By Barbara Fahs, Garden Guides Contributor
About Lavender
The Lavandula genus includes at least 30 species of lovely
lavenders. Fragrant and attractive, lavender varieties can be
annuals, herbaceous plants, shrubs and subshrubs, usually no taller
than three feet. They are native to the Mediterranean region, as
far south as tropical Africa and the southeast of India. Lavender
has been cultivated so widely that it has naturalized in many
places.
Site Preparation
If you have a warm, non-windy area that slopes to the south,
lavender will thrive especially well. It prefers a light soil in a
dry, open, sunny location. Soil that is too rich or full of
nutrients will not make a good home for lavender. Also, try to
plant lavender in a spot where water does not form ponds in the
winter and make sure it is protected from frost.
Special Features
Dried lavender flower spikes are often used in flower arrangements,
sachets and potpourris. To dry lavender flower spikes, tie them up
in small bundles and hang them in a dark, well ventilated place,
such as a garage, until they are dry to the touch. You can then
make small fabric pouches, stuff them with flowers and then store
them in drawers to keep your clothes smelling fresh and also to
deter moths. Lavender oil is used in aromatherapy as a soothing,
relaxing fragrance. It is also antiseptic and slightly
anti-inflammatory when applied to the skin for conditions such as
tendonitis. Lavender is also edible and is sometimes one of the
spices used in the herbes de Provence blend, which also contains
rosemary, marjoram, basil, bay leaf and thyme.
Choosing a Variety
The most common species is Lavandula angustifolia. However, many
varieties of lavender exist because they crossbreed freely. Some of
the more common varieties include English lavender, French
lavender, Spike lavender, Hidcote blue, Munstead, Woolly lavender
and Broadleaf lavender. Check seed catalogs for the best selection
of varieties, available as seeds or small plants.
Planting
Because lavender seeds have a naturally low germination rate and
must be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks before planting,
it is easier to purchase young plants or separate older plants by
root division or cuttings. Lavender prefers normal garden soil that
is loose and well drained.
Care
Mulching with sand helps to keep the soil moist. There's little
need to fertilize lavender. As soon as possible after flower spikes
bloom, cut them to keep your plants compact and tidy. Lavender
needs some watering during dry spells, especially after it is first
planted. If you keep the flowers cut back during its first year of
growth, in future years your lavender plant will reward you with a
bushy growth habit and a profusion of flowers. Optimum flowering
usually happens during a plant's second through fifth years of
life: after that time, plants can become straggly and might need to
be replaced.
Lavender is susceptible to some insect pests, especially small
caterpillars and similar pests that feed on the leaves. Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring soil bacteria that you
spray on lavender and other plants. It is safe for the
environment,it kills the larvae of pests such as mosquitoes, some
caterpillars and other insects through a toxin that the Bt
secretes. It's available as a powder or liquid at garden stores
everywhere.
