunning show that can last well into the summer.
Popular Lavender Varieties
L. Angustifolia
English lavender, or Lavender angustifolia, is a multipurpose treasure in the horticultural and holistic health domains, not just a scented herb. This perennial plant is well-known for its eye-catching violet blossoms and calming scent. It grows well in well-drained soil and is a popular choice for gardens all around the world.
Lavandula Grosso
Lavandula Grosso, a hybrid of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, is highly prized for its great flexibility in gardens and landscapes, and it’s beautiful lavender roses look. This cultivar has thick spikes of vivid purple blooms that draw a large number of pollinators, on top of luxuriant, silvery-green leaves. Gardeners who seek durability without sacrificing beauty love it for its remarkable hardiness, which enables it to flourish in a variety of conditions.
Hazy Lavender
Hazy lavender exudes an extraordinary sense of tranquility due to its ethereal character. Purple’s subdued tones mix in perfectly with grayish undertones, lending the color a dreamy, invigorating quality. It brings to mind the mesmerizing twilight skies, when the sun sets behind the horizon and covers everything in an exquisite glow. Hazy lavender can be used in design contexts to create the ideal background for bolder hues or to stand out on its own in minimalist settings.
Dried Lavender
With its delicate, aromatic flowers, dried lavender moves beyond simple adornment and into the domains of creativity and healing. This adaptable herb is a source of calm that goes beyond its beautiful appearance. Any area can be made into a tranquil haven by adding dried lavender to the surrounding area.
Conclusion
There are other varieties of lavender plants, but two of the best are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata). Beyond just being known for their alluring scent, lavender plants are also highly versatile in terms of landscape and overall health.
The former is valued for its stronger scent, making it a good choice for essential oils, and the latter has distinctive, dancing blossoms that add color to any landscaping. Because most lavenders prefer full sun and well-drained soil, others may do better in humid environments. When choosing a variety, take your climate into account.