After years of
trying many different varieties, we have found that the best types of
lavender for growing in the hot, humid south are ‘provence’ and ‘sweet.’
Technically, they are lavandins, a class of lavender hybrids whose
parentage provides much greater heat tolerance. Lavandins are grown
commercially in France, where summers are hot (but not as humid). ‘Provence’
is an especially good strain of commercial lavandin because it has a high
essential oil content, robust growth and two flushes of bloom (one in
early summer, one in late summer). ‘Sweet’ lavender is slightly less
pure in scent, but is especially well-adapted to the southern climate.
Lavender has a wonderfully distinctive fresh, exquisite fragrance.
Essential oils of French and English lavenders are slightly different,
with the English commanding a higher price. Many aromatherapy
products use the French because it is more readily available, but most of
us can not tell the difference. We are fortunate that in this climate, on
any given day of the year, one can brush the foliage of lavender and
experience the immediate pleasures of its irresistible fragrance. Now that’s
aromatherapy!
Lavender has earned a
reputation for being tricky to maintain in the Lowcountry, but it is
possible to grow beautiful, healthy plants if you can provide them with
the proper growing conditions:
- Full Sun. Lavender may grow
for a while in only half a day, but ultimately the inevitable
combination of heat and moisture (be it rain or heavy humidity) will
cause disease.
- Excellent Drainage. This means there should be
no standing water. Ever. If planted in the ground,
sandy soil is best. A raised bed is ideal. If not in a raised bed,
plant the lavender slightly above ground level on a mound of soil.
This will keep the foliage dry as well as enhancing drainage. In a
pot, use a pro-quality peat-based mix with perlite. Composted pine
bark is not recommended by itself as a medium for potted lavender. You
can add Charleston County compost (available at the Bees Ferry and
Romney St. landfills) to composted pine bark or to Sunshine Mix™.
Compost provides excellent drainage and a slightly alkaline ph.
- Air Circulation. Lavender needs to have 360°
of open air around it. In a mixed planting, surround it with a
low-growing companion such as thyme. Avoid letting the foliage of
other plants (including weeds) come in contact with the lavender. The
corner of a raised bed would be an ideal placement. Allow 3 feet
between plants. Think about ways you have seen lavender photographed—
lining a walk in England (provides good circulation), or covering a
hillside in France (ideal for circulation and drainage). Growing
lavender in a large urn or pot is often the best solution for many
gardeners in the United States.
- Alkaline Soil. Soil with a ph greater than 7
is considered alkaline. The areas in France and England that are so
well-known for glorious lavender have alkaline soil. This higher ph
actually helps prevent fungus and other diseases from attacking
lavender (and some other herbs as well). Fortunately for gardeners,
manipulating soil ph is easy: add ground limestone to the soil, plant
next to a concrete path or even in a concrete block, or amend the soil
with ground oyster shell. These are all simple ways to provide the
necessary alkalinity to the plants.
- Pruning. Make sure to prune back all
dead branches and winter-burned growth after danger of frost has
passed. Cut back to where you see new growth beginning to sprout. This
may seem drastic, but your plant will do better in the long run if you
prune it on a regular basis! In the summer, you may need to prune a
few branches from the center of the plant to increase air circulation.
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| Culinary. While not usually thought of in
culinary terms, lavender is surprisingly delicious in both sweet and
savory dishes. On the grill with lamb or chicken, in a marinade for pork,
or as a flavoring in herbal vinegar, the leaves have an aromatic pungency
similar in some ways to rosemary, yet very distinctive. Also like
rosemary, a little goes a long way. In sweet dishes the leaves and the
flowers can be used. Lavender sugar, made by burying the lavender in sugar
for a few days, is delicious on strawberries, in hot tea, in cakes, or ice
cream. A lavender syrup can be used to make lavender sorbet, or sprinkled
on fruit salad or pound cake. |
Aromatherapy.
Lavender essential oil (derived mainly from the flowers, but
sometimes from the leaves) is one of
the top 10 aromatherapy oils because of its many practical
applications. It is used to alleviate headaches, help the restless
fall asleep, soothe psychological stress (thereby uplifting the
spirits), treat burns and scratches (it has proven antibacterial
qualities), relieve symptoms of PMS, and soothe irritated skin—
all while smelling heavenly. For the fastidious housekeeper
lavender is used in sachets to repel moths and to scent the
linens. |
Varieties
| Goodwin
Creek Lavender (Lavendula heterophylla), This
cultivar is a hybrid of French lavender which Goodwin Creek
discovered. It blooms throughout the summer and may even bloom in
the winter in mild climates. 'Goodwin Creek Grey' and French
lavender are the best choices for a winter blooming indoor lavender.
The silvery toothed foliage is very attractive and the corollas are
deep purple. |
 |
Lace
Lavender (Lavendula pinnata), a tender perennial when
planted in a protected spot. Unlike the other lavenders, it blooms
constantly from spring to frost. You can even bring this one inside
and it will bloom happily throughout the winter, as long as it has
plenty of sun. Its silvery-green, lacey foliage and profusion of
bright blue blossoms make it a great accent plant, either in a pot
or in a bed. |
| Provence
Lavender
(Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence') a perennial, is a great, hardy
variety for the Lowcountry, and generally blooms twice a year,
spring and fall. Provence lavender is cultivated in France for the
perfume and essential oil trade, making it one of the more sought
after varieties here. It is very important to provide this plant
with excellent drainage and air circulation. [
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Sweet Lavender
(Lavandula heterophylla) a perennial, is a fast, easy
grower, with excellent fragrance. Its blooming season, generally
spring and early summer, can be extended somewhat by deadheading.
When properly cared for, these plants can get to be several feet
across and 2-3 feet high. |
Spanish Lavender
(Lavandula stoechas) a perennial, was grown by the
ancient Romans. In addition to being one of the earliest bloomers
and possessing very unique blossoms, it has an excellent fragrance.
It will be a stand-out no matter where you plant it. |
| Abriallii
A strong plant and really heavy bloomer,
but with short inflorescences (outstanding here last spring).
Grappenhall (Lavandula
x intermedia cv.) An amazingly robust plant with larger leaves,
faster growth and NO disease problems in our humid climate! |
Lavender
dentata
(Lavandula dentata, green and gray forms) a
tender perennial, is a good choice for topiaries and for growing
indoors where you can enjoy its wonderful fragrance year round. |
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