Lavandula angustifolia Aromatico Blue = 'Lablusa' (PBR)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Lavender features a captivating display characterized by its striking blue-purple flowers, which are well-known for their delightful fragrance. These flowers emerge in dense, spike-like clusters on top of slender, upright stems, presenting a vibrant show of color that is both prominent and soothing. Its foliage is equally appealing, consisting of gray-green leaves that exhibit a simple, linear to lance-shaped profile. The leaves contribute a soft, textured background that complements the vivid blooms. When not in flower, the foliage itself provides a year-round interest due to its pleasant aroma and visual appeal. The overall shape of the plant is usually compact and bushy, creating a lush mound of greenery that fills the space with texture and makes it a perfect addition as a border plant or in a cottage garden. Besides its appearance, the sensory experience it provides is significant, with both the flowers and leaves having the capability to release their quintessential scent when brushed against or crushed, adding an olfactory dimension to the plant's allure.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
English Lavender, Common Lavender, True Lavender, Narrow-Leaved Lavender
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia Aromatico Blue = 'Lablusa' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While it is often used in culinary applications and herbal remedies, it is possible for some individuals to have allergic reactions or experience side effects if consumed in large quantities. Such side effects might include gastrointestinal issues or an increase in drowsiness when combined with sedative medication. However, for most people, consuming lavender in moderation as a food flavoring or tea is typically safe. It is always best to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using it for medicinal purposes.
To pets
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is generally considered safe for pets, and it is not typically listed on toxic plant lists for animals like dogs and cats. Nevertheless, ingestion in very large quantities could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. As each pet may react differently to various herbs and plants, it is always prudent to monitor for signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea or an unusual change in behavior if you believe they have ingested a significant amount. When used as intended, in small, controlled amounts, lavender is not known to be harmful to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Adapts to various soil types and thrives with minimal care once established.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it requires little water, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Attracts pollinators: Flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Ornamental value: Offers aesthetic appeal with its vivid blue-purple flowers and silvery-green foliage.
- Fragrant: The plant is known for its pleasant, calming scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden space.
- Culinary uses: Flowers can be used in recipes or as an edible garnish, adding unique flavor and color to dishes.
- Low maintenance: Requires little pruning and is relatively pest and disease resistant.
- Long blooming period: Provides flowers over a long season, from late spring to early fall.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic effects: Lavender, which is the common name for Lavandula angustifolia, may help alleviate anxiety.
- Sedative properties: It is traditionally used to induce relaxation and improve sleep quality.
- Antimicrobial activity: Essential oils from lavender are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Lavender may help reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritations.
- Analgesic properties: The plant is sometimes used to help relieve pain.
- Antispasmodic benefits: Lavender can help relieve muscular spasms and cramps.
- Carminative effect: It is believed to help relieve flatulence and bloating.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender can be used in crafting as a natural dye, imparting a gentle lilac color to fabrics, wool, and yarn.
- In culinary arts, lavender flowers add a unique flavor to baked goods like scones, biscuits, and lavender sugar for sweetening.
- Lavender is often included in homemade insect repellent recipes owing to its strong scent that many pests find off-putting.
- A sachet of dried lavender can be tucked into drawers or closets as a natural moth repellent to protect clothing.
- Lavender can be incorporated into potpourris for a lasting, natural room fragrance that also instills a sense of calm.
- When used in homemade soap, lavender provides not only a pleasant scent but also a light exfoliating texture.
- Lavender makes an attractive and beneficial addition to pollinator gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried lavender adds a rustic charm and a calming aroma to your home decor.
- In arts, lavender stalks can be woven or pressed into bookmarks and greeting cards for a fragrant and decorative touch.
- Lavender is utilized in the creation of natural, eco-friendly confetti that is not only biodegradable but also adds a lovely scent to celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used in Feng Shui to promote relaxation, tranquility, and purification; it can be placed in the living room or bedroom to help decrease stress and improve sleep quality, or by the front door to cleanse energy entering the home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is widely associated with a calming and soothing effect, often used to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Purity: The clean, fresh scent of lavender symbolizes purity and cleanliness.
- Devotion: Lavender represents loyalty and devotion due to its perennial nature and long-lasting fragrance.
- Silence: The tranquil fields of lavender can evoke a sense of quietude, symbolizing peace and silence.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for its medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and restoration of health.
- Protection: In some traditions, lavender is thought to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, symbolizing protection.
- Love: In the language of flowers, giving lavender can signify love and affection.
WaterLavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Aromatico Blue') should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to mimic its preferred Mediterranean conditions. Typically, watering once every 1 to 2 weeks is sufficient, depending on the climate and soil drainage. During the summer months or in hotter climates, you might need to water more often, but always check the soil moisture first. For young plants, use about a gallon of water to ensure it reaches the root zone. Mature plants may need slightly more water, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
LightLavender requires full sun, so ensure 'Aromatico Blue' receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting lavender is an area that gets unfiltered, intense sun throughout the day. These conditions will help the plant produce the most fragrant flowers and oils.
TemperatureLavender thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which are ideal for its growth. It can survive minimum temperatures of about 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from harsh winter conditions. The plant does well in warmer temperatures up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as long as it is not too humid.
PruningPrune lavender to promote fresh growth, maintain shape, and encourage a robust, bushy plant. Pruning should be done in the early spring as new growth appears or just after the first flowering. Cut back about a third of the growth, making sure not to cut into the old woody stems that may not produce new shoots. Lavender should be pruned at least once a year; however, it may also be lightly pruned after the summer bloom to tidy the plant and encourage a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender (common name for Lavandula angustifolia) prefers well-draining alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 8. A mixture of two parts coarse sand or gravel, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part garden topsoil works well. Perlite can be added for better aeration.
RepottingLavender should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil. It's best to repot in the spring just before new growth starts. This allows the plant to settle in without being stressed by extreme temperatures.
Humidity & MistingLavender thrives in low to moderate humidity conditions, typically around 40-50%. It does not do well in high humidity environments, which can lead to fungal diseases and root rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place lavender in a sunny spot, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, little water, trim yearly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula angustifolia Aromatico Blue, commonly known as English lavender, starts its life cycle as a seed that germinates when conditions are favorable, typically in spring to early summer. Seedlings develop true leaves and grow into young plants, which can be transplanted into the garden or landscape. As the plant matures, it forms a woody base with a prolific growth of gray-green foliage, and by late spring to early summer, it starts to bloom with fragrant blue-purple flowers. During this flowering stage, which typically peaks in midsummer, the plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After the blooming period, seeds form and can be dispersed for natural propagation or collected for controlled propagation. English lavender is a perennial, so it dies back in the winter months but will sprout again from its woody base the following spring, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Lavandula angustifolia Aromatico Blue, commonly known as lavender, is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is employed in late summer when the plant's new growth has begun to harden. Gardeners typically select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) portion, cutting just below a node. The lower leaves are stripped, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mixture. To ensure a humid environment, the cuttings can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. It takes several weeks for roots to form, after which the plant can be transferred to a larger pot or directly to the garden.
