Ultimate Guide to Planting Lavender

Lavender is a beloved plant known for its beauty, fragrance, and versatility. Each cultivar offers unique characteristics and uses. Here’s a detailed guide to planting and utilizing various lavender cultivars. These are the current cultivars at the Uncommon Ranch.

1. Lavandula angustifolia “Munstead”

Description:

• Color: Pale lavender-blue flowers.
• Uses:
  • Culinary: Its peppery flavor enhances salads, desserts, and meat dishes.
  • Sachets: The strong fragrance is perfect for creating fragrant sachets.
  • Aromatherapy: Used in essential oils for its calming properties.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 18-24 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly once established.

2. Lavandula angustifolia “Big Time Blue”

Description:

• Color: Deep blue-violet flowers.
• Uses:
  • Ornamental: Its vibrant color makes it ideal for garden borders.
  • Crafting: Used in making lavender wands and potpourri.
  • Aromatherapy: Known for its relaxing scent.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 20 – 24 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerates drought well.

3. Lavandula angustifolia “Hidcote Blue”

Description:

• Color: Dark purple-blue flowers.
• Uses:
  • Dried Flower Arrangements: Maintains color well when dried.
  • Crafting: Ideal for wreaths and sachets.
  • Essential Oils: High oil content makes it popular for distillation.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 18 – 24 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune regularly to maintain shape.

4. Lavandula angustifolia “Melissa”

Description:

• Color: Pale pink to white flowers.
• Uses:
  • Sachets: Soothing scent perfect for sleep pillows.
  • Aromatherapy: Calming properties ideal for stress relief.
  • Gardening: Adds a soft color to garden borders.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 18 – 24 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Water moderately.

5. Lavandula angustifolia “Folgate”

Description:

• Color: Light violet-blue flowers.
• Uses:
  • Essential Oils: Known for high oil content.
  • Sachets: Fresh and clean scent for linen closets.
  • Ornamental: Adds beauty to any garden.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 18 – 30 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established.

6. Lavandula angustifolia “Royal Velvet”

Description:

• Color: Rich, velvety purple flowers.
• Uses:
  • Floral Arrangements: Striking color for fresh and dried bouquets.
  • Culinary: Mild flavor suitable for desserts and teas.
  • Crafting: Popular for making lavender wands.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 24 – 30 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Prune to encourage new growth.

7. Lavandula x intermedia “Sensational”

Description:

• Color: Deep violet-blue flowers.
• Uses:
  • Sachets: Strong fragrance for long-lasting sachets.
  • Essential Oils: Ideal for therapeutic uses.
  • Gardening: Robust plant for hedges and borders.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 36 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly.

8. Lavandula x intermedia “Phenomenal”

Description:

• Color: Violet-blue flowers.
• Uses:
  • Landscaping: Hardy plant for garden beds and borders.
  • Essential Oils: High yield for oil extraction.
  • Crafting: Suitable for dried arrangements and wreaths.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 30 – 36 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune lightly to shape.

9. Lavandula x intermedia “Exceptional”

Description:

• Color: White flowers.
• Uses:
  • Hedges: Perfect for creating lavender hedges.
  • Dried Flowers: Retains color well when dried.
  • Essential Oils: High oil content for therapeutic uses.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 36 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerates heat well.

10. Lavandula x intermedia “Edelweiss”

Description:

• Color: White flowers.
• Uses:
  • Ornamental: Unique color for garden variety.
  • Crafting: Beautiful for dried arrangements.
  • Aromatherapy: Subtle scent for relaxation.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 24-36 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water moderately.

11. Lavandula x intermedia “Grosso”

Description:

• Color: Dark violet-blue flowers.
• Uses:
  • Commercial Oil Production: High oil yield.
  • Sachets: Strong fragrance for lasting scent.
  • Ornamental: Adds vibrant color to gardens.

Planting Instructions:

• Spacing: Plant 24-36 inches apart.
• Growing Conditions: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.

General Care Tips for Lavender

• Soil: Well-drained, slightly alkaline soil is ideal for all lavender varieties. pH between 6.5 – 8
• Watering: Water young plants regularly until established. Mature plants are drought-tolerant.
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
• Sunlight: Full sun is crucial for healthy growth and abundant blooms.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of lavender in your garden. Each cultivar offers unique qualities, making it easy to find the perfect lavender for your needs.