Lavender
Genus: Lavendula
Family: Labiatae
Who can resist the wonderful fresh smell of the lavender plant or the folklore surrounding it? Lavender is a favorite among herbalists and the general public alike.
Lavandula is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia and many believe it has been with us since time began in the Garden of Eden. It is also believed that lavender appeared in India and southern France shortly after its Mesopotamian origins.
The name Lavandula officinalis comes from the Latin verb lavare (to wash), livendula (bluish) and officinalis (medicinal).
Examples
There are at least 28 known species of lavender. Hidcote and Munstead are two of the most popular of the species from the lavandula angustifolia family. Grosso and Hidcote Giant, from the Lavandins, are also well liked because of their quick growing habits and because their size is generally larger than the angustfolias. If you would like something other than a purple bloom, look to the Hidcote Pink (pink flowers) or the Alba species (white flowers).
Special Features
Lavender has been used for centuries in a number of ways. For landscaping, it can form a beautiful hedge to outline a garden or a pathway. It makes a striking companion plant to flowers with pink, orange, yellow or red blooms.
Lavender’s medicinal uses span the length of time being used for headaches, upset stomachs, hysteria, nervous disorders, toothaches, colic and more; the list goes on and on.
Lavender has consistently been used as a deodorizer for both body and home. Its scent is one of the best, if not the best, selling in potpourris, soaps and aromatherapy oils. Lavender has been present at weddings, house warmings, and births. The ancient Egyptians used it in their mummifying process.
Blooms can be sold as fresh or dried flowers as well as being used for oils.
Culinary uses have become popular again in flavored sugars, pastries and other bakery items.
Hardiness
Lavandula is considered a tender perennial in the north (Zone 5 and further north) with Dentatas being tender at 20 degrees and angustifolias tender at 0 degrees. It is considered a hardy perennial in the south. A few of the species can be used as container plants, but lavender does not do well as an indoor plant.
Growth Habit
Lavandula angustifolia plants average about 18-24” in height when mature. Lavandins average 36” across and 24-36” in height when mature. Lavender has long flower stems with numerous buds per stem. Lavandula grows more like a shrub than a plant. It does not have to be contained as other herbs do.
Bloom Time
Lavender buds can start as early as mid May with the angustifolias and as late as July with the Lavandins. Plants should be pruned in late fall, cutting back 1/3 to 1/2 the plant. In some warmer climates, the plants should be pruned in early spring as well as fall. Pruning is very important for lavender as it will keep the plant healthy. Most plants will not bloom in their first year. It is best to snip those that do bloom to encourage the plant’s branching. Some southern zones may have lavender that blooms a second time.
Propagation
Propagation is best done by cuttings. It is very difficult to grow lavender from seed. It is also hard to have a species breed true from seed unless the parent plant is isolated from all others.
Cuttings can be taken in mid to late August. The steps for propagation by cutting include:
- cutting a long stem into 4-6” pieces after removing buds.
- Dip an end of the piece into rooting hormone.
- Place cuttings into a tray of moist perlite. The tray should be kept in filtered sunlight and moist at a temperature between 75-80°.
- Check for root development in 3 weeks. Transplant rooted stems into pots filled with a mixture of perlite and potting soil. The cuttings should grow 3-6” in the 3 weeks following transplant and can then be planted in your garden or 4” pots.
Transplanting
Transplanting is not difficult with lavender as long as you remember that the plant has a very large root system and you will need to get all of it when digging it up. Transplanting is best done in early spring or late fall and will cause the plant to go without blooming the first year after transplanting. Water the plants well before transplanting and cut off any flowering stems so that the plant can concentrate on developing its roots in a new home. Dig the hole twice as big as the size of the plant, fill the hole with water, and let it drain. Place the lavender plant in the hole and cover, making sure that the stems are above the soil line.
Soil
Soil pH should be between 6 and 8. Lavender is not a lover of wet soil and needs to be planted in a well-draining area. If you have heavy clay soil make sure to plant lavender in a place that drains well or add small rocks or gravel to the bottom of the hole to assist in drainage.
Lavender does not need fertilizer as a general rule. If the soil is poor, lime can be added. Never use strong manures.
Irrigation
Lavender does well in dry climates. As mentioned, it needs well-drained soil; it cannot survive in soil that is constantly saturated. It is drought resistant. In very dry conditions, watering until soil is moist, once a week, will help keep the plants healthy.
Sunlight
Lavender thrives in full sun. For optimal growth, when planting, make sure that seedlings are not shaded by the other plants.
Care
Pruning is probably the most important thing to be done to the lavender plant. Without pruning in the fall, the plants will “spread out” so that you can see the middle of the plant and its woody stems. Not the picture you would like to have of your lavender plants! This is caused by the weight of the branches and blooms. The only prevention is pruning each fall in order to keep the plant beautiful and shapely.
Blooms can be cut for fresh flower arrangements or drying. Cutting stems should be done after all the dew has dried in the morning.
Lavender is one of the easier herbs to grow. It does not require daily care to thrive.
Pests and Disease
Pests are seldom a problem. The spores of Phoma lavandula occasionally can destroy a plant. They will produce black spots that eventually kill the plant. Remove the infected plants from your garden to avoid spreading.
Diseases are also rarely seen in lavender plants, with the exception of root rot. This is easily prevented by planting lavender in well drained soil.
References
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
by Claire Kowalchik and William H. Hylton (Editors)