Lavender

Profile

Family

Lamiaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

1.2 m

Spread

1.2 m

Growth

slow

Lifespan

10 years

First yield

after 2 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – moist

pH

6.5 – 8

Synonyms

Lavandula officinale, Lavendel

Planned in gardens

4×

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Blätter, Blütenblätter und Blütenspitzen – roh. Sie werden als Gewürz in Salaten, Suppen, Eintöpfen usw. verwendet. verwendet. Sie haben ein sehr aromatisches Aroma und sind zu intensiv, um sie mengenmäßig zu verwenden. Die frischen oder getrockneten Blüten werden als Tee verwendet. Frische Blüten werden auch kandiert oder als Aromastoff in Marmeladen, Eiscreme, Essig usw. eingesetzt. Ein ätherisches Öl aus den Blüten wird als Lebensmittelaroma verwendet.

Other uses: The oil extracted from lavender flowers is highly fragrant and versatile, with various uses in households and industries. It is utilized in soap production, high-quality perfumes (including 'Eau de Cologne'), as a cleaning agent, food flavoring, and insect repellent. Harvesting the flowering stems immediately after the flowers fade is recommended to achieve oil yields of 0.8 - 1%. The scented leaves and flowers are employed in potpourri and as insect repellents in linen storage. Historically, they were scattered in rooms for fragrance and insect deterrence. Adding the leaves to bathwater enhances the aroma and therapeutic benefits, also known for repelling mice. After using the flowers for potpourri, the remaining stems can be bundled and burned as incense sticks. Lavender is suitable for growing as a short hedge, thriving with regular trimming. Varieties like 'Hidcote Variety,' 'Loddon Pink,' and 'Folgate Blue' are ideal for creating dwarf hedges ranging from 30 to 50cm in height.

Growing

Thrives in well-drained soil with neutral to alkaline pH and prefers a sunny location. It does best in a light, warm, dry soil. In rich soils, it tends to produce more leaves but fewer essential oils. Established plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand salt wind exposure. For maximum essential oil content, it requires a warm, sunny position in a light sandy soil, with the fragrance being most pronounced in chalky soil. Hardy to temperatures between -10 and -15°C. Lavender is an attractive plant commonly found in herb gardens and grown commercially for its essential oil. There are various named varieties available. While not long-lived, it can be pruned to maintain its appearance but is recommended to be replaced every 10 years. Pruning should be done in spring to avoid encouraging new growth that may not be cold-resistant. A beneficial plant for bees, butterflies, and moths. Lavender is a good companion plant for most crops, particularly cabbages.

Propagation

Plant seeds in spring in a sheltered environment, covering them lightly. Germination typically occurs within 1 to 3 months at 15°C. Once the seedlings are large enough, transfer them to individual pots and continue growing them in a protected area for their first winter. Plant them outdoors in late spring after the final frosts. Take 7-10cm cuttings of semi-hardwood with a heel in July or August, placing them in a frame. Rooting is usually successful within a few weeks. Keep them in a greenhouse during their first winter and transplant them outside after the last frosts in spring. Cuttings with a heel, measuring 7cm, can be taken successfully at any time of the year. Layering.

Origin & habitat

Europe - Mediterranean.

Most trees growing in a seemingly natural state have originated from cultivation, with some pure stands found in Tibet on mountain slopes within sparse forests at elevations ranging from 700 to 3000 meters.

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