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Lavender.  How to grow: tips and tricks

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Lavender, with its beautiful purple flowers and sweet, delightful fragrance, has long been admired by people for its versatile nature and uses. This plant holds a special place in the world of aromatherapy, culinary, and natural remedies, as well as being a beloved plant among garden enthusiasts.

Lavender’s stunning appearance makes it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. Its vibrant purple flowers, complimented by green foliage, create a striking display in any garden or flower bed. Lavender definitely adds an element of elegance and charm to both formal and informal landscapes.

Choosing the right variety

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Before planting lavender in the garden or flower bed, the first thing to do is choose the right variety, which will be better suited for the climate, soil type, and intended use. (Will it be just for decoration or used for culinary or remedy purposes?)

There are a lot of varieties of lavender.

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This is probably the most popular and widely cultivated variety of the plant. Despite its name, English lavender originated in the Mediterranean, and it was named so because this type of plant grows well in cooler climates and is a staple of English gardens. It is cherished for its compact size, densely packed flowers, and sweet floral smell. Because of its low content of camphor, English lavender is perfect for culinary purposes as well as for remedies and aromatherapy uses. This is the type of lavender that is generally used to produce top-quality essential oils. This variety is excellent for borders, rock gardens, and herb gardens. English lavender blooms from June to August.

French lavender (Lavandula dentata)

Also known as fringed lavender. French lavender flowers smell less than those of English lavender; however, the benefit of it is that it blooms throughout the summer, creating a vibrant display of purple, pink, and white flowers. This variety is perfect for adding a touch of colour and texture to garden beds.

Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

This type has unique pineapple-shaped blooms and is recognisable for the large bracts that resemble rabbit ears that emerge from each flower spike. Flowers of this type can come in a variety of colours, including purple and pink. And white. It blooms earlier in the season and is generally more tolerant of heat and dry conditions compared to other varieties of lavender. So this makes it perfect for planting in a dry and hot Mediterranean climate.

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)

This is a hybrid cross between English lavender and spike lavender. It is valued for its vigorous growth and strong scent. This type is not ideal for culinary purposes, as it has a high content of camphor. But lavandin is very popular for being used to produce sachets, potpourri, and low-grade essential oils.

Tips for planting lavender

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After you’ve found the right variety of lavender, an important thing is to find the perfect location. Lavender thrives in full sunlight, so it’s better to choose a location where the plant will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight as well as good air circulation.

Another important thing to note is that lavender plants are susceptible to root rot, so it’s better to select a spot that is well-drained.

The next important step that needs to be taken before planting lavender is to prepare the soil. Lavender plants prefer well-drained soil with a slight alkaline pH level. You would want to avoid excessive use of nitrogen-rich fertilisers, as they can result in rich foliage but reduce flower production.

Planting technique and aftercare

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When planting lavender, dig a hole that is slightly wider and deeper than the plant’s root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole. Then fill it with soil, firming it gently around the plant to eliminate air pockets. You should space lavender plants approximately 12 to 18 inches apart to allow good air circulation.

Another important thing to do is know how to water your plants. Watering is essential during lavender’s establishment phase. Water the newly planted lavender, ensuring that the water will reach the root zone. Reduce the frequency to prevent overwatering, which can cause roots to rot. Once established, lavender is drought-resistant, so you need to make sure that the soil is dry between waterings.

To keep your plant looking healthy and maintain its shape, prune lavender annually. This will encourage bushier growth and promote better flowering. Pruning should be done in early spring, just as new growth emerges, and don’t forget to regularly remove dead flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Conclusion

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Lavender is a beloved and versatile plant. Whether you decide to grow it in your garden just for its aroma and aesthetic or to explore its culinary and therapeutic potentials, by following these essential tips, you can ensure that lavender will become a centrepiece of your garden. With all of its benefits, lavender is relatively low-maintenance, making it one of the favourite plants among gardeners seeking a touch of elegance and serenity in their outdoor spaces.

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