Genus Lavandula brings together plants that originate from various regions of Asia Minor, the Mediterranean and North Africa. According to relevant studies, it is known to date about 50 types of lavender with their subspecies... Sometimes they can be very different from each other and on appearance, both in aroma and in the chemical composition of the essential oil. Within the framework of these species, a large number of varieties have been bred, incl. with flowers of different shades and different content of essential oil. Therefore, one lavender field has, for example, purple hues, and the other - blue. But looking at photographs of such fields on the Internet, do not forget that many photographers do not disdain artistic processing.
Many types of lavender are now used to obtain essential oils. The most famous among them are: narrow-leaved lavender (L. angustifolia; L. medicinal; true lavender), broad-leaved lavender (L. latifolia, l.spica), serrated lavender (L. dentata; also known as "French lavender"), Stekhad lavender (L. stoechas; also known as Greek lavender or Spanish lavender), Burman lavender (Lavandula bipinnata (Roth) Kuntze; synonym - Lavandula Burmanii Benth .; grown in India), and lavender (Lavandula x intermedia; hybrid of narrow-leaved lavender and lavender broadleaf; it is also called hybrid lavender or Dutch lavender).
L. multifida (left) and L. angustifolia (L. angustifolia) in my garden.
Amateur gardeners are well acquainted with another species: L. multifida (multi-cut lavender; also known as "Egyptian lavender")... It is also used to extract oil, but the aroma of this plant has little to do with the familiar "lavender scent". This species is often called "annual lavender" and is offered for cultivation in cold climates, because its seeds give quick and good shoots, and the plant itself can bloom in the first year of planting. But without exception, all types of lavender are perennials, and the natural region of growth of multi-cut lavender is France, Spain, Portugal and North Africa. In the same regions, as well as in Greece, South Africa, Australia and other places with a suitable climate, it grows or is cultivated in our time very beautiful view lavender: L. stoechas.
Avicenna described the medicinal properties of this particular type of lavender in his great "Canon of Medicine" (this work was created in 1012-1024 AD). This description is sometimes quoted on the Internet, and everyone thinks that it refers to English lavender, but it is not. Descriptions of narrow-leaved lavender (L. English) appeared several centuries later, although references to its use in everyday life and as medicinal plant met earlier.
L. stoechas is very popular as ornamental plant but it does not hibernate in cold climates. It is difficult to grow it outdoors, even in some warm climates. This lavender now has many varieties with different shades of flowers and bracts. Its subspecies Seville lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. Luisieri) is also used to obtain essential oil.
Photo from the University of Washington brochure "Lavender Species and Cultivars".
The most popular and versatile type of lavender is, of course, medicinal lavender. It can also be grown in cold climates. However, not all travelers know that now about 80% of lavender fields in France are fields of lavandin (hybrid lavender)... For example, it has been used to create beautiful views of the Senanque Abbey, familiar to all lavender lovers. A lot of lavender is also grown in the vast expanses of the Valensole plateau - where the largest lavender fields of Provence are located. This plateau is covered purple later than all French fields, precisely because lavender blooms later than classic lavender.
Abbaye cistercienne Notre-Dame de Sénanque; current, founded in 1148. Right - essential oil which is made from lavandin grown in this abbey. Photo: www.senanque.fr
Within the framework of industrial production, they consciously turned to lavandin, for this special varieties were even bred. It is grown today in all lavender regions, especially in France, Spain, Italy, the Balkans, North America, Australia. To obtain essential oil, three varieties of lavandin are most often cultivated: Lavandula x intermedia "Abrialis' (the commercial name of the essential oil is" Lavandin Abrial "), Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' (" Lavandin Grosso ") and Lavandula x intermedia 'Super' (" Lavandin Super "). In ornamental gardening, a popular variety of lavandin" Provence ", which is found under the name" Provence French Lavender ".
Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso'. Photo: www.jerseylavender.co.uk
In 2011, Bulgaria became the world leader in the production of lavender essential oil, replacing France in this post. This happened also because in 2005-2010, due to drought and phytopathogenic organisms, France lost almost 50% of its lavender. According to Comité des Plantes à Parfum Aromatiques et Médicinales, now in France, lavender is grown on 4,000 hectares, and lavender occupies 15,000 hectares. The world ratio of lavender to lavender is 1 to 5.
Valensole plateau, France. Photo: www.valensole.fr
Lavandin resistant to diseases and pests. It is easier to cultivate and produces more essential oil than other types of lavender can produce from a field of the same area. And oil is much cheaper! From 1 hectare of sown area, you can get from 8 to 30 kg of lavender oil. Lavandin from such an area gives up to 220 kg of essential oil.
In appearance, lavandin differs from narrow-leaved lavender: a sprawling bush with branched stems; the inflorescence looks like a long thin tapering spike, ending with a pointed, sometimes drooping top.
Lavandin (left) versus angustifolia lavender. Photo: www. aromaterapiafamiliar.wordpress.com
Dried lavender flowers can now be found in almost all French fragrant souvenirs, they are often mixed with flowers of other types of lavender.
For those who just want to enjoy beautiful landscapes, the presence of lavandin on the field is not critical, but for fans of the classics, there is still some difference. It is especially noticeable for those who want to stay longer in the lilac fields or see how oil is obtained: in these cases, the aroma still plays a leading role. The aroma of lavender is very bright, tart, sometimes strong and even intrusive. Some travelers say that it was precisely because of such aromatic shades that they were able to stay on the outskirts of such a blooming plantation for no more than half an hour.
The use of lavandin as a medicinal plant is limited due to chemical composition slightly different from the chemical composition of its "parents". Lavandin essential oil contains active ingredients that do not make it possible to fully use it in aromatherapy. The main disadvantage of this oil: it is not advisable to use it for burns, while medicinal lavender oil is the first remedy in such cases. But the hybrid lavender oil and its derivatives are readily used by the perfumery and cosmetic industry.
Senank Abbey. The collection of lavender from a small plantation is done by hand by monks and volunteers. Photo: www.senanque.fr
Usually, in articles devoted to essential oils, they write about how to distinguish quality oil from a fake at home. But what if you bought a quality oil, and why does it not work as described in the aromatherapy manuals? The fact is that, depending on the soil, climate and time of collection, from plants that are the same from the point of view of botany, you can extract an essential oil with different properties. Therefore, it is necessary to know not only the species, but also the subspecies of the plant, which served as raw material for the essential oil. In fact, everything is not as scary as it seems, but on the contrary, fascinating!
Lavender has a lot useful properties, it is one of the few oils that can be applied undiluted to the skin. In online stores, you can find at least three essential oils starting with the Latin Lavandula, which have both general and vivid individual properties.
Medicinal lavender (narrow-leaved) = Lavandula angustifolia = Lavandula officinalis = Lavandula vera = real lavender
Photo from www.kraeuter-und-duftpflanzen.de
This is the real lavender oil, which is written about in most books on aromatherapy and has all the positive properties inherent in this oil:
- Calms the heartbeat, lowers blood pressure, therefore it is useful for hypertension.
- Relieves muscle pain, spasms and cramps, useful for arthritis and rheumatism.
- Regulates digestion, normalizes the menstrual cycle.
- Soothes the central nervous system, helps in the fight against insomnia.
- Regulates the production of sebum, eliminates the marks of post-acne in oily and problem skin.
- Eliminates irritation, itching and flaking in dry and sensitive skin, it is used to combat rosacea.
- Soothes the skin in case of minor burns and sunburn, relieves itching after insect bites.
Medicinal lavender is grown both in Europe and in Russia (Crimean lavender) and African countries. The best aroma is considered to be French lavender oil.
Lavender broadleaf (spikelet) = Lavandula latifolia = Lavandula spica = spiky lavender
Lavender broadleaf is often referred to as French because it is widespread in the wild in southern France. Perhaps due to the fact that its aroma is considered less subtle than that of medicinal lavender, it is little cultivated, although it is widely used in aromatherapy.
Daniel Festi, a certified pharmacist who has worked with essential oils for many years, believes that “from a health point of view, this is the most useful view lavender ".
It perfectly heals burns, effectively fights germs ( Staphylococcus aureus, colibacilli), viruses, is effective in the treatment of any ENT diseases. In cosmetology, broadleaf lavender is used to treat acne, psoriasis, herpes, peeling of the skin, mycosis.
To restore the emotional sphere, spiky lavender is used for nervous overwork, depressive and depressed states.
Lavandin = Lavandula x intermedia = Lavandula hybrida = Hybrid lavender
Lavandin is a hybrid made by crossing medicinal and broadleaf lavender. The main goal was to get a plant with the same pleasant smell as real lavender, but with large flowers like spiky lavender. The result is hybrid lavender. Its essential oil smells like lavender, but with a pungent, somewhat camphor scent.
Lavandin grows lower than its progenitors (400-600 meters above sea level), it is easier to cultivate, and the yield of essential oil is higher, therefore, the essential oil is cheaper than lavender. Sometimes unscrupulous sellers fake real lavender oil with lavandin.
In general, lavandin essential oil is similar in effect to lavender. It soothes the nerves (although not as pronounced as lavender, with the exception of the Super variety), has a bactericidal effect, eliminates skin irritation, acne, flaking, and is indicated for hair loss. As a remedy, lavandin is recommended to be used against colds, for nervous palpitations and dizziness, against spasms and colic.
The only caveat that you need to be aware of when buying lavandin essential oil is that it, thanks to high content camphor, not suitable for treating burns! But lavender essential oil is recommended to be applied directly to damaged skin.
Lavandin Grosso. Photo from guerilla-distiller.blogspot.com
There are many types of lavandin, but the most common four are Abrial, Super, Reydovan and Grosso, each of which has its own benefits:
- The most pleasant aroma: Lavandin Abrial (Lavandula x intermedia CT abrialis). It is this type that is most often used in perfumery as a replacement for lavender. Due to its milder effect than medicinal lavender, this variety is better for children.
- Good antispasmodic: Lavandin Super (Lavandula hybrida var. Super). This oil is closest in composition to lavender essential oil and has a strong relaxing effect. Recommended for those who suffer from migraines, headaches and muscle stiffness.
- Bactericidal effect: Lavandin Reydovan (Lavandula hybrida var Reydovan).
- Against skin infections: Lavandin Grosso (Lavandula hybrida var. Grosso).
And so that you can visually distinguish blooming lavender from lavender, here is a beautiful picture for you in conclusion. From left to right: broadleaf lavender (spiky), medicinal lavender, lavandin.
Photo from the site www.terapiacomaromas.com.br
Sources:
Aromarty Forum
The Aromatherapy workbook, Shirley Price
"Essential oils. Chemistry, technology, application ”, T. Puchkova, L. Gurinovich
A beautiful shrub that delights the eye and enchants with the aroma of fragrant flowers is lavender. It is not only an ornamental plant, but also a medicinal one. Essential oils derived from lavender are used in medicine. Aromatherapy performed with them helps to get rid of headaches and insomnia. No wonder this plant is considered the queen of aromatherapy. The broth is used for washing and taking baths. Lavender, which requires skill to plant and care for, grows well at home. Let's look at this issue in more detail.
Few facts
What is lavender? Planting and caring for this plant is carried out with great care. But first of all, you need to find out some of its features. Lavender is a perennial ornamental evergreen that has medicinal properties. It can be called undersized, since the height of the stem does not exceed 60-80 centimeters. Therefore, the plant is often used to organize garden borders. Lavender has narrow leaves and small flowers that form into inflorescences. The photo below shows how charming the area near the house, ennobled with the help of the "queen of aromatherapy", takes. As you know, lavender is famous for its lilac-purple flowers. More precisely, their color is called lavender, by analogy with the plant itself. One cannot fail to mention the aroma that flowers exude. Lavender, planting and caring for which is not easy, is widely used in perfumery and cosmetology.
Types of lavender
Like every plant, lavender has several varieties that are adapted to grow in different climatic zones. The brightest representatives of this shrub can be called three species. English lavender (planting and caring for which is not very different from those in the case of other representatives of the culture) is the most popular. It is successfully cultivated in many regions. French lavender is the most beautiful flowers, but does not have a very pronounced aroma. It is often bred for the purpose of decorating plots. Spanish lavender is a type that is widely used in perfumery, as the plant has a persistent fragrant aroma. Each of these representatives has its own subspecies, so it is simply impossible to list everything. We'd better tell you what features the lavender flower has. Planting and caring for all species is almost identical.
Two main types of plants
There are two main types of plants: broadleaf and narrow-leaved lavender. The first species is referred to as thermophilic dwarf shrubs. It is common in France and other areas of the planet with a warm climate. It is a very fragrant plant. Therefore, broadleaf lavender is used in perfumery, cosmetology, medicine. In addition, a special varnish is made from it, which is used for painting porcelain. The cold-resistant species is narrow-leaved lavender. Planting and caring for her is carried out in colder regions. This type is less aromatic, but more healthful. It is widely used in medicine. Even in the temperate zone, narrow-leaved lavender grows. Planting and caring for it are carried out in order to obtain essential oil, which is used for the production of soaps and shampoos. Its tinctures are a good antiseptic. Healing properties lavender has been used for a very long time. This feature was originally the main one. Then people began to use it as a means to improve the aroma, and subsequently for the purpose of decorating the garden.
Narrow-leaved lavender
It is the most popular type of plant and is most commonly bred. Narrow-leaved lavender flowers have a pleasant aroma. They are collected in beautiful inflorescences in the form of long ears. Narrow-leaved lavender blooms profusely from July to August. This plant is winter hardy. Its seeds remain viable for several seasons if stored in a hermetically sealed container. Garden lavender, well studied in England, where the main varieties were bred, is used to create low-rise natural hedges. There are species that have white, purple-pink, bright blue and purple inflorescences.
Hybrid lavender, Dutch
This species is popular with gardeners. A large hybrid with narrow silvery leaves has long stalks with large flowers. They very often bend under their own weight and lean to the ground. This species blooms a little later than English lavender, around July. The flowers are white, dark and light purple. The plant is suitable for growing in temperate regions.
Broadleaf french lavender
This lavender, planting and caring for which is carried out in the same way as in the case of other representatives of the species, differs from its congeners in thermophilicity and the presence of wide leaves. The plant is suitable for growing exclusively in regions with warm climates. This species is famous for its beautiful flowers of different shades. Unlike English hybrids, French lavender does not have a pronounced aroma. Its bloom begins in April or May and lasts until July. However, at the end of summer, this process may be repeated. The most beautiful representative of the species is lavender with flowers in the shape of a butterfly.
Jagged lavender
This beautiful plant is very fond of warmth. His homeland is the Mediterranean. Lavender got its name for its unusual silvery leaves, beautifully cut. It has large, magnificent flowers that exude a pleasant aroma. Flowering begins in July. The most popular variety has purple flowers. In our country, toothed lavender is difficult to grow due to the cold climate. However, you can plant it in pots.
Lavender "Normandy"
There is also annual lavender. Planting and caring for it consists in providing a sufficient amount of sunlight, loosening the soil, the necessary watering and pruning dried inflorescences. There are no particular differences in breeding this species. The plant is characterized by rapid growth and the appearance of inflorescences already two months after sowing. Beautiful, silvery green stems and slightly dissected leaves - this is Lavender "Normandy". Planting and caring for this plant makes sense (if only because of the amazing fresh scent of its flowers), therefore, flower growers often choose this beauty as a decoration for paths.
Growing features
Although lavender is an unpretentious plant, growing it requires certain skills. It is not necessary to create special soil conditions, since the flower can grow even on the poorest soil. However, the ground should be light. Dry areas where steppe crops grow are best suited for growing lavender. This plant is very good for decorating slopes and rock gardens. An English-style landscape is unthinkable without lavender. Plants with yellow inflorescences are perfect for her flowers. The combination of roses and lavender is generally considered a classic.
Seed propagation
One way to breed lavender is by using seeds. It is better to purchase them from trusted sellers. Seeds require hardening before planting. To do this, they are mixed with wet sand and placed in a cold place, perhaps in a refrigerator, where the temperature is no more than 5 degrees. The hardening period is about 30-40 days. This process is desirable but not required. Many gardeners do not practice it and still grow beautiful seedlings. After hardening, it is necessary to plant the seeds in the soil to obtain sprouts (to a depth of 5 centimeters). Then the seedlings are planted in a flower bed.
The ideal time for planting in open ground is early spring, as soon as the snow melts and the frost ends. Where does lavender like to grow? Planting and care (with seeds you plant the plant or in some other way - it does not matter) for it are similar to the procedures described above. The plant loves sunny areas where there is excellent soil drainage and water does not stagnate. The distance between the rows, if the purpose is to collect medicinal raw materials, should be at least 40 centimeters, and between plants - at least 20 centimeters. If conditions are favorable, lavender will grow into a lush mass. You can plant the plant both in pots and flower beds.
Reproduction by stem layering
Another breeding method is stem layering. It is simpler and does not require any special skills. To do this, one of the branches is bent down and sprinkled with earth. It is imperative to put a load on top, which will press the branch and prevent it from rising. If conditions favorable for growth are met, then after a few months the shoot will take root. Then it can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted to the right place. In order for the cuttings to take root, a humid and cool climate is necessary. You can also root woody cuttings and branches, which sometimes break off from the plant. In the fall, they can simply be planted in the ground, and in the spring, under favorable conditions, a lavender bush will appear in its place, which will bloom in the summer. This breeding method is preferable, but it all depends on the breeding region. Sometimes English lavender varieties are self-propagated. In the fall, the seeds fall to the ground and winter safely, and in the spring a young plant bush appears. It can be transplanted into a pot, and then, when it is firmly rooted, transferred to open ground in a flower bed.
Care
What conditions does lavender require? Planting and caring for this plant are activities that even a novice gardener can do. The most important thing is to choose the right variety and meet some requirements. Be sure to remember that lavender only loves sunny areas. In the shade, the plant can slow down growth and development. Lavender is very fond of haircuts. In the fall, you need to cut it off, forming a bush. Be sure to remove buds that have dried up. This way you can make a great curb. It is necessary to periodically loosen the soil around the flowers. Hilling will also be useful, thanks to which new shoots will begin to form. Lavender does not like high humidity, so watering should be moderate. The plant is very resistant to diseases and pests. This makes it easier to care for him. In winter, lavender is covered with spruce branches or other material that allows air to pass through well.
Afterword
Lavender is used not only for ennobling garden and backyard plots. Its extraordinary aroma can be preserved and applied at home. In France, lavender sprigs are a must in bouquets that adorn the dining table. The plant can be dried and woolen items can be shifted with a fragrant mixture. This is not only a pleasant smell, but also a fight against moths. Dried lavender is used to make herbal pads (sachets) and aromatic bath mixes. To collect raw materials, you must wait for the full disclosure of flowers. Then they are plucked and dried in a dark and well-ventilated place.
Genus Lavandula brings together plants that originate from various regions of Asia Minor, the Mediterranean and North Africa. According to relevant studies, it is known to date about 50 types of lavender with their subspecies... Sometimes they can be very different from each other both in appearance, and in aroma, and in the chemical composition of the essential oil. Within the framework of these species, a large number of varieties have been bred, incl. with flowers of different shades and different content of essential oil. Therefore, one lavender field has, for example, purple hues, and the other - blue. But looking at photographs of such fields on the Internet, do not forget that many photographers do not disdain artistic processing.
Many types of lavender are now used to obtain essential oils. The most famous among them are: narrow-leaved lavender (L. angustifolia; L. medicinal; true lavender), broad-leaved lavender (L. latifolia, l.spica), serrated lavender (L. dentata; also known as "French lavender"), Stekhad lavender (L. stoechas; also known as Greek lavender or Spanish lavender), Burman lavender (Lavandula bipinnata (Roth) Kuntze; synonym - Lavandula Burmanii Benth .; grown in India), and lavender (Lavandula x intermedia; hybrid of narrow-leaved lavender and lavender broadleaf; it is also called hybrid lavender or Dutch lavender).
L. multifida (left) and L. angustifolia (L. angustifolia) in my garden.
Amateur gardeners are well acquainted with another species: L. multifida (multi-cut lavender; also known as "Egyptian lavender")... It is also used to extract oil, but the aroma of this plant has little to do with the familiar "lavender scent". This species is often called "annual lavender" and is offered for cultivation in cold climates, because its seeds give quick and good shoots, and the plant itself can bloom in the first year of planting. But without exception, all types of lavender are perennials, and the natural region of growth of multi-cut lavender is France, Spain, Portugal and North Africa. In the same regions, as well as in Greece, South Africa, Australia and other places with a suitable climate, it grows or is cultivated in our time very beautiful kind of lavender: L. stoechas.
Avicenna described the medicinal properties of this particular type of lavender in his great "Canon of Medicine" (this work was created in 1012-1024 AD). This description is sometimes quoted on the Internet, and everyone thinks that it refers to English lavender, but it is not. Descriptions of narrow-leaved lavender (L. English) appeared several centuries later, although mentions of its use in everyday life and as a medicinal plant were encountered earlier.
L. stoechas is very popular as an ornamental plant, but does not hibernate in cold climates. It is difficult to grow it outdoors, even in some warm climates. This lavender now has many varieties with different shades of flowers and bracts. Its subspecies Seville lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. Luisieri) is also used to obtain essential oil.
Photo from the University of Washington brochure "Lavender Species and Cultivars".
The most popular and versatile type of lavender is, of course, medicinal lavender. It can also be grown in cold climates. However, not all travelers know that now about 80% of lavender fields in France are fields of lavandin (hybrid lavender)... For example, it has been used to create beautiful views of the Senanque Abbey, familiar to all lavender lovers. A lot of lavender is also grown in the vast expanses of the Valensole plateau - where the largest lavender fields of Provence are located. This plateau turns purple later than all French fields, precisely because lavender blooms later than classic lavender.
Abbaye cistercienne Notre-Dame de Sénanque; active, founded in 1148. On the right is an essential oil that is made from lavandin grown in
this abbey. Photo: www.senanque.fr
Within the framework of industrial production, they consciously turned to lavandin, for this special varieties were even bred. It is grown today in all lavender regions, especially in France, Spain, Italy, the Balkans, North America, Australia. To obtain essential oil, three varieties of lavandin are most often cultivated: Lavandula x intermedia "Abrialis' (the commercial name of the essential oil is" Lavandin Abrial "), Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' (" Lavandin Grosso ") and Lavandula x intermedia 'Super' (" Lavandin Super "). In ornamental gardening, a popular variety of lavandin" Provence ", which is found under the name" Provence French Lavender ".
Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso'. Photo: www.jerseylavender.co.uk
In 2011, Bulgaria became the world leader in the production of lavender essential oil, replacing France in this post. This happened also because in 2005-2010, due to drought and phytopathogenic organisms, France lost almost 50% of its lavender. According to Comité des Plantes à Parfum Aromatiques et Médicinales, now in France, lavender is grown on 4,000 hectares, and lavender occupies 15,000 hectares. The world ratio of lavender to lavender is 1 to 5.
Valensole plateau, France. Photo: www.valensole.fr
Lavandin resistant to diseases and pests. It is easier to cultivate and produces more essential oil than other types of lavender can produce from a field of the same area. And oil is much cheaper! From 1 hectare of sown area, you can get from 8 to 30 kg of lavender oil. Lavandin from such an area gives up to 220 kg of essential oil.
In appearance, lavandin differs from narrow-leaved lavender: a sprawling bush with branched stems; the inflorescence looks like a long thin tapering spike, ending with a pointed, sometimes drooping top. A photo of lavandin, which is preparing to bloom, I recently showed (see)
Lavandin (left) versus angustifolia lavender. Photo: www. aromaterapiafamiliar.wordpress.com
Dried lavender flowers can now be found in almost all French fragrant souvenirs, they are often mixed with flowers of other types of lavender.
For those who just want to enjoy beautiful landscapes, the presence of lavender on the field is not critical, but for lovers of the classics, there is still some difference. It is especially noticeable for those who want to stay longer in the lilac fields or see how oil is obtained: in these cases, the aroma still plays a leading role.
The use of lavandin as a medicinal plant is limited due to its chemical composition, somewhat different from the chemical composition of its "parents". Lavandin essential oil contains active ingredients that do not make it possible to fully use it in aromatherapy. The main disadvantage of this oil: it is not advisable to use it for burns, while medicinal lavender oil is the first remedy in such cases. But the hybrid lavender oil and its derivatives are readily used by the perfumery and cosmetic industry.
Senank Abbey. The collection of lavender from a small plantation is done by hand by monks and volunteers. Photo: www.senanque.fr
The aroma of lavender is very bright, tart, sometimes strong and even intrusive. Some travelers say that it was precisely because of such aromatic shades that they were able to stay on the outskirts of such a blooming plantation for no more than half an hour. I spent more than 3 hours on one of the plantations where medicinal lavender is grown without prejudice to my own health. This allowed me to fully enjoy the lilac field, and learn more about plants of different ages, and watch the process of obtaining essential oil from start to finish.
Lavender is an evergreen essential oil crop with characteristic spike-shaped inflorescences and narrow gray-green leaves. Its flowers can have both a traditional lilac color of various shades, and white, pink or blue. This plant has a pronounced odor, which, along with nectar, is very attractive to butterflies and bees. In addition to valuable melliferous qualities, lavender is also characterized by such properties as unpretentiousness, drought resistance and unattractiveness to pests. It is not difficult to grow this shrub in sunny and warm regions; in colder areas, lavender can be cultivated either in pots at home or in the garden, but subject to certain care rules. Average duration the life of a plant in natural conditions is about 10 years.
Types of lavender
Lavandula belongs to the genus Lavandula, has about 45 species and about 7 hybrids. The natural habitat of this shrub is India, Arabia, southern Europe, eastern and northern Africa, the Canary Islands.
In garden culture, the following types are considered the most popular:
- Lavándula angustifólia, known as true lavender, English, spikelet, narrow-leaved. In height and width, this shrub reaches 1 m, with the exception of dwarf varieties, which grow no higher than 30 cm.The flowering time is June-July.
The most popular varieties are Alba (white), Beechwood Blue (purple blue), Rosea (pink), Gem (dark purple), Hidcote (dark purple), Melissa Lilac (large purple), Munstead (purple blue), NanaAlba (white dwarf), LittleLottie (pale pink dwarf) and others.
- Lavanludalatifolia, or Spikelet lavender, broad-leaved. Distinctive features This species is considered a stronger aroma, as well as wearing not one on the stem, like in narrow-leaved lavender, but three inflorescences.
- Lavanluda intermedia Emeric (Dutch lavender, or hybrid, or Lavandin) is a natural hybrid of the two species described above. It is less cold-resistant, due to which it is most popular in the gardens of southern and central Europe. It is a large plant, reaching a height and width of up to 2 m, with large and long inflorescences and curved peduncles. The flowering time of this plant comes a little later than that of narrow-leaved lavender - in July.
The most popular varieties are Alba (white), Grosso (lilac purple with large flowers), Sawyers (light purple), ArabianNight (blue, dark purple) and RichardGray (compact dark purple).
- Lavanluda pedunculata, or Pedunculate lavender, is an ornamental species of this plant with unusual colors and strong smell. The flower stalks of the shrub are usually no more than 50 cm, and the flowers are bright purple in color. The variety is widespread in Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Morocco, in Russia it is usually grown in pots.
- Lavanluda stoechas, known as Stekhad lavender, can grow in size from 30 to 100 cm. This species blooms before all others - March - June, and in late summer, the second phase of flowering is possible.
- Lavanluda dentata, or Lavender toothed, is a compact shrub with large flowers and soft, rugged silvery leaves. Due to the fact that this type of lavender is quite thermophilic, it is grown mainly indoors in pots.
Culture propagation using stem layering
This method of reproduction is considered the simplest: one of the bush branches is laid horizontally, completely covered with soil, and a load is placed on top. It usually takes several months for the cuttings to take root and grow on their own.
After the formation of a lump of roots, the layers must be carefully cut off with a sharp knife, and the place of the cut must be sprinkled with crushed coal, thereby protecting the plant from decay processes.
Reproduction is also possible by rooting individual, for example, broken off, branches or annual woody cuttings: it should be deepened by 2-3 cm into loose soil, covered with a film, not forgetting to regularly moisten the soil. As a rule, the cutting takes root quickly enough, after which it can be safely transplanted to the chosen place.
Growing lavender from seeds
Before planting, the seeds must be hardened and stratified. Within a month, they should be kept in the lower compartment of the refrigerator, then mixed with river sand and, systematically moistening, keep in this form for another month.
Seeds should be planted together with sand, covering from above with a not very thick layer of soil.
When planting seeds, you need to be prepared that you will have to wait for flowering for about one to two years, since in the first seasons the plant will give all its strength to building up the root system.
Place for planting in open ground
When planting a plant in a garden or in a flower bed, it is recommended to choose areas that are well accessible. sunlight... Lavender can take root in the shade, but in this case, you should not expect long and abundant flowering.
Special attention you should pay attention to the moisture level of the soil, since the roots of the plant are very sensitive to excess moisture. Wetlands and areas where groundwater flows too high are not suitable for planting crops. If there is no possibility of choosing a drier place, then drainage layers can be used.
The acidity level and structure of the soil is another point to which lavender is very sensitive. In this regard, before planting the plant, it is recommended to add a little lime or wood ash to the soil, and regular use of compost will not only saturate the soil with nutrients, but also ensure the porosity of the structure.
The most hardy and unpretentious is the broad-leaved lavender, which can put up with even weakly acidic soils and partial shade. When planting a narrow-leaved variety in the garden, one should beware not so much of frost as of excess moisture and damping.
Lavender care
The crop reacts best to potash fertilizers, at the same time, nitrogen fertilization and manure are less desirable, since, contributing to the growth of abundant green mass, it negatively affects flowering.
The plant should be watered as the soil dries out, since excessive moisture can lead to rotting of the rhizome, and a lack of moisture can lead to a less luxurious flowering.
An important role in the formation of new green shoots on the old trunk is played by regular hilling and mulching of the shrub - in spring and autumn. In turn, systematic shearing can extend the life of the plant. A little pruning is necessary immediately after flowering, but a significant shortening of the stems should be done at the end of the season, while leaving 4-5 new green shoots.
Gray rot is considered especially dangerous for lavender, which, together with the affected part of the plant, should be removed and burned. In addition, gray rot is a place where pennitsa larvae are laid, which in themselves do not harm the crop, but spoil its appearance with white foam, which is a protection from predators. You can get rid of the foam that looks like saliva on the plant by rinsing it off with a stream of water.
Lavender, which has to spend the winter outdoors in regions where the air temperature can drop below 25 degrees, must provide reliable insulation. In order to protect the culture from severe frosts, it is enough to cut the bushes at the end of the season and cover them with branches of coniferous trees. The layer of foliage traditionally used to protect plants in cold weather is not suitable for lavender, which can simply rot underneath.
Features of planting lavender at home
Since the most whimsical species of this plant are usually grown in pots, it should be remembered that it is mandatory the following conditions for planting and caring for them:
- The planting container should have a volume within 1.5-2 liters and a diameter of about 30 cm;
- To ensure good drainage, pebbles, shards, gravel, shells, etc. should be placed on the bottom of the pot or container, making sure that the drain holes remain open;
- The need for lavender in alkaline soil can be satisfied by using a mixture of sand and peat with the addition of a small amount of crushed eggshell;
- The room temperature should not fall below 15 0 С;
- It is necessary to ensure that the plant receives sufficient sunlight, if this condition is not possible, it is recommended to use a fluorescent lamp;
- Lavender should be watered with water at room temperature, previously settled, while moistening not only the soil, but also the green parts of the plant;
- In winter, the plant should be watered rarely, in addition, it is recommended to keep it in a cool place, away from heating appliances - this will have a positive effect on its flowering;
- At the end of summer, it is necessary to completely remove dry stems and slightly trim the bush.
A young plant should be transplanted into a new pot in early spring, after the dormant period has ended. If necessary, you can transplant lavender in early autumn, most importantly, after flowering and before the beginning of the dormant period.
Applications and properties of lavender
This plant can be used as decorative borders, as well as a background plant in flower beds and gardens. Due to the fact that the lavender scent is extremely unpleasant for the Colorado potato beetle and moth, this shrub can be successfully used as an excellent insecticide in vegetable gardens, especially between root crops.
Growing aromatic plants (video)
Dried lavender twigs and inflorescences are often used for interior decoration, as well as for aromatization of premises. This plant, especially its essential oil, found its place in perfumery, cosmetology, aromatherapy, medicine, food industry and cooking.