What is the difference between English lavender and regular lavender?
Both French and English lavender produce purple flowers and green foliage, but English lavender sprouts the traditional dark purple flowers with long stalks of tiny clusters, while French lavender produces lighter pink-purple blooms. Lavenders are not as happy on acidic soil, apart from Lavandula stoechas. It’s sensible to grow half-hardy and tender types in containers so that they can be moved to a light, airy frost-free place in winter. You can plant lavender in spring, from March through to May, or in autumn.Lavender tends to be trouble-free, if grown in the conditions it enjoys. A sun-drenched spot with free-draining soil is ideal. However, if grown in wet or heavy soil, lavender can suffer root rots, leading to its premature demise. To prevent this, grow in a raised bed or container if you have these conditions.Because lavender is a semi-woody shrub, it has a tendency to develop elongated, woody stems if plants aren’t pruned regularly. Not only do these scraggly stems produce fewer blooms, they eventually sprawl outward, leaving an ugly hole in the middle of your plant.Lavender plants are likely to suffer from root rot if often overwatered, and if the soil drainage is particularly poor around them. You can prevent this by ensuring you plant Lavender hedges and shrubs in full sun and well-drained soil. Lavender almost thrive on neglect!
How quickly does English lavender grow?
Lavender is a slow growing perennial that may bloom in its first year but takes three or more years to fully mature. Their growth rate will largely depend on the variety, and most varieties will take roughly three years to become fully mature plants. Hardy lavenders are best pruned after they have finished flowering in late August or September. Traditional advice used to be that you should never cut into the old wood. However, opinions have changed and gardeners are now told to cut back to about 22cm (9ins).Carry out lavender pruning in late August, just after flowering has finished. Don’t leave it too late, as any re-growth will need time to harden up before the first frosts. You can also trim your lavenders in April, but this will delay flowering slightly.Hardy lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia types) can cope with temperatures down to about -15°C, and can therefore be left in the garden all year round. Prune after flowering, typically in August or September.If the flowers have gone over and look dull, they’re developing into seedheads. You can cut these back as soon as they form, using secateurs, or wait until October. At Norfolk Lavender, we give another light prune in early spring, mid-March.
What is the best month to plant lavender?
The best time of year to plant Lavender is in early spring, ideally April, when the soil starts to become warm. This is unlike many other plants which we suggest planting in the autumn. Lavender prefers dry soil, and the cold and wet conditions of winter months would leave the plant vulnerable. Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Lavender. Lavender might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking lavender with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.Lavender may help with sleep, as it has a calming effect. Many people use lavender-infused fragrances before bed, said Sanjay Kaji, MD, a sleep medicine specialist with Banner – University Medicine. Lavender’s calming effects aren’t just folklore — there’s science to back them up.Yes, lavender does well in pots, provided it has the right growing conditions. When planted in well-draining soil and placed in a location that receives ample sunlight, potted lavender can thrive and produce beautiful blooms.Lavender is more than just a pretty flower — it’s a plant with many health benefits. Its calming scent can help reduce stress and improve sleep. If you’re looking to improve your mood or sleep, using lavender-infused essential oils and teas may help you feel better.
Does English lavender spread?
No. Unlike herbs that spread into clumps with underground or above-ground stems, lavender is a woody shrub and does not form a clump. Lavenders thrive in the arid West, but are best grown as annuals or container plants in the South, as they do not thrive in areas of high humidity (with the exception of Lavandula dentata and L. Most are hardy from Zones 5 to 9; Spanish Lavender (L. Zones 7 to 9.Types of Plants Not to Pair with Lavender Water-loving plants: Herbs and plants that prefer moist soil, like mint, begonias, fuchsias, and impatiens, are unlikely to thrive alongside lavender, says Betz.
What is the lifespan of English lavender?
With proper care, lavender plants will survive for 10- 15 years. Lavender should be pruned every year after flowering. Shear back the plants to half its size to stimulate new growth and a bushier vibrant plant. English lavender should be pruned after flowering between late summer and autumn or in the spring time. Pruning your plants correctly will prevent your plant from becoming woody, extend their lifespan and it will encourage more flowers next year.The biggest mistake with lavender is not pruning it straight after flowering to keep it in check. Not pruning equals Woody stems, a messy form and potentially even less flowers follow these simple instructions to have beautiful lavender year on year.What is the 8 8 8 rule for lavender? The 8 8 8 rule for lavender means spacing plants about 8 inches apart, allowing flower stems to grow 8 inches long, and pruning lavender back by 8 inches after flowering.For indoor growing, lavender should receive as much light as possible. It will do best in a south-facing window or where it can get a minimum of three to four hours of direct sunlight. Even better — use an LED grow light to get consistent, full spectrum light year-round.
Does English lavender like sun or shade?
English lavender is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that is native to Mediterranean areas. It is well loved but at times difficult to grow in North Carolina. This plant requires perfectly drained soil, preferably on the dry side, and full sun. Sharon Roberts English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Sharon Roberts’) is a twice-blooming variety with long, thin flower spikes Deadhead it after the first bloom in mid- to late June to enjoy a second bloom in early fall.
Does English lavender come back every year?
Before you get started, here are a few basics to keep in mind: Lavender is a perennial plant which means it comes up every year. Be sure to plant your lavender with the right companion plants. Lavender thrives in perennial garden beds alongside other Mediterranean-native herbs like rosemary, sage, marjoram, savory, and tarragon. These perennials love the same well-drained, low-fertility soils as lavender and can be tended in a very similar way.Lavender plants are fairly trouble-free, but leaf spots and root rot can occur if the soil is too wet. Many plants perish if the soil gets too wet over the winter months. Light Lavender plants thrive in full sun.Does lavender look dead in winter? Lavender can appear dead in the winter months, but this is a natural part of its annual growth cycle called dormancy. Just like a tree, during this period, it conserves energy and prepares for new growth in the spring.Light: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade may help them thrive. Soil: Lavender grows best in low to moderately-fertile soils, so don’t amend the soil with organic matter before planting. Lavender performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils.