Lavender blooms are lovely aromatic flowering spikes that emerge on tiny perennial plants. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, lilac, blue, pink, and even white. Lavender plants produce beautiful scents and vivid hues that brighten up gardens throughout the summer. Lavender shrubs are simple to grow in colder areas, despite their Mediterranean origins.
Fragrant purple blooming spikes and hues appear in most types of lavender. Many hardy lavender types, on the other hand, produce flowers that are deep pink, light pink, Brilliant White, violet-blue, and rosy red. This perennial shrub’s valuable features include its small fuzzy silvery-green oblong lavender leaves.
This article will teach you how to cultivate many different varieties of lavender in your garden. You may pick the right variety for your yard by understanding and seeing pictures of blooming lavender plants. Furthermore, you’ll discover valuable growing advice for your little lavender plants, which will last for many years.
What Is Lavender (Lavandula)?
Lavender is a tiny shrub or flowering herbaceous perennial plant. Lavender is a mint family Lamiaceae cultivar that is grown in the image as an ornamental evergreen perennial shrub-like flowering plant. About 50 species of blooming lavender plants exist, and they flourish in temperate regions, as well as in cold climates. The vibrant purple blooms, upward growing woody stems, and herbal, woody floral fragrance of lavender flowers make them easy to recognize.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) thrives in USDA zones 5 through 9 and is the most common type of lavender bush. Cold tolerance is limited in French lavender plants, which only thrive in USDA zones 9 and above. In zones 8 to 10, Spanish Lavender is cold-hardy.
Lavender bushes have long stalks with 1″ to 2″ (2.5 to 5 cm) long thin gray-green leaves that have an upright posture. Purple or lilac blooms appear on long shoots more often than not. Lavender plants can range from 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 1 metre) in height, with some growing up to 6 feet (1.8 metre).
Ideas For Planting Lavender Flowers
One of the benefits of growing this small shrub is its adaptability. It has aromatic lavender blooms as well. Permeant hedges, foundation plantings, herb gardens, and mixed beds are all ideal locations for lavender shrubs. Lavender plants are also appropriate for use in pots. You can decorate an entryway with flowering lavender by planting it in pots.
How to Care For Flowers
Plant the fragrant shrub in full sun, where it receives at least six hours of daily sunlight, to cultivate lavender. Lavender thrives on well-drained, somewhat fertile soil that remains mostly dry. In the spring, prune the branches back and refrain from watering throughout the winter. Fertilization isn’t required for lavender.
Lavender Blooming Seasons
Lavender is a summer bloomer, and its magnificent purple blooms may be seen well into fall. Depending on the species, lavender cultivars and varieties may bloom early in the spring and rebloom late in the summer or fall. From early spring through late summer, some varieties of Spanish lavender may bloom.
Early blooming lavender plants: Early spring, around May, is when most French lavender cultivars bloom.
Summer blooming lavender plants: In the summer, purple flowers are common with English lavender. Depending on the cultivar, the lavender bush may bloom from late spring to late summer.
Late-blooming lavender plants: Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a lavender hybrid that blooms between July and August. Flowers bloom through the end of summer.
Lavender Leaves
Narrow, elongated blades that grow in a simple pattern on upright woody stems characterize lavender leaves. Trichomes, or soft, star-shaped hairs, cover the aromatic leaves. leaves might have serrated edges depending on the cultivar. Lavender plants have thin leaves that are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long.
Lavender Flower
blooms are clusters of tiny tube-shaped flowers that form an inflorescence with many blossoms. Aromatic lavender blooms bloom on the ends of long stems in violet, purple, lilac, pink, or white. Lavender blooms have a strong aroma like the leaves. Lavender blooms are 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm) long.
Common Types of Lavender
The four most common lavender varieties are the most commonly grown types of lavender. Each lavender variety, on the other hand, has its own identifying features. The variety and cultivar of lavender also influence the climate in which it thrives.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
The most popular lavender variety is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which is native to the Mediterranean. The tightly-clustered deep purple tube-like blooms make up the fragrant dark purple lavender. Violet flower stalks with flower heads that are taller than the leaf stalks develop at the ends.
The aromatic shrub English lavender grows between 1 and 3 feet (0.3 and 1 meter) tall. Gray-green extended leaves with rounded ends adorn the shrub. On leafless stalks up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, English lavender blooms grow in cylindrical clusters measuring 1 inch to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm).
English lavender blooms have a distinct fragrance and are edible. Lavender flowers are used in cosmetics, herbal medicine, and food for a variety of applications. The flowers are also used in potpourri because of their heady, floral aroma. Full sun and well-drained soil are required for English lavender to thrive in USDA zones 5 through 9.
Lavender Flower Color: Lavender, purple-blue, or violet-blue.
