Lavender: How to choose the right one?
Choosing the right lavender for your garden involves considering factors such as climate, soil type, available space, and desired growth habit
Lavender (genus Lavandula) is a group of flowering plants belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Africa and Asia. Known for its beautiful flowers and captivating fragrance, lavender has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental, culinary, and medicinal properties.
Lavender plants are typically perennial, small shrubs with gray-green, narrow leaves, and tall, upright flower spikes. The flowers can range in color from deep purple and blue to pink, white, and various shades in between. The plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in well-draining, slightly alkaline soil with full sun exposure.
Lavender is commonly used in various forms, such as:
Ornamental landscaping: Lavender is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its attractive flowers and calming scent. It is also beneficial as it draws pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Aromatherapy and essential oils: Lavender oil is one of the most popular. It is known for its calming and relaxing properties. Lavender oil is used in aromatherapy, perfumes, candles, and other scented products.
Culinary uses: Some lavender varieties are used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, such as baked goods, salads, and beverages. The dried buds can be used as a spice or made into teas, syrups, and infused sugars.
Medicinal applications: The plant has a long history of traditional use for its medicinal properties, including soothing skin irritations, relieving anxiety and stress, and aiding sleep.
Crafts: Lavender flower is often used in crafts, such as sachets, wreaths, and potpourri, for its pleasant fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
Lavender has become a popular plant worldwide due to its versatility, lovely appearance, and delightful scent. Gardeners, herbalists, and crafters have all come to cherish it.
There are over 450 varieties, and finding the best one for your needs might be a daunting task. To assist you in selecting the right plant, we have prepared this guide, which we hope will be helpful to you.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English Lavender has long been cultivated for its high-quality essential oil. Cultivars of this species have specific characteristics. They have a compact habit and narrow grayish-green leaves. The flower spikes are also relatively short and compact.
This Lavender type is suitable for edging along walkways, raised wall beds, rock gardens, herb gardens, and mass plantings. It is ideal for both formal and informal settings.
Flowering typically occurs from late spring to mid-summer.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
5 - 9
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 8
|
Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lavandula - Lavender |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Traditional Garden |
Pictures: Sequim Lavender Festival, Downderry Nursery, 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
5 - 9
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 8
|
Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lavandula - Lavender |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Traditional Garden |