Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 26th Nov 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Lavandula plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
At a Glance: Lavandula
- Plant Characteristics: Lavandula is celebrated for its fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. This plant is a favorite for adding both color and aroma to gardens, and is also valued for its therapeutic properties.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. It's drought-resistant, making it ideal for xeriscaping or dry garden areas.
- General Care: Low maintenance; requires minimal watering once established and occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Lavender is an excellent choice for beginners. Its hardiness and low water needs make it a forgiving plant for those new to gardening.
Lavander: Cultivation & Garden Use
The Hardy perennial lavender is a beautiful, fragrant and useful plant to grow in the garden. Check out my specific guide to growing Lavandula angustifolia.
Lavandula reaches from 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet) in height depending on the species
They carry tubular lavender (or blue or purple) flowers from the end of spring to the summer.
It is a great plant to grow in the herb garden. To harvest the flowers of lavender for culinary use, remove them just as the buds are opening: remove the flowers from the stems, and keep them in a dry place for a few weeks.
How to Grow Lavender (Lavandula)
It is best to sow Lavender (Lavandula) seeds either before the last frost of spring or in the autumn.
Once sown lightly cover the seed. They should be grown in a sunny are of the garden that has good drainage.
They prefer a poor soil and fertilizing the plants will result in less fragrant lavender flowers!
You can grow lavender indoors (for transplanting later or keep indoors) first.
The seeds should be imbibed by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black plastic bag, then placing in the fridge for five weeks.
Keep the soil at 12 to 18 degrees Centigrade (54 to 64°F) following refrigeration. It should take two weeks to three months to germinate.
The lavender should then be planted in the garden with a spacing of 40 cm (16 inches).
Caring for Lavender plants
Once growing in the garden, the lavender plants should be pruned heavily at the start of spring, and flower stalks removed once they have decayed.
If you require more plants then they can be had from cuttings in spring or summer.
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Lavandula Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Lavander.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Hardy Annual.
Height: 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm).
Native: Asia, Africa, Mediterranean.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 9.
Flowers: Late spring through to summer.
Flower Details: Lavander, blue, purple. Tubular. Tiny. Whorls. Clustered. Fragrant.
Foliage: Narrow. Some species pinnate. Fragrant.
Sow Outside Cover seed. Start of spring - before the last frost, or the beginning of autumn. Spacing 14 to 18 inches (35 to 45 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two weeks to three months. Temperature: 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C). Mix seeds in a moist growing medium, place in a freezer bag, then stratify by refrigeration for five to six weeks. Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements and care: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Soil pH 6.5 to 7.5. Ordinary soil, sandy soil, poor soil. Prune in early spring. Prune flower stalks once flowering has completed. Propagate: by taking cuttings in either spring or summer.
Miscellaneous: As the flowers produce a lot of nectar they are very attractive to bees. Flowers have culinary use and in olden days were used as an alternative to garlic. The Lavandula genus has many medicinal uses and produce an essential oil that has antiseptic properties. Lavender oil is also used in products such as balms, perfumes and cosmetics. As it is a highly fragrant plant, lavender is often dried and used in potpourri.
Common Questions
How many members does the Lavandula genus have?
The Lavandula genus, better known as Lavender, comprises around 30 species. These plants are adored for their fragrant flowers and silvery-green foliage.
Do members of Lavandula make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Lavandula species are excellent for gardens and landscapes, providing lovely fragrance, attracting pollinators, and offering beautiful color with their purple flowers.
Which Lavandula species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) is frequently grown for its wonderful scent and lovely purple flowers. Another popular species is Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender).
Are members of the Lavandula plant genus fragrant?
Yes, Lavandula is well known for its fragrant flowers. The scent is widely used in perfumes, soaps, and essential oils.
What is the perfect location to grow Lavandula?
Lavandula prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's perfect for sunny borders, rock gardens, or as a fragrant hedge.
Is Lavandula invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Lavandula species are not considered invasive in the USA. They are widely grown in gardens without causing environmental harm.
How do I remove Lavandula plants from my garden?
To remove Lavandula, dig out the whole plant, making sure to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Lavandula genus, part of the Lamiaceae family, includes perennial plants native to the Mediterranean region. Recognized for their fragrant flowers and gray-green foliage, these plants are often used in herb gardens and borders and are commonly known as lavender.
Lavandula prefers full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. It is drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is typically done through seeds or cuttings, generally in the spring or summer.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Lavandula plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Crocosmia, Salvia plant, Sanguinaria, and Acanthus hungaricus plants.
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