Lavandula aka Lavender

Taxonomy

Lavandula, also known as lavender, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. With 47 known species, it is native to the Old World, including Cape Verde, the Canary Islands, Europe, northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia, and India. Lavender is widely cultivated in temperate climates for its ornamental beauty, culinary uses, and extraction of essential oils. The most popular species, Lavandula angustifolia, features a shade of flowers that has even inspired a color name. Lavender has a rich history in traditional medicine and cosmetics. This evergreen shrub typically reaches a height of up to 45cm and has a compact growth habit. Its linear grey-green leaves are aromatic, and it produces spikes of fragrant, very dark purple flowers and pale purple bracts from late spring to summer. One notable variety, Blue Spear, stands out with its taller and bigger flower spikes compared to other seed lavenders. The upright stems of Blue Spear create a stunning visual impact from a distance, as they are closely positioned together. This lavender is easy to grow, boasting high uniformity, good habit, and early flowering when exposed to a minimum 12-hour daylength.

Common names

Lavender, Goodwin Creek Lavender

How to care for Lavender

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Lavender, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Lavender should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lavender loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Lavender requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Goodwin Creek Lavender will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Lavender plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The Lavender does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The growth of Lavender is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Lavender’s native range is Old World.


More info:
Wikipedia