It dies down in winter (to avoid any frost) and grows out in spring to reach a height of four to five feet. There are over 30 lavender species, but only a few of these different types of lavender are commonly cultivated. The dried buds were removed from the stem and crushed to powder for an absolutely wonderful Lavender Shortbread cookie. Provence Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Provence), 18. Although not as commonly used as sweet basil is in cooking, the leaves can be chopped up and used in sauces and pestos with other herbs. I stumbled on your page because Im trying to identify the particular type of lavender plant that I have in my home. Its delicate purple flowers, its heart-shaped leaves, and its delightful scent make it a truly special treat for any gardener. Here in Maryland it's the beginning of February and, as you can see, my plants are still holding their own. Gardeners should experiment with different conditions and varieties of wild lavender to determine which color they prefer. Prune plants heavily in spring and again after flowering to keep their bushy shape. Ballerina French lavender (Lavandula stoechas Ballerina), 11. And here are their characteristics. When the essential oils are inhaled, lavender has calming properties that reduce anxiety; its also used as a gentle sedative for insomnia. Lavender is a slow growing perennial that may bloom in its first year but takes three or more years to fully mature. What color are the flowers of wild lavender? Additionally, you should avoid wetting the leaves of the plant, as this can cause disease. The most widely grown lavender species in North America, English lavender is also the one most commonly used in cooking and baking. Unlike other plants on this list, Holy basil is not cold-hardy and does best in tropical and subtropical climates. I live across the bay from you (Pleasanton) so its hot and dry here. It is also found in certain areas of Canada in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. In its natural environment, wild lavender is most commonly found in the Mediterranean region, although it can also be found in certain parts of the United States and Canada. Often, the hardest part of growing lavenders is deciding which type of lavender is best suited for your climate and available growing space. Test Garden Tip: Lavandin needs plenty of sun and dry or well-drained soil. Buy It: 'Grosso' Lavender Plant (from $9, Etsy). The leaves are either green or purple. Lavender is drought-tolerant, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Lavender | Plant, Herb, Uses, Essential Oil, & Facts | Britannica Starting in May I keep a large jug of water in the fridge with lavender blooms, cucumber and lemon slices, and peppermint leaves. True hyssop has medicinal benefits that Anise hyssop does not. If you are looking to add some wild lavender to your garden, make sure you buy a perennial variety and give it plenty of space to spread its roots. 23 Lavender Varieties for a Fragrant Garden Wherever You Live They have the classical lavender look, without longer petals at the top. drop by 1/2 tsp 2" apart on parchment While each variety will have its own needs, there are some guidelines you should follow for all lavender: Sunlight Exposure:Lavender always needs full Sun, which meansat least6 hours of direct and bright sunlight every day. Store the flowers in a cool, darkplace. What RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine push could look like in the White House Look for finely separated foliage and small purple flowers set atop long stems to identify fernleaf lavender (L. multifida). Black tea is great with lavender blossoms. Broadleaved lavender, spiked lavender or Lavandula latifolia is also known as Portuguese lavender. (If you tug gently, the root shouldnt move.) In addition, lavender has proven medicinal uses. The effect looks a bit like cute miniature pineapples. Im hooked now? It's a truly special sight to behold! It would be delightful with afternoon tea. It's important to make sure your soil isn't overly wet or soggy, as this can cause the roots to rot. Many members of the genus are cultivated extensively in temperate climates as ornamental plants for . In fact, you can use it to add texture to your beds, borders, hedges or even rock garden or grow it for its foliage (and flowers) in pots and containers. I've read the Terms and understand I can unsubscribe at anytime. A bushy perennial, lavender grows from 1 to 3 feet tall, bearing small blue-violet flowers on spikes with blue-green needle-like foliage. Rosemary is a popular herb in the kitchen. Store lavender flowers in a lidded jar somewhere cool and dark, or pop them straight into a sachet to keep towels, sheets, or clothes smelling sweet and to repel moths. Generally speaking, wild lavender typically grows between 1 to 3 feet tall. Gardeners call them ears (like bunny ears) and they provide the most attractive visual effect of the plant. 1121 Main Street | P.O. 1. Wild lavender is a species of flowering shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. Buy It: 'Van Gogh' Spanish Lavender ($6, Goodwin Creek Gardens). Russian Sage Out of all the plants on this list that look similar to lavender, Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia) is by far the closest match. They wrapped the dead in shrouds that had been soaked in lavenderwater. Cut off dead flowers to encourage new flowers and pinch out growing tips to stimulate bushier growth. At the end of the season, allow them to set seed and prune back any woody stems. Add this plant to a garden border or in your favorite container to attract both bees and butterflies to your yard. For edibles I use lavender flowers when creaming butter for shortbread cookies, I e used the blooms in lemon muffins, or any muffins, really. Additionally, wild lavender should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It is characterized by ribbed, or toothed leaves, which makes it very attractive for its foliage. Sounds amazing (love the smell of lavender, and shortbread cookies are my favorite). As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Soil:Lavender is very particular about soil: Pruning:Your lavender will bloom more vigorously of you prune it back in the spring. Although they have similar flowers and growing patterns, hyssop from the genus Hyssopus should not be confused with Anise hyssop botanically Agastache foeniculum. Catmint and Catnip are often confused. To the strong but calming fragrance of English lavender, this variety, Rosea will add an abundance of pale pink (sometimes off white) flowers. Plants in too much shade will get leggy. It grows best in sandy soil that isn't too rich in nutrients. However, there are a few special care requirements to consider. Read on to discover 20 of my favorite types of lavender plants, what the plants of a particular variety of lavender look like, when they bloom, and what conditions they thrive in your garden. Hi Amber, Thumbelina Leigh English Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Thumbelina Leigh), 6. One of the tallest of the lavandins, 'Provence' gets its name from the area in France where it's grown commercially for the perfume industry. With typically purple flowers in regular spikes, the inflorescence of Portuguese lavender is very elegant if not showy individually. Gardeners know that wild lavender is one of the most beautiful and fragrant flowers around. It is also carminative and anti-inflammatory. It has a calming effect with a slightly minty taste and sweet fragrance that enhances soups and sauces. During the growing season, you can trim the lavender plants to maintain their shape and size. In these areas, it may not reach its full potential height. Normally in summertime, the jet stream, the prevailing wind pattern in the upper atmosphere, takes warm, moist air from the south and west into the Great . Test Garden Tip: Give this lavender plant a moderate pruning after it blooms, which will prevent it from becoming woody. Give the wild lavender plenty of room to spread its roots. Plant lavender along a walkway or near a seatingarea. cool completely The flowers are dried and used in potpourri, and the fresh flowers are used to garnish desserts and salads. I would love to sleep on line-dried, lavender-scented sheetspureheaven! Prune the plants in early spring, then as needed, so they keep their shape after flowering. This year I had an abundance of dried flowers from years of harvesting. I have a Nebraska background and found your information very useful. Plant lavender in a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day (fullsun). Its growth is not as compact as some other cultivars. Lavandula stoechas has a more resinous scent than English lavender; it is very strong, but less sophisticated. Thanks for the info on such a wide variety of lavenders. Phenomenal lavender's flowers are highly fragrant. Hyssop is a hardier plant than lavender and might be an excellent alternative to lavender in more humid climates. You should go visit. A very decorative cultivar that adapts well to city and courtyard gardens as well as patios or containers, and which looks less naturalized and more garden center and urban than other lavandin varieties, Hidcote Giant won the Award of Harden Merit if the Royal Horticultural Society in 2002. Pretty Polly French lavender (Lavandula stoechas Pretty Polly), 14. Buy It: 'Royal Purple' English Lavender ($8, Mountain Valley Growers). In a normal season, half of Canada's wildfires are started by lightning, but those fires account for more than 85% of wildfire destruction. It presents some of the darkest blooms of any of the lavandin-type lavenders and it flowers profusely in summer. If you suffer from insomnia, try slipping a lavender sachet into your pillow. Another variety of French lavender to express your originality, either in pots on your terrace and patio or in strongly aromatic flower beds or borders. The pH can be neutral, acidic or alkaline, between 6.0 and 8.0. The plant is a compact plant and does well in garden beds. Wild lavender is an incredibly popular plant for its beautiful purple flowers, its pleasant scent, and its easy-to-care-for requirements. That sounds absolutely wonderful! This pretty Spanish variety supplies a steady crop of rich purple flowers on spikes topped by showy purple bracts. Wild lavender is a low-maintenance plant that can survive in a variety of soil types, as long as it gets plenty of sun. This lively lavender displays cone-shaped clusters of buds that open to small, bright purple flowers topped with showy white bracts that mature to light pink. To dry lavender for culinary use, snip the stems off the plant just after the flowers have opened and hang them upside-down or lay them flat to dry. These plants make excellent cut flowers, but they're not recommended for drying. Sign up for our free newsletter, and join 10,000+ of readers getting epicgardening information, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox. Add these to your container gardens for a splash of texture. While annual plants die back at the end of the growing season, perennials survive cold winters and return in spring, more beautiful than ever. I recently visited a lavender farm and was amazed by the sight of wild lavender. But how tall does wild lavender typically grow? Take cuttings at any time and place them in a glass of water until rooted for more plants. ), In colder growing areas, plants may need extra winter protection. lavender, (genus Lavandula), genus of about 30 species of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to countries bordering the Mediterranean. Thank you! If so, you're in luck! I went to the woods near my home and saw wild lavender growing there - it was such a beautiful sight! 15 Common Problems With Lavender Plants - All About Gardening preheat oven to 350 Ive set a goal to master germinating and raising different lavenders from seed. If the wild lavender is planted in an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight, the flowers will tend to be a darker purple hue. Learn more about the health benefits of lavender! A lack of flowers, wilted foliage, slow growth, or an unruly growth habit are common issues that gardeners face when growing lavender. Lavender oil is used to naturally inducesleep. Russian sage has similar uses in the household as lavender. Debris found near the Titanic was confirmed to belong to the missing Titan submersible. Only cut back till you see old growth (the branch has become woody). Read on to learn more about nine different types of lavender and a few of their commonvarieties along with tips on how to grow. Growing lavender from seed is the slowest, but the cheapest way to propagate this plant. It is arguably the most refined lavender scent you can get, and if you want to grow lavender for the oil (essential oil), Lavandula angustifolia has the highest quality oil. Test Garden Tip: English lavender isn't from England. In addition to the purple giant hyssop, certain varieties of salvia plants (Salvia . One of the largest lavandin plants, 'Impress Purple' produces spikes of flowers on long stems that are good for cutting. Test Garden Tip: If you grow a lavender hedge and live in a moist or humid climate, leave space between the plants, so air flows more freely. Plant lavender 2 to 3 feet apart. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Grow in a sunny position and plant in spring or fall for the best results. Last month I was ale to germinate a few 6 packs of lavender. 2014 45th St. Galveston, Texas 77550 Mon - Sat: 9:00am-18:00pm. I give my consent to receive periodic emails. It doesnt appreciate the cold and needs to be protected in winter. Within the family Lamiaceae, the largest genus of plants at nearly 1000 species is Salvia. Im hoping to grow a very fragrant lavender where I can harvest some for sachets etc. To control the plant's size and to promote new growth, every three years, in the spring, prune it back to eight inches. Plant at least 12 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. If you do not live in a very dry region, Provence may be your best choice, as it is well known for being the best variety for humid summers. Butterfly Lavender Papillon (Lavandula pedunculata subsp. Titan Implosion: Why, How Submersible Implodes, What Happens - Insider In the Portuguese countryside its common to see clothes lines suspended over or near lavender gardens to scent the clothes while drying. Conversely, plants grown in soil with lower levels of nitrogen will produce flowers that are a duller, more muted purple color. Wild lavender is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden. Hidcote Giant lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Hidcote Giant). The gray-green foliage accents the blooms nicely. What a Lavender Plant Looks Like - Care Indoor - YouTube Harvest in the morning hours when the oils are the mostconcentrated. Thank Amber for the info at hand very interesting. Another factor that can affect the color of wild lavender flowers is the soil type. Prune off any dead or diseased branches and cut the plants back to about a foot tall in the fall. 1 c butter room temp Lavender is slightly bitter and many herbalists use it as a hepatic and bile stimulant. There are hundreds of different . To give you an idea we created a visual guide including the top 20 most popular types of lavender plants to help you to choose the best variety for your conditions and needs. A fast grower, 'Edelweiss' features soft white flowers that dry well, making it a favorite of gardeners who like fragrant, white-flowering lavender in craft projects, such as making wreaths. Theres a botanical garden located in Maui that grows Lavender. Will you share? Wash the buds well, then dry-roast them to remove some of the floral taste or grind them in a coffee . Read Next: How To Grow A Lavender Tree: The Most Stylish Tree For Your Patio, How To Propagate Lavender From Cuttings Step-By-Step With Photos. An implosion is the opposite of an explosion, meaning the Titan was likely crushed in milliseconds. Although edible, lavender is little used in recipes. Unlike lavenders, perennial basils need plenty of water. Unusual for a lavandin variety, Hidcote Giant has a very big, plump and thick spike of magenta to violet purple flowers that can actually be showy individually. I just today cut them back to about 8 inches, which I do in March each year. Wild lavender is an aromatic herb that has been used for centuries as a medicinal and culinary herb, as well as an ornamental plant in many gardens around the world. Upright and compact, with gray green leaves, this variety blooms longer than other pink-flowered lavenders. Consider mulching it with gravel to help the soil dry out a little faster. Lavender is a wonderful herb for drying. Best seeded indoors (in late winter), lavender is planted outdoors in early spring. Unlike other types of lavender, however, it will bloom profusely but only once, from late spring into the early summer. Other names you can find Lavandula angustifolia called by are true lavender or common lavender. Another option for cold areas is to grow lavender in a pot, keeping it outdoors in the summer and indoors in winter. I would like to cut this time down to about 15 minutes or so. French Lavender With Love (Lavandula stoechas With Love), 12. As its name dew of the sea suggests, it grows well along the coast, not minding salty air. It's no surprise that wild lavender is such a beautiful sight. Plants That Look Exactly Like English Lavender | ehow I'm so glad that you got to enjoy it! Today, its often used in soaps andshampoos. It is slightly taller than other dark-colored English lavender varieties. To keep the two scents distinct; in fact, the fragrance of Portuguese lavender, which is very strong but less valuable than that of English lavender. Keep the mulch away from the crown of the lavender plant, however, to prevent excess moisture and rootrot. Excellent for both cut and dried flowers, 'Betty's Blue' English lavender grows in rounded mounds and produces large spikes of dark purple-blue flowers. This variety's compact mounded form can be kept dense with regular pruning. A fast-growing cultivar, 'Croxton's Wild' is similar to the wild lavender that grows in the Mediterranean. Lavender: Pictures, Flowers, Leaves & Identification | Lavandula Lavender gives a garden an air of refinement, but this picky plant can be difficult to grow as it is very susceptible to root rot. Water Regularly: Wild lavender should be watered regularly to ensure the plant is healthy and thriving. Plants typically reach between 1 and 3 feet inheight. In a normal season, half of Canada's wildfires are started by lightning, but those fires account for more than 85% . As they grow, they become extremely drought and heat tolerant and will not need much water or fertilizer. I am very interested in the Lavender shortbread recipe you recommended. Buy It: 'Melissa' English Lavender ($7, Richters). Plant it with purple lavenders to create a muted contrast in colors. Like lavender, rosemary has its origins in the Mediterranean where its Latin name Rosmarinus is translated to Dew of the Sea in English. Its pretty! Like lavender, Holy basil is an aromatic plant that attracts many bees to its spikes of mauve flowers. OceanGate Expeditions' Titan submersible went missing on Sunday. Make sure you buy a perennial variety so that it will come back year after year. Contents 1 Few or No Flowers 2 Droopy Foliage This type of lavender too has some particular characteristics: Provence is, in all the world, the region we most associate with lavender, so, what better name for a classical-looking variety than the name of this land? Buy It: 'Gros Bleu' Lavandin ($6, Goodwin Creek Gardens). By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your wild lavender is healthy and vibrant. You should join our newsletter to get all the updated delivered to your inbox. We care for the lavender plant by watering it daily and giving it plant foo. Fertilize: To ensure your wild lavender is growing strong, you should fertilize it every few weeks. Cut back heavily in fall when the plants die back to set the plant up for a good spring season. If you want a sweetly cheeky variety of English lavender, Little Lottie is a bit different from her sisters because the flowers are of two colors: some are white and some light magenta, and they mix in the inflorescences, forming myriad combinations of purity and soft feelings.This secured the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society for Little Lottie in 2002, and has made her one of the most popular varieties of English lavender for pots and containers. Most varieties of this herb feature fragrant foliage and beautiful flowers, along with resistance to drought, deer, and other pests. Russian sage needs a sunny position and well-composted soil that drains well. Usually grown as an annual, it features narrow spikes of fragrant bluish-purple flowers that will bloom until frost. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, you should treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or another approved pesticide. The US Coast Guard said the debris indicates that the vessel suffered a catastrophic implosion. Lavender is best planted as a young plant starting inthe springafterthe soil has warmed up to at least 60F (15C) and the threat of frost haspassed. Insert bare stem into potting soil. Buy It: 'Edelweiss' Lavandin ($8, Mountain Valley Growers). Some are cold and frost hardy and others prefer the heat of a more tropical climate. Divide these plants in the fall. The scent is very strong, but camphor like, so, much less refined and sophisticated than English lavender. This also encourages new growth and more flowers. With experience working on an organic farm, water conservation research, farmers' markets, and plant nursery, she understands what makes plants thrive and how we can better understand the connection between microclimate and plant health. It is less hardy than English lavender, which makes it unsuitable for colder climates. Its fruity, non-bitter taste makes it a top pick for culinary creations. Gently scrape the skin off the bottom portion of the stem on one side with a knife. Are you looking to add wild lavender to your garden? If you suffer from insomnia, try inserting the sachets into a pillow so the calming scent can help you drift off to a restfulslumber. Learn how to plant, keep lavender plants in shape, propagate, and harvest/dry theflowers. Butterfly Lavender Papillon (Lavandula pedunculata subsp. It also has several medicinal uses, labeled a tonic herb good for improving concentration, memory and stress levels. is a well-known and fragrant perennial plant that will come back every year with gray-green foliage, upright flower spikes, and a compact shrub form. Royal Velvet English Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Royal Velvet), French (Spanish) Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), 9. Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia), 17. Phenomenal Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Phenomenal), 20. pedunculata), 16. The inflorescences themselves are regular for an English lavender variety, but Folgate will grow loads of them!So, this is an excellent filler of color and scent to borders, hedges, and beds, and a plant you can safely rely upon to light up your garden with a richness of color that can make all the difference. The hyssop is a bit taller than English lavender at about 4 feet tall. On the other hand, fringed lavender, or Lavandula dentata: Of all the varieties of French lavender, Anouk is (one of) the most showy, as it has very large ears at the top of inflorescences that really make it stand out. I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. Fragrant, shrubby 'Van Gogh' bears soft lavender-violet flowers topped by greenish-white bracts. Like lavender, this sage is native to the Mediterranean and has a long list of culinary and medicinal uses. This is what a lavender plant looks like after about five months of growing time. 01 of 23 English Lavender Laurie Black The most widely grown lavender species in North America, English lavender is also the one most commonly used in cooking and baking. In terms of variety, some wild lavenders are known to be taller than others. Cut very low near the root, getting several inches of stem. Optional: Dip each cutting in rooting hormonefirst. In the Mediterranean region, wild lavender grows along the coasts of Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. So, even if you do not live in sunny Spain, you too can have the beauty and scent of lavender in your birders or hedges. Water the plant deeply about once a week, and make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. 20 Favorite Lavender Varieties Youll Love To Grow In Your Garden, English lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), 1. Plants That Look Like Lavender - Wild Yards Regular feeding and deadheading will enhance their look. Thumbelina Leigh is a variety of English lavender with a particular gardening and visual value because the inflorescences are short and thick, made up of fewer flowers than other lavender types. To ensure that wild lavender grows to its full potential, gardeners should ensure that the soil is well-drained and that the plant is in a sunny spot. A hybrid between English and spike lavenders, lavandin tends to be taller than its English cousins. Posted on Published: October 14, 2021- Last updated: May 18, 2022. Wonderful pictures for identifying the different lavenders! Dont be fooled by this plants common name. The shrubs, however, will form large clumps of silver green leaves with purple spikes growing upright in the middle, and arching on the sides.It is a very generous plant that can be naturalized easily or used in informal hedges, borders or flower beds, where it will bring a classical lavender look, which can be made to appear very natural indeed. With more than 450 kinds of lavender to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the best ones for your garden. The plants are widely cultivated for their essential oils, which are used to scent a variety of products. It was a truly wonderful experience! This makes it perfect for romantic hedges and borders, in any type of informal garden. Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia), 17. The genus name Nepeta is in reference to the village of Nepi, north of Rome in Italy. For now, feel free to continue reading. Check out this video to learn how to plantlavender: In cooler climates:Prune established plants in spring when green leaves start to emerge from the base. This plant has fine, dense hairs with strong, earthy-scented foliage, and reaches only one and one-half feet in height. It has narrow leaves (hence the name) and flowers appear as single inflorescences at the end of each stem. Plant the lavender in well-draining soil in a sunny area. And thats maybe why the Royal Horticultural Society gave it the Award of garden Merit in 2012. A very showy French lavender variety, Ballerina too has upright stems, but they have short and rather plump spikes of deep violet purple flowers and big, elegant white ears on top!This is the variety you want on your patio or terrace in containers if you wish to wow your guests with a very unusual, yet striking variety of lavender, though it will grow well also in rock gardens, borders and flower beds.Ballerina is a winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. It is a very persistent bloomer, perfect for borders, hedges, flower beds but also patios and terraces, and it looks even better when it attracts butterflies! Lavender species are common in herb gardens for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers. Despite being ha strong plant, its habit is quite elegant, with many long stems growing side by side but in a fairly sparse way, so as never to give the idea of a crammed shrub, which will add a touch of elegance and harmony to your garden. The inflorescences are in the shape of spikes, when closed, they look almost like ears of wheat. Lavandula - Wikipedia You may see French lavender grown more often as an ornamental plant than as an herb. In reply to In the Portuguese by Rosalia (not verified). The plant looks amazing in winter, maintaining its silver-grey foliage atop a neat, compact mound. Buy It: 'Impress Purple' Lavandin ($6, Goodwin Creek Gardens). They can be divided in spring to get even more plants.