Lavender Lavandula angustifolia Little Lady = 'Batlad'
ABOUT
The plant known as Little Lady is a charming specimen featuring a multitude of attractive traits. It is adorned with spikes of compact, fragrant flowers that have a deep blue to purple hue, which are a delight to both the eyes and the nose. These blooms are known for their ability to attract an array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's allure in any garden setting. The foliage of Little Lady is equally appealing, with gray-green leaves that are narrow and somewhat lance-shaped, often displaying a fine, downy texture. This foliage remains evergreen in most climates, contributing to the plant’s year-round interest. When in full bloom, the plant presents a striking appearance that can be described as both elegant and robust, creating an enchanting presence wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
English Lavender, Common Lavender, True Lavender, Narrow-Leaved Lavender.
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia Little Lady = 'Batlad'
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, specifically Lavandula angustifolia 'Little Lady' commonly referred to as 'Batlad', is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, it is safe when used in aromatherapy, cooking, and external application. However, consuming large quantities of lavender or the essential oil can potentially lead to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or headache due to the concentration of oils and compounds within the plant.
To pets
Lavender, in the form of Lavandula angustifolia 'Little Lady' or 'Batlad', is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. However, if a pet ingests a large amount of lavender, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea. Toxicity is usually not severe, but monitoring for unusual behaviors and consulting with a veterinarian is recommended if a significant quantity is ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Blue-purple
Height
1 foot 2 inches (35 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot 4 inches (40 centimeters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: With its compact size and attractive deep blue-purple flowers, Lavandula angustifolia 'Little Lady' can enhance the beauty of gardens, landscapes, and outdoor spaces.
- Fragrance: The plant is well-known for its pleasant and calming scent, making it a popular choice for gardens and as a natural fragrance source for homes.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollination and biodiversity within the ecosystem.
- Drought Resistance: This plant is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardening and xeriscaping practices.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the basic necessities of water, soil management, and occasional pruning, making it ideal for new gardeