Lavandula angustifolia is what many people in the aromatherapy industry refer to as “true” lavender, though technically all plants in the Lavandula genus are in fact true lavenders. This variety is a widely grown garden plant, and produces an essential oil that is delicate, floral, and a bit sweet.

Is Lavandula lavender a perennial?

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), with its aromatic leaves and sweetly fragrant flower spikes, is often considered an herb. But it is actually an herbaceous perennial with a semi-woody growth habit.

How do you care for Lavandula?

Lavender Care

Plant lavender in full sun and well-drained soil (add organic matter to improve heavy soils). Starting with the proper conditions is essential for successfully growing lavender. Water plants deeply but infrequently, when the soil is almost dry. Prune every year immediately after bloom.

Is Lavandula angustifolia the same as English lavender?

Often associated with the famous purple fields of Provence, Lavandula angustifolia, also called English Lavender, is not native to England but to the Mediterranean. Ideal for garden borders, cooking and potpourri, this lavender also produces the best oils.

What is the difference between lavender and Lavandula?

Camphor. One key difference between English Lavender essential oil and oil produced from Lavandin, is that Lavandin oil contains a much higher percentage of camphor. Typically English Lavender essential oil contains between 0%-0.6% camphor, whereas Lavandin oil contains between 6%-10% camphor.

Is lavender poisonous to humans?

Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to lavender. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills have also been reported in some people after inhaling or absorbing lavender through the skin. Lavender applied to skin may cause irritation in some people.

How many times a year does lavender bloom?

It often blooms twice in one season. Lavandins (L. x intermedia)—a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender (L. latifolia)—are generally larger plants that bloom only once per year, later in the summer.

Does lavender come back every year?

Lavender is a Low-Maintenance Perennial

And this beauty will come back to your garden every year, for about 3-5 years, so it’s a great investment. What is this? Before you make any plant purchases, however, I want to remind you to always choose plants that thrive in your plant hardiness zone.

Where should I plant lavender?

The best place to plant lavender

Plant in full sun and protect from strong winds. If there are spots in the garden that bask in the hot afternoon heat, plant lavenders – they will love it! However, lavenders will also grow in semi-shade, provided the soil conditions are met.

Can lavender grow in pots?

Lavender is a perennial herb in many areas – that is, perennial if it gets really good drainage. Growing in a pot is an ideal way to provide good drainage. However, if the potting mix is extremely fertile, the plant may grow leaves and stems rather than flowering.

How long do lavender plants live?

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.

Can lavender be an indoor plant?

Plant Type

Choose smaller lavender varieties for indoors. They adapt better to pot growing and also fit beneath a grow light. French lavender (Lavandula dentata) varieties grow well indoors. They’re not as fragrantly potent as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), but they adapt better to interior conditions.

Which is the strongest smelling lavender?

With one of the strongest fragrance among Lavenders, Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ is a vigorous grower which produces exceptionally large and rich, deep violet flower spikes up to 6 in.

What is the prettiest lavender?

Jean Davis’ is the most popular culinary lavender variety. Unlike most English lavender varieties, this plant has soft pink flowers, so it will stand out in the herb garden. It has a somewhat compact habit compared to other varieties (12” tall and 18” wide), so is also a good choice for small-space gardens.

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.

Should I deadhead lavender?

Cutting the dead flowers off your lavender plant (Lavandula spp.) is a good habit. Deadheading cleans up the appearance of the lavender plant, prevents the seeds from spreading and may prompt reblooming depending on the variety.

Do you cut back lavender in winter?

Cut back lavender before winter to create a tidy mound that will give structure to the garden over the coldest months. Lavender is an evergreen shrub, so it retains foliage year round. It’s best to do your first prune before the fall, but hardier varieties can respond well to a fall pruning before the winter.

Are you supposed to cut lavender back?

Lavender bushes need to be cut back every year to keep them from growing out of control. “Pruning lavender keeps it looking full, encourages new growth and flowering, and gives you lots of fresh tips to harvest throughout the season,” says Amy Fedele, a home gardening expert and Pretty Purple Door blogger.