Lavender Flower Bloom Time: Summers are from June to August.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French lavender has light purple or pale lilac blooms, grayish-green leaves with serrated or dented edges, and a typical lavender fragrance. The serrated leaves of Lavandula dentata are the plant’s identifying feature. Dentata is a botanical term that means “tooth” or “toothed.” French lavender blooms are pointed, not cylindrical, spikes, and are the classic lavender shade (light shade of purple). Unlike English lavender, they do not bloom in clusters.
French lavender blooms have short stems and produce light mauve or purple spikes. It’s also known as fringed lavender. The outward spread of French lavender leaves, rather than the upward spread, is another characteristic. Mid to late summer is typically when the flowers bloom, and they last until autumn. In containers, French lavender is a popular aromatic shrub.
In the ground or in pots, this lavender variety grows to be 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 meters) tall. USDA zones 8 through 11 are ideal for the bushy evergreen lavender shrubs, which need full sun and well-drained soil.
Lavender Flower Color: Light purple to pale lilac.
Lavender Flower Bloom Time: Summers are hot and humid, and the weather cools after autumn.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Spanish lavender has tiny purple or pinkish-purple flowers that look like little pineapples and are known as Spanish lavender. The lavender blooms have lilac petals (bracts) protruding from the inflorescence and are made up of cylindrical purple spikes. Spanish lavender blooms are not particularly fragrant, unlike most other lavender types. The powerful lavender scent of Spanish lavender leaves is a characteristic. The leaves grow in a simple pattern on long stems and are light green and linear or lance-shaped. The leaves of Spanish lavender are 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 cm) long.
Papery ovoid petals that grow 0.4″ to 2″ (1 – 5 cm) long make up Spanish lavender flower spikes, which measure 0.8″ (2 cm) long. The 4″ – 12″ (10 – 30 cm) long lavender blooms bloom on stemless stems. In zones 8 to 10, Spanish Lavender is cold tolerant and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Lavender Flower Color: Dark violet, dark pink, deep purple.
Lavender Flower Bloom Time: Spring and early summer.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) — Hybrid Lavender
Lavandin is a beautiful lavender hybrid variety with slender purple blooming spikes, silvery-green or gray-green narrow leaves, and a lovely floral fragrance. Lavandin is one of the most powerful-smelling lavender plants, out of all the types. Lavender blooms come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white.
Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is heat-tolerant, whereas English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is cold-hardy. Lavandin (hybrid lavender) plants have the same characteristics. In USDA zones 5 to 9, this lavender hybrid is hardy. Imagine you’re shopping for a lavender plant that’ll create a lot of purple blooms.
Lavandin hybrid cultivars are the best option in this situation. The shrub produces abundant aromatic blooms and leaves, making it a fantastic lavender plant for blossoms.
Lavender Flower Color: Deep violet, dark pink, lilac.
Lavender Flower Bloom Time: It occurs in July and August, and lasts until late summer or early fall.
How Often to Water Lavender
Lavender thrives on little water. During the first year following planting, lavender plants only need to be watered on a regular basis. Drought resistance has been bred into lavender plants after that. Unless there has been rain, water lavender every two to three weeks. It is unnecessary to water lavender during the winter. Root rot and fungal disease may be caused by overwatering lavender growing in the ground or in a container.
When to Plant Lavender
Lavender shrubs should be planted in the springtime. When planting young, immature lavender plants, wait until the threat of frost has passed and the soil is at least 60°F (15°C). Before the first frost in the autumn, you can also plant mature lavender bushes.
How to Plant Lavender
Buying tiny starter plants from a nursery is the simplest way to get started with lavender. Dig a hole that is big enough to hold the root ball, then plant the herbaceous perennial at the same height as before. If you want to create a flowering border or an informal hedge, plant lavender 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) apart.
How to Prune Lavender
In the spring, clip approximately a third of the lavender stems to encourage bushy growth. It’s crucial, though, not to thin the wood supply below the plant’s roots too much. Your lavender shrub will flourish for many years thanks to yearly trimming, resulting in plenty of blooms and staying disease-free.
Growing Lavender in Pots
Lavender is a flowering shrub that thrives in containers. The right amount of sunlight, moisture level, and temperature are necessary for lavender to thrive in a pot. Six hours of sunlight and relatively dry soil are required for container lavender plants. When the soil is dry, only water a potted lavender plant.
Only water a potted lavender plant outdoors if there has been no rainfall; like with ground lavender, this is the only time. To prevent the soil from drying out completely during the growing season, water lavender once every two weeks. Also, to avoid moist, excessively soggy soil from causing root rot, check that the container has excellent drainage.
Types of Lavender (with Pictures)
English Lavender ‘Nana Alba’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Nana Alba’)
A white English lavender plant with short spikes of snow-white, long-lasting summer blooms is known as Flowers of English lavender ‘Nana Alba.’ The bushy dome of the perennial dwarf white lavender plant grows to 12 inches (30 cm) and spreads to 20 inches (50 cm). Hardy in zones 5 to 9, this white English lavender variety is a delight.
English Lavender ‘Hidcote’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’)
Dark purple flower spikes, fuzzy linear silvery-green leaves, and a lovely fragrance characterize this English lavender variety known as ‘Hidcote.’ In full sun and dry, well-drained soil, the lavender ‘Hidcote’ cultivar grows 12″ to 20″ (30 – 50 cm) tall.
Lavender Hybrid ‘Grosso’ (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’)
The most fragrant lavender flowers of any cultivar are found in the flowers and leaves of lavender hybrid ‘Grosso. This is a good herbaceous shrub for zones 6 through 10 to grow, with big slender purple flower spikes and gray-green aromatic leaves.
English Lavender ‘Munstead’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’)
English lavender cultivar ‘Munstead’ is a hardy shrub with a profusion of light purple blooms that bloom from late spring through the summer. Highly fragrant lavender blooms and gray-green leaves characterize this 2-foot (0.6 m) tall flowering shrub.
Phenomenal Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Niko’)
A compact, rounded shrub with late-blooming aromatic light purple flowering spikes, phenomenal lavandin flowers (Lavandin ‘Niko) is a lavender hybrid. On the ends of foot-long (30 cm) leafless stems, large 5-inch (12 cm) purple lavender spikes grow. ‘Niko’ is cold-hardy to zone 5 and thrives in dry, sunny conditions.
Lavender Hybrid ‘Seal’ (Lavandula × intermedia ‘Seal’)
hybrid ‘Seal’ (Lavandin ‘Seal’) is a violet-purple blooming aromatic evergreen shrub with lavender flowers growing in spiky clusters. The long-lasting fragrance of lavender flowers belonging to the species ‘Seal’ is one of their distinguishing characteristics. Lavandin grows to be between 2 and 3 feet (0.6 and 1 metre) tall and broad. The light purple blooms are matched by the silvery-green foliage.
Lavandin ‘Edelweiss’ (Lavandula × intermedia ‘Edelweiss’)
Lavandin is a lavender hybrid with highly fragrant white blooms and silvery-green leaves. Flowers of lavandin ‘Edelweiss’ In comparison to conventional purple lavender types, this white lavender plant has wider leaves and longer stalks. From mid-summer to late fall, the spreading lavender hybrid plant blooms and grows to 3 feet (1 meter) tall.
Lavandin ‘Provence’ (Lavandula × intermedia ‘Provence’)
Lavandin ‘Provence’ is a highly scented garden herb with huge pale-purple blooming spikes and silvery-green thin linear fuzzy leaves. The flower clusters, which can grow up to 3″ (8 cm) long, are also known as “Fat Lavender.” The lavender blooms are also more fragrant than other hybrid types. Lavandin ‘Provence’ grows to be 3 feet (1 meter) long and broad.
Lavandin ‘Super’ (Lavandula × intermedia ‘Super’)
Flowers on the lavender hybrid ‘Super’ are a delicate purple color with a lavender scent. They come in late summer. The huge, pointed lavender flower heads, light green leaves, and lovely aroma distinguish the lavender shrub. Lavandin ‘Super’ is a 2.5-foot-tall (0.75-meter) evergreen garden shrub.
More Care Tips For Growing Lavender
When caring for lavender plants, there are a few things to keep in mind. Lavender needs heat and poor soil to thrive. Avoiding too much moisture in the earth is also important. Ultimately, grow lavender on a large area with plenty of clearance between plants to avoid fungal diseases.
Propagating lavender plants
Cut a healthy hardwood or softwood stem just below a leaf node to propagate a lavender shrub. The cutting should ideally be 3″ to 4″ (7.5 to 10 cm) long. Then, at the cut end, remove all of the lower leaves to create a 2″ (5 cm) leafless section. Next, put the cutting in a tiny pot with an equal mix of perlite and damp peat moss. Keep the soil moist by misting it occasionally and cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity and heat. Softwood cuttings need two to four weeks to root, whereas hardwood cuttings need a little longer.
Remove the plastic cover and place the young lavender plant in full sun after it has been rooted. When the top 1″ (2.5 cm) of soil is dry, water it. Transfer the shrub to a bigger pot or your garden after three or four weeks.
Growing lavender in every climate
When cultivating lavender in diverse climates, what are some things to consider?
Growing lavender in warm climates: Lavender requires some protection from the midday sun in areas with long, hot summer days. In warm, humid climates, it’s vital to provide adequate circulation between plants.
Growing lavender in cold northern climates: In USDA zones 5 through ̃, choose a cold-hardy English lavender variety to grow.