Who can resist the allure of lavender? Its charming foliage, captivating purple blooms, and enchanting fragrance make it an irresistible garden choice.
With over 450 lavender varieties available, selecting the perfect lavender plant for your garden can be a delightful challenge. Lavenders don't all bloom simultaneously; some grace us with continuous blossoms from early spring through late summer. To extend your lavender's blooming season, it's essential to make thoughtful choices.
What to Consider When Planting Lavender?
- Consider the Lavender Type: Lavender boasts numerous varieties, each with its unique aroma and hue. French (Lavandin) and English lavender are popular choices. French lavender offers a milder scent and thrives in heat, while English lavender boasts a robust fragrance and cold resistance.
- Check for Hardiness: Ensure the lavender you choose is suited to your climate. Certain varieties handle heat better, while others endure colder temperatures. Investigate the plant's hardiness zone to ensure it will thrive in your region.
- Inspect Plant Health: When picking lavender plants for your garden, opt for those with vibrant leaves and stems, devoid of any signs of disease or pests. Avoid root-bound plants and those that have already bloomed.
- Consider Plant Size: Lavender comes in various sizes, from compact to sprawling. Select a lavender plant that fits well within your garden space and complements your existing flora.
- Choose the Right Soil: Lavender flourishes in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. If your soil isn't ideal, you can enhance drainage and alkalinity by incorporating lime or sand. Avoid overly nutrient-rich soil, as it can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of blossoms.
- Select the Right Spot: Lavender thrives in full sun, so choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Avoid planting it against your house wall to prevent shade, which can cause the plant to grow leaning toward the sun and affect its appearance.
Selecting the Ideal Lavender Plant for Your Garden
Selecting the perfect lavender plant for your garden involves considering several factors. Choose from various lavender varieties, such as French and English, each with its distinct scent and colour. Ensure the plant is suitable for your climate's hardiness zone, taking into account its tolerance for heat or cold. Opt for healthy-looking plants, free from pests or disease, and consider the plant's size in relation to your garden space. Additionally, provide well-drained, slightly alkaline soil to support your lavender's growth and flowering.
Lavender Blooming Season Guides
All Year Round
LAVANDULA DENTATA
Spring to Summer
MAJOR
PRINCESS
Australian-bred
PINK DELIGHT
Summer
LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA
LAVANDULA x INTERMEDIA (Lavandin)
Super Size: 60 x 60cm
Mid to late summer
Grosso and Super are major varieties grown at Lavender Backyard Garden for lavender essential oil distillation.
What are Difference between English vs French Lavender?
At our farm, we have the privilege of cultivating both English and French (Lavandin) lavenders, each with its unique characteristics. Understanding these differences helps us maximise our farm's potential. Let's delve into a simplified comparison between English and French lavender, focusing on their plant basic information, scents, suitable planting locations, and usage.
1. Basic Plant Information
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): English lavender, also known as true lavender, is a species native to the Mediterranean region. It typically grows in compact bushes with narrow leaves and shorter flower spikes compared to other lavender varieties. English lavender is prized for its high oil content and superior fragrance.
- French Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia, Lavandin): French lavender, often referred to as lavandin, is a hybrid of English lavender (L. angustifolia) and spike lavender (L. latifolia). It tends to be larger and more robust in growth compared to English lavender, with broader leaves and longer flower spikes. French lavender is cultivated extensively for its commercial value in perfume and essential oil production.
2. Scents Profile
- English Lavender: The scent of English lavender is renowned for its delicate and sweet floral aroma, often described as calming and soothing. It has a well-balanced fragrance with subtle hints of herbaceous notes.
- French Lavender (Lavandin): French lavender possesses a stronger, more camphorous scent compared to English lavender. It is often described as more intense and pungent, with sharper herbal undertones. While still pleasant, the aroma of lavandin is distinct from the softer fragrance of English lavender.
3. Suitable Growing Location
- English Lavender: Due to its compact growth habit and preference for well-drained soil, English lavender is well-suited for smaller garden spaces, containers, and rock gardens. It thrives in sunny locations with good air circulation.
- French Lavender (Lavandin): French lavender, being larger and more vigorous in growth, is ideal for larger garden spaces, borders, and landscaping projects. It can tolerate a wider range of soil conditions but still prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
4. Flowering Period
In the North Island of New Zealand, the flowering periods of English and French lavender align with the local climate and growing conditions. The timing of these blooming seasons corresponds to the region's temperate climate and seasonal variations. Here's a breakdown of the flowering periods in the North Island timezone:
-
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
- Blooms typically appear from late spring to early summer.
- Flowering period ranges from late November to late December.
- Our farm is located in North Island Hamilton. Our flowering period normally occurs between early December and late December.
-
French Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia, Lavandin):
- Blooms usually emerge from late spring to mid or late summer.
- Flowering period spans from mid-December to early February.
- Our farm is located in North Island, Hamilton. Our flowering period normally occurs between mid-December and late January.
Please note that these timeframes may vary slightly depending on local weather conditions and specific microclimates within the North Island.
5. Usage
- English Lavender: English lavender is popularly used for its aromatic qualities in potpourris, sachets, culinary dishes, and herbal teas. Its essential oil is prized in aromatherapy for its relaxing properties and is commonly used in skincare and beauty products.
- French Lavender (Lavandin): French lavender is primarily cultivated for its essential oil, which has a higher yield compared to English lavender. This oil is widely used in perfumery, sleep aid products, household cleaners, and personal care products, thanks to its strong fragrance and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the dried flowers of lavandin are often utilised in crafting and decorative arrangements.
English and French lavenders share similarities in appearance and uses but differ in plant size, scent profile, and growing conditions. English lavender, prized for its delicate fragrance and compact growth, suits smaller gardens and aromatherapy. French lavender (lavandin), with its stronger scent and larger size, is preferred for commercial cultivation, serving industries like perfume and essential oil production.
What Are the Most Potent Lavender Scents?
Being a lavender farm in New Zealand, our primary cultivation is Lavandula x Intermedia, specifically for lavender essential oil distillation. This variety offers an aroma that is soothing and tranquil, albeit slightly more robust compared to Lavandula Angustifolia, thanks to its elevated Camphor and 1,8-Cineole content. If you would like to learn more about our farm click here to discover our farm.
100% award-winning pure Lavender Essential Oil from Lavender Backyard Garden.
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