In use for 2,500 years, lavender remains seriously popular today. This classic herb checks off many boxes: It’s low-maintenance, pest-resistant, drought-tolerant, tasty, useful, and fragrant. But despite its ubiquity, there are things about the plant that will come as a surprise to most gardeners. For some insider info, I reached out to Terry Barlin Vesci, co-owner of Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm and co-author (with Jessica Dunham) of a new book called The Lavender Companion: Enjoy the Aroma, Flavor, and Health Benefits of this Classic Herb.
Terry’s farm is located in a mountain valley in central Arizona, at about 5,500-feet elevation, where they grow 6,000 plants of three lavender varieties: ‘Grosso’, ‘Provence’, and ‘Royal Velvet’. “One of the main reasons we became interested in growing lavender is because we have one of the largest ‘town area’ herds of elk in the US, and they don’t eat lavender!” she reveals.
Below, 10 more facts to know about lavender:
1. Lavender doesn’t thrive only in warm climates.
Think you can’t grow this herb because you live in a cold zone? Lucky for you, there are lavender varieties that tolerate the chilly conditions of Zones 4-6, such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Lavandin hybrids (Lavandula x intermedia). Try ‘Munstead’, ‘Hidcote’, and the smaller ‘Blue Cushion’. ‘Phenomenal’ is a popular new variety that it is reliably hardy to zone 5. In zones 3 and 4, most growers have to add frost protection. What types won’t survive cold temps? Tender French, Spanish, and Portuguese lavenders.
2. Plant English lavenders for fragrance.
It’s true, some are blessed with a stronger fragrance than others. The strongest? English and Lavandin hybrids. Try ‘Provence’ which is the variety of choice for perfume makers because of its extremely high essential oil content. Terry adds, ” ‘Grosso’ has a wonderful essential oil and is great fresh and dried.” The least fragrant? French.
3. But go with French lavenders for a longer bloom.
If you are trying to chose between English and French, know that while English varieties are more fragrant, French varieties have a longer bloom time.
4. Choose carefully if you’re using lavender as an herb.
French lavender is not the choice for scented, herbal, or culinary uses because of its low oil content. “I like ‘Provence’, as it’s a favorite savory culinary herb used worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean and Middle East,” says Terry. She also likes ‘Royal Velvet’ for any lavender confectionery or mixology recipes.
5. Lavender can be loved to death.
No need to pamper this drought-tolerant plant; it actually prefers to be ignored. Excess fertilizer, water, and rich soil will eventually kill it. That said, lavender does need irrigation during its early months of root establishment, but once established, it requires only minor supplemental water later during the driest periods.
6. Bathing with lavender is an ancient practice.
The fact that the name lavender is derived from the Latin verb lavare—to wash, says it all. The Romans were said to have used this herb to scent their public baths. Also, in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, women who washed clothes were known as “lavenders” because of how they dried the laundry by laying the wet clothes over lavender bushes, which scented the clothes. Royalty, most notably Louis XIV, enjoyed bathing in lavender-scented water.
7. Lavender hates wet feet.
These Mediterranean plants enjoy the hot, dry, rocky slopes of southern France, eastern Spain, and western Italy. What they don’t like is soggy, poorly draining soil. “One thing our customers are surprised to learn is how important it is NOT to use high quality soils and water-retaining compost when planting lavender. Lavender hates to have its roots kept wet,” shares Terry.
8. Lavender isn’t a fan of mulch.
“We never mulch or gravel our lavender. Some growers do use gravel, weed cloth, and cover crops, like grass, between rows to help with weed control. But never heavy mulch because lavender likes to breathe!” says Terry.
9. Some lavenders can be grown from seed.
While some lavenders, like lavandin hybrids, can be grown only from cuttings because their seeds are sterile, there are varieties that can be started by seeds. “Some people report great success with seed germination, especially with the Angustifolia varieties. Most commercial farms use plant plugs from rooted plant cuttings.”
10. Lavender can be more than purples and blues.
While the most common and popular varieties sport purplish hues, lavender flowers also come in white and pink. ‘Little Lottie’ is an English lavender known for its creamy white flowers and Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote Pink’ blooms with delicate pink blooms.
See also:
- Gardening 101: Lavender
- Landscaping Ideas: 11 Lavender Gardens Around the World
- How Did I Kill My Lavender?
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