I hope you find my opinions helpful and if you only read one may I urge you to read 'Cats and Chips'...
I hope you find my opinions helpful and if you only read one may I urge you to read 'Cats and Chips' which is about the importance of identifying cats (and all other pets) which is a subject very close to my heart.
Member since:24.05.2001
Reviews:10
Members who trust:7
Lavender is one of my favourite plants to use in the garden. I think it is a shame the beautiful aroma of this plant has been labeled as an 'old woman' smell! I may have turned 50 this year but I'm no fogey and am here to stand up for lavender!
What type of plant is lavender? =======================
Lavenders are an evergreen shrub from the Western Mediterranean. The shrub can be quite woody with long, slim fragrant leaves densely growing from the stems which look not unlike rosemary in many ways. The plant grows long flower spikes that are coarse to the touch and some species have delicate petal details around the flower spike.
The flowers can be shades of purple, pink or white. The foliage colours of some species can be more silver-grey which make an interesting contrast in borders and displays. The flowers are highly fragrant, the leaves carry a less strong scent of lavender. Most varieties flower between July and August.
Lavenders can grow between 1 and 3 foot depending on the variety. The plants can become very bushy and grow up to 4 ft across so if planting a group together remember to give them space to spread.
What are the Latin names? =====================
Don't be frightened by Latin names. The
family name is Lavandula and here are some descriptions of some of the most popular types:
Lavandula vela - this is commonly known as English lavender. This lavender has a very strong smell.
Lavandula denata - has silvery-grey leaves which are dogged tooth and look fluffy. This is a very visual type of lavender.
Lavandula angustifolia - this is another variety with silver foliage and it is low growing so is excellent for the edge of borders where you want some definition.
Lavandula stoechas - this is commonly known as French lavender and has very dark purple flower spikes.
Don't bother trying to grow lavender from seed - it's difficult and time consuming. Instead buy a potted root cutting which are often for sale at just a few pounds - sometimes less at places such as school fairs. When buying from a garden centre though you should have the added bonus of an information label. Read carefully - make sure it will have the colour flowers you want and grow to the height and width suitable for your garden.
The gardening books all say lavender likes to grow in chalky, well drained soil.
My soil is clay. I have added extra drainage - lots of organic matter and some fine grit but in honesty I haven't prepared the soil greatly and the goods news is…
My lavenders are thriving!
They certainly like the sun. If you think of their Mediterranean origins Lavenders would prefer it drier underfoot with a sunny position.
Lavenders, especially the lower growing varieties, make an attractive border or an alternative to a low growing hedge. They make excellent feature plants in borders whether your planting scheme is traditional planting or the more modern looking grass and structural plants.
I have used lavenders in larger container displays effectively.
How do I prune lavender? ====================
After the plant has flowers dead head the old flower stalks and gently cut back. This gentle pruning will help retain an attractive shape and encourage the plant to bush up. Don't prune too harshly, and never cut back to the old wood.
Pruning after flower happens in Autumn. In Spring you may need to do a mini-prune to tidy up the shape.
The main problem with lavender is that if you do not prune it and prune it gently it can become very woody and unattractive. Even with careful tending you may have to replace many lavender shrubs ever 5-6 six years but this doesn't mean buying a new plant.
How do I propagate lavender? =======================
Propagating lavender from your plant is very easy.
With a very sharp knife or pair of secataurs, cut a 2-3inch new shoot ( a new shoot is where there is new growth, it is still very malleable and not woody). Strip of the leaves from the stem from the bottom to just over half way up. I sometimes dip this tip into rooting hormone but this isn't necessary. Next place the cutting in a pot of compost. Some books will tell you that you must use a certain mix of compost and sand extra. Personally, I mix a few handfuls of multi-compost with a handful of gardeners sand if I have anything and don't worry if not. Pop on a windowsill or even out in the garden in a sheltered spot, keep moist but don't over water. And that's it. Within no time they root up and you have a new plant. You can propagate lots of new plants and share them with family and friends and save money!
Is lavender a useful plant? ===================
Lavender is one of the most useful plants in the garden. Some gardeners say it is a good plant to have next to roses as it keeps aphids away. My lavender plants have been covered in greenfly for the last few years so whether this is how they spare the roses I don't know! As it is the greenfly don't seem to worry the plant to much and I find a spray with soapy water is as good as anything to send the greenfly on their way.
Lavender is famous for its aroma. The flower spikes can be picked and dried and then used in scent sachets or made into pot-pourri. Lavender scent is said to be very relaxing and I agree. This is why I like to plant lavender near to seating areas in the garden so you can enjoy sitting out and the gentle aroma as the breeze wafts through the plant.
You can bring that relaxation indoors easily enough to with a simple lavender bath. Pick a handful of lavender sprigs and place in a warm bath with half a cupful of sea salt for a lovely, relaxing soak. Especially good after gardening!
Lavender is officially a herb but I have not used it greatly in cooking. It has a very delicate, scented flavour. As such it is best with delicate flavoured foods such as fish and light poultry, there are also a number of lavender ice-creams available.
Lavender is a beautiful and often overlooked addition to any garden. As it is evergreen it provides year round attraction to a garden. It is a very tactile plant for the blind or those with poor sight. It has a wonderful, strong aroma which so many over produced plants seem to lack these days and I believe scent is so important in a garden. It can used in cookery, as a herbal remedy and in home made toiletries - all from one plant!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I love Lavender it gives off such a beautiful scent. Maureen
e.j.kingham 18.01.2006 14:18
The smell reminds me of grandma's!
COOOEEE 13.03.2002 03:53
I know this is an old op now but you may become active again some day. I love lavender and have never managed to propagate any of mine. They are starting to get woody so your tips are fantastic. I will print it out for future reference. Fiona
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