DISCUSSING DEATH
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As one of the most sought-after plants for homes and gardens, lavenders have a long and fascinating history.
Native to the Atlantic islands of Europe, the Mediterranean region and from Somalia in Africa well into India, today there are over 30 species that range in size from a few centimetres tall and wide to giant shrubs.
The name originates from the Latin verb ‘lavare,’ meaning to wash. Lavender has always been valued for its fragrant oils. Historically, these oils have been used as a perfume by early Egyptians, as a relaxant in bath waters in Roman times and throughout the ages as a mild sedative in teas and herbal drinks. During the great plagues in Europe, lavender oil was credited as being an insect repellent and used to repel the fleas that were spread by rats.
Lavender essential oils have medicinal anti-inflammatory properties and have been used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. A high concentration of these oils can kill some common bacteria.
Lavender is still highly prized for aromatherapy, perfumes and soaps. Lavender farms, such as Tuscan Farm Gardens in Abbotsford, showcase its long-lasting beauty and sell it in many creative forms.
In the culinary world, early French chefs used Lavandula ‘Provence’ to flavour many of their dishes, and today’s foodies continue to use lavender to enhance such diverse foods as breads, candies and desserts.
Lavender is also versatile in home gardens. It can be grown in containers, borders, herb gardens, perennial gardens or by itself. It is among the best plants to attract pollinators. To see and hear bees buzzing among lavender blooms is one of nature’s great experiences.
Because of their hardiness and intense fragrance, Lavandula angustifolia and L. intermedia ‘Grosso’ are the most frequently cultivated species. The less hardy L. stoechas types and subspecies are favourites for summer containers because of their larger, unique flower heads and more continuous blooming habit.
Some of the older varieties are still very popular, but there are also many great new lavenders. Among the golden oldies, Lavender a. ‘Munstead’ (zone 4) continues to be one of the hardiest and most compact (12 to 16 inches tall) varieties. , Lavandula a. ‘Hidcote’ (zone 5) is highly perfumed, long flowering and has attractive silver-grey foliage (16 to 18 inches tall).
Today’s breeders are developing longer blooming and more compact plants, and there have been a number of exciting new introductions to the lavender world, such as L. intermedia ‘Phenomenal’ (zone 4).
Growing about 24 to 32 inches tall, it is tough, resilient and disease resistant, and it tolerates both cold and hot extremes without any dieback.
With its mid-blue flowers contrasted by distinct silver foliage, L.a. ‘Big Time Blue’ (zone 5) is another taller variety, growing up to 24 inches. It blooms from May to August.
‘Sweet Romance’ (zone 5), with its rich purple flowers contrasted by grey-green foliage, is one of the earliest lavenders to bloom. Growing about 12 to 18 inches tall, L.a. ‘Superblue’ (zone 5a) is so named because of its huge blooms on short flower stalks that provide colour from April through September. At the Pennsylvania State University lavender trials, it was a top performer, rating 4.7 out of 5 in the Best of Species competition.
For small space gardens, compact varieties often work best. One of the tiniest is L.a. ‘Thumbelina Leigh,’ which grows only nine inches tall. It’s a June through August bloomer with fragrant foliage and deep purple flowers.
As for the Spanish or stoechas types of lavender, the ‘Anouk’ series is among the hardiest (zone 6a) and has the longest flowering, most weather-tolerant traits.
They are ideal container plants for a sunny area, but they need well-draining soils for best performance.
‘Anouk Supreme’ flowers about one week earlier than its predecessors. ‘Deep Rose’ sports rich rose ‘flags’; ‘Double Anouk’ is just what its name suggests — a very full look — and ‘Silver Anouk’ has richly contrasting silver foliage. Anouk has white “flags” which nicely accent the blue flowers on the bud below.
All lavenders need a sunny location and very good drainage. They do not like wet feet, and will not tolerate saturated soils, and they do not like wet foliage, so when giving them a drink, water only the soil and, if possible, only in the early part of the day. Good
All lavenders need a sunny location and good drainage. They do not like wet feet, and will not tolerate saturated soils.
air flow is also important to prevent diseases like mildew.
These are just a few of the many beautiful varieties of lavender available today. They are all in bloom now, and readily available in most garden stores, so check out these stunning varieties and add them to your summer garden or patio pots.
Fragrant and beautiful, lavenders are special plants that both gardeners and pollinators enjoy.