Lavandula stoechas aka Topped Lavender

Taxonomy

Lavandula stoechas, also known as Spanish or topped lavender in the US and French lavender in the UK, is a species of flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to several Mediterranean countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, and Greece. Lavender is widely recognized for its gentle aroma and soothing properties, often used in products ranging from soaps to lattes. While the essential oils in the blossoms can be toxic in large doses, they are generally safe for consumption according to the FDA. Lavender is a popular ingredient in top kitchens around the world, used in pairings with goat cheese, tea, and as a garnish. Just the thought of its scent is enough to make us feel sleepy and relaxed.

Common names

Topped Lavender, Spanish Lavender, French Lavender

How to care for Topped Lavender

Difficulty

Topped Lavender requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

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

Soil

Topped 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

Topped 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 Topped Lavender will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Topped Lavender is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Topped Lavender is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The growth of Topped Lavender is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Topped Lavender’s native range is Old World.

Flower

If you provide your Topped Lavender with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia