Plant Write Up

The plant I’d like to grow at the garden is a Lavandula angustifolia, or Common Lavender plant.

a. it is a strongly aromatic shrub

b. Lavender is accustomed to growing naturally in harsh environments. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October.

c. Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed[4]. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Usually very east, a high percentage will root within a few weeks[78]. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings 7cm with a heel succeed at almost any time of the year[1]. Layering.

d. New plants grow rapidly and reach maturity within a year. Grown correctly, though, the life span of a plant can be extended for several years.

e. Refer to letter C.

f. Most varieties of English Lavender will spread to around 60cms (2ft) across.

g. Lavender plants need excellent drainage and loads of full sun. Heavy clay soil and too much water are reasons enough for the plant to fail, especially during our warm dry summer months when one might tend to step up the watering schedule. Too much water combined with summer heat can quickly develop root rot, the leading cause of loss. The soil pH should be close to neutral, or slightly alkaline. Some websites say to add lime if needed less acidity. Slow-release 14-14-14 granulated plant food will get young plants off to a good start. Otherwise feed them only when signs of poor growth or slight yellowing of the foliage occur.

h. it tolerates drought quite well, but needs water through really dry periods. Preferably not over their foliage; water along their outside edges. Growers with little or no loss during summer months recommend watering only 20 minutes twice a month or every other week. Of course young plants – less than a year old – will need more water. Depending on the soil type, a 100 square foot lavender planting generally needs six to 18 gallons of water a week. (A10-foot-by-10-foot square has room for about 10 lavender plants spaced three to four feet apart.)

i. Any other perennials complement the Lavender and vice versa.

Harvesting a plant for its flower stalks to dry or use fresh should be done when the flowers are barely opening. Otherwise, enjoy their long lasting bloom in the garden. When flowering is past its peak is a good time to shear the whole plant back by one-third to one-half its size. This will keep the plant rejuvenated with new growth and often times give a second bloom cycle, depending on the variety. While plants are very young, trim off any eager bloom stalks to give the plant a better shape as it grows to its mature size. Any trimming is best done in spring and should not be done in the autumn since this can encourage new growth that will not be very cold-hardy. It is said to be an important relaxing herb, having a soothing and relaxing affect upon the nervous system. Its powerful antiseptic properties are able to kill many of the common bacteria such as typhoid, diphtheria, streptococcus and Pneumococcus, as well as being a powerful antidote to some snake venoms.