The name of French lavender, which is one of the most popular types of lavender, is Lavandula stoechas. This variety of lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe, and is known for its ability to survive in harsh climates.
It grows to a height of around two to three feet, and the aromatic blooms may be pink, deep purple, or white. French lavender is most often used in a culinary or medicinal capacity. The essential oil extracted from its flowers is commonly used as an ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and skin care products, and its flowers are also often added as a decorative ingredient to recipes.
Additionally, French lavender has been known to help with insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Which lavender is the most fragrant?
The most fragrant lavender is often considered to be the species Lavandula angustifolia, also commonly known as English lavender. This species has long been prized for its sweet, floral aroma, which is especially noticeable when the flowers are dried and used in cooking.
English lavender blooms between late spring and early summer and grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. It’s also a popular choice as an ornamental plant in gardens and can be used to make essential oils, potpourris, and soaps.
Other popular lavender species, such as Lavandula stoechas and Lavandula latifolia, also have fragrant flowers and can be used to make essential oils and potpourris.
Which variety of lavender is best?
When deciding which variety of lavender is best for a given purpose, there are many factors that need to be taken into account. Different types of lavender have different characteristics, so you’ll want to choose a variety based on the type of soil your garden has, your climate, and the desired size and shape of your lavender plants.
Generally speaking, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most popular and widely available variety, though there are other types such as French lavender (Lavandula dentata), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia).
English lavender is ideal for colder climates, while French and Spanish lavender are better suited to warmer climates. While all of the types of lavender can be used to make fragrant flower arrangements, French and Spanish varieties with their heartier leaves and stems are better suited for crafts and cooking.
Additionally, the size and shape of the plants need to be taken into consideration; English Lavender is the tallest variety, while French and Spanish have a more bushy, mounding shape.
Ultimately, the best variety of lavender for a given garden or project will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences. If your focus is purely on fragrance, then English lavender might be your best option.
But if you’re looking for a hardier variety for crafts or cooking, then French or Spanish lavender could be a better fit.
Which is more fragrant French or English lavender?
The answer to which lavender is more fragrant depends on personal preference. French lavender is known for being particularly aromatic and is distinguished by its sweet, citrusy scent that is slightly floral.
English lavender is known for its more herbal, woodsy scent which some find less fragrant than French lavender. Both types have their own beautiful aroma and the effectiveness of essential oils made from the two plants can vary depending on the source.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and so which lavender one finds more fragrant is really up to individual opinion.
Which lavender is best for essential oil?
The best lavender for essential oil depends on your individual preferences, as different types of lavender have different qualities and benefits. Generally, ‘Lavandula angustifolia’, also known as ‘english’ or ‘true’ lavender, is seen as the best cultivar for essential oil production due to its high concentration of essential oils.
This type of lavender is prized for its sweet, floral scent and is often used in aromatherapy as it is believed to promote relaxation. Other cultivars available are ‘Lavandula stoechas’, or ‘spike’ lavender, ‘Lavandula intermedia’, or ‘lavandin’, and ‘Lavandula x intermedia’, which is a hybrid of ‘L.
angustifolia’ and ‘L. stoechas’. ‘Spike’ lavender is less sweet smelling than ‘True’ varieties and is often used to impart a more herbaceous, camphoric-pine aroma. ‘Lavandin’ also has a more herbal scent than ‘True’ lavender, albeit a bit sweeter than ‘Spike’.
Lastly, ‘Lavandula x intermedia’ has an aroma similar to ‘True’ lavender, but with a hint of camphoric-pine from ‘Spike’. When deciding which lavender is best for essential oil production, it is important to consider your desired scent profile and the end use of the oil.
Does lavender spread easily?
Yes, lavender does spread easily in appropriate conditions. While lavender does not produce underground runners or rhizomes, it does produce numerous growths from its base. If grown in moist, well-draining soil in a sunny, sheltered location, the lavender plant can become quite large and spread easily.
Gardeners can further encourage the spread of lavender by periodically trimming its flowering stems, as this will promote healthier new growth from the roots. In some cases, gardeners may want to reduce its spread by pruning its roots regularly, and planting it in a pot or bed with a more confined space.
How big do Provence lavender plants get?
Provence lavender plants typically grow to be around 80-90 cm (2.5-3 ft) in height and width. They have thin gray-green foliage and colorful, fragrant flowers which bloom in midsummer. The flowers range in color from light purple to a dark purple-blue.
