French lavender is especially fragrant and showy. The highly fragrant French lavender (Lavandula stoechas, 1-3′) has some of the showiest flowers of all the lavenders. The Mediterranean native was grown by the Romans for its exceptional scent, and its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions.
What is the most valuable type of lavender?
The Most Profitable Lavender Varieties
- 1 – Lavendula augustifolia or English Lavender. This is one of two of the most widely grown species of lavender.
- 2 – Lavender X intermedia. This species is actually a cross between Lavendula augustifolia and Lavendula latifolia and are referred to by the name lavandins.
Which is better English or French lavender?
English lavender is typically the most appealing variety when it comes to scent and is similar to rosemary. French lavender has a stronger fragrance with more pine notes, making it a popular choice for cleaning and home products. No smell is “better” than the other, it is largely based on individual preference.
Which is the best scented lavender?
The most fragrant Lavender plants are the Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia). Several cultivars of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are also prized for their delightful scent. Lavandula x intermedia, also called Lavandin, is a hybrid cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia.
Which is the bluest lavender?
Hidcote Blue Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Hidcote Blue) has deeply colored violet-blue flowers and a compact uniform habit. Hidcote Blue Lavender is an excellent choice for edging walks and paths, where the aromatic flowers and foliage can be easily enjoyed. Good variety for drying, as it holds its color well.
Which lavender blooms the longest?
A: Two of the longest blooming kinds of lavender are Lavandula angustifolia ‘Irene Doyle’ and the hybrid L. ‘Goodwin Creek Grey. ‘ The best way to have lavender blooming all summer is to plant several different kinds that bloom sequentially.
What is the hardiest lavender to grow?
The English lavender species (Lavandula angustifolia) are the most hardy of all lavender species, able to tolerate winter frosts, snow, wind and deer and rabbit resistance. English lavenders are hardy to zone 5 and can be grown in a temperate climate.
Which is the easiest lavender to grow?
English lavenders are the easiest lavenders to grow, with varieties such as ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ regarded as the easiest and most versatile lavender varieties as they require minimal maintenance and can survive in both hot and cold climates.
Which smells stronger French or English lavender?
English Lavenders have a stronger and sweeter aroma (especially the varieties Hidcote and Munstead). French lavender aroma tends to not be as strong as English lavenders, although it still exudes a nice, more subtle fragrance. English lavender can live up to 15 years with the right care.
Which lavender is best for borders?
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
‘Hidcote’ is one of the best known of all lavender varieties, for good reason. It’s a compact variety of English lavender with mid-purple flowers and is ideal for planting in borders or as dwarf hedging.
Why is my lavender not fragrant?
The reason lavenders do not smell is usually to do with a lack of sunlight or soil that is too fertile. The less sun a lavender receives, the less flowers and oils will be produced which ultimately limits the lavenders smell. Lavenders need full sun and low to medium fertility soils to produce the best fragrance.
Where should I plant lavender?
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant (in needs if not always in geographic origin) and needs lots of sun and fast-draining soil. It will not survive long in shady, damp or extremely cold conditions. It prefers poor, dry or moderately fertile soil, including chalky and alkaline soils.
Which lavender is most purple?
Lavandula x intermedia ‘Impress Purple’ (Lavender)
Probably the darkest purple flowered Lavender of all! A favorite for cut flowers and fresh bouquets.
What does lavender symbolize?
Lavender flowers represent purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. Purple is the color of royalty and speaks of elegance, refinement, and luxury, too. The color is also associated with the crown chakra, which is the energy center associated with higher purpose and spiritual connectivity.
How can I make my lavender smell stronger?
Another great tip for keeping your dried lavender plants scented much longer, is to add some lavender essential oil to the flowers to rejuvenate the scent once it starts to fade. You can also squeeze or crush the flowers to release their scent.
When should I buy lavender plants?
Don’t buy your lavender until towards the end of May. Lavender is a funny old thing – the angustifolia varieties such as Hidcote and Munstead are as tough as old boots once they are established.
When should I plant lavender?
spring
Plant lavender in spring, once all chances of frost have passed. This beautiful, fragrant herb is a great addition to raised beds, in-ground gardens, and growing in containers. Space lavender plants 12 to 18 inches apart in an area with plenty of sunlight and sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.7 to 7.3.
How do I keep my lavender blooming?
To increase the amount lavender blooms, plant lavender in full sun, with sandy soil and prune in the Spring to stimulate more growth to support more blooms. Watering lavender too frequently and adding fertilizer can stress the plant which causes fewer blooms.
How hot is too hot for lavender?
The plant originated from Mediterranean countries, where average temperatures of 68-86°F (20-30°C) during spring-early summer are common. Soil temperatures above 65°F (18°C) favor growth and regeneration after harvest. However, the plant can definitely tolerate lower temperatures as well.
How long does a lavender plant live?
five to seven years
When sited correctly and pruned judiciously, lavenders should live for five to seven years. Although lavender is fairly drought tolerant, adequate moisture is required throughout the growing season. Most critical are the weeks after planting to ensure that soil around the rootball does not dry out.
What is the difference between French and Spanish lavender?
Spanish lavender has showier flower spikes than French lavender and their leaves are not scalloped but straight like English lavender. Sometimes you will see it referred to as Rabbit Ears due to the shape of the flower petals.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.