The stems are woody and will stay upright once established, making them ideal as a specimen planting or a hedge. Provence lavender is a very popular garden plant because it is low maintenance and drought tolerant once established.
It will thrive in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Although it prefers full sun, it can also tolerate light shade. Trimming in early summer will keep this shrub full and dense.
How long does it take for lavender to spread?
Lavender is a fast-growing plant that can spread quickly if taken care of properly. However, the exact amount of time it takes for lavender to spread depends on the growing conditions and care given to the plant.
In ideal growing conditions, a mature lavender plant can spread up to 1 foot per year. When planted from a cutting, lavender will take around 5 months to establish itself and spread. When starting from seed, it can take up to 3 years for lavender to take root and begin to spread.
If lavender is planted in a suitable climate, with plenty of sunlight, water, and room to grow, it can spread quickly and effectively.
Is French Lavender fast growing?
No, French Lavender is not a fast-growing plant. Its growth rate varies depending on the type, but even the fastest of French Lavender varieties can only reach a height of 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) within a year or two.
French Lavender tends to grow relatively slowly compared to other varieties of Lavender and develops over a number of years rather than months. Generally, French Lavender plants take around two to three years to reach their full size and can expect an average height increase of 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) each year.
To get the best results from your French Lavender, it is recommended that you water it regularly and ensure that it gets adequate light.
What time of year does the lavender bloom in Provence?
The blooming season of lavender in Provence, France typically occurs between Mid-June and Early August. However, this will vary slightly depending on the seasons’ climate. If the temperatures in June are warmer than average, the blooms may appear as early as mid-May.
The blooming season will end by mid to late August once the heat of the summer has caused the lavender to dry. The best time to witness the bloom is at the end of June, as the flower heads are at their most vibrant and fragrant.
Where do I plant lavender in Provence?
In Provence, lavender typically thrives in areas with full sun exposure, especially in well drained soils. When planting lavender, the best sites are typically found in rocky or sandy regions in southern Provence.
Plant lavender in spots where it will receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day, and be sure to provide protective shelter from strong winds or frost. When it comes to soil, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soils with a pH of 6.
7 or higher. When selecting a planting location, try to avoid low-lying areas and moist spots as they could lead to rot and disease. Additionally, lavender plants need good air circulation to prevent diseases, so be sure to provide plenty of distant from other plants.
Finally, lavender should be planted in an area sheltered from nose if possible and in raised areas to ensure good drainage.
How fast does lavender grow from seed?
Lavender grows from seed with a fairly quick germination rate and can reach maturity in 2-3 years, depending on the variety. When planting lavender from seed, it is important to start with good seed and to provide adequate light, moisture and nutrients.
Lavender can be sown in the spring, summer, or fall, as long as the right environment is maintained. In warm climates, lavender is typically sown in the spring and germination can occur in as little as 3-5 days.
In cooler climates, the best time to plant lavender seeds is in the summer. Lavender seeds should be planted in moist, well-draining soil, and it is advisable to sow them directly in their final planting position, rather than using a pot.
The soil should be kept consistently moist and provided with adequate sunlight and nutrients. As your lavender plants grow, they should be pruned and fertilized to encourage maximum growth and flowering.
How far apart should I plant French lavender?
It is important to give French lavender adequate space to grow optimally, so proper spacing is important. The general rule is to space the French lavender plants between 18-24 inches apart. If using a French lavender for edging, then the plants should be spaced about 12-15 inches apart.
French lavender are quite hearty, however, so you can also plant them somewhat densely depending on their use and the available space. When planting lavender for culinary use, consider spacing the plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows, as the closer spacing allows for easier maintenance and also encourages bushier plants.
What conditions does French lavender like?
French lavender, or Lavandula stoechas, requires well-drained soil and full sun to thrive. It prefers to be in neutral or slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. As French lavender is drought-tolerant, it should have sandy or rocky soil that allows for good water drainage and air circulation.
With regular watering, providing between 1 and 2 inches of water per week, and appropriate drainage, this perennial should have little difficulty establishing itself in the garden. French lavender is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 through 11 and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in some cases.
Pruning of the plants is suggested to encourage new growth and reduce the amount of crossing stems, reducing the risk of fungal and insect issues. Light pruning, removing up to one third of the stem, should take place in early spring or summer.
Mulching with a two to three inch layer of pine straw or other organic material can help protect the plant and moderate the soil temperature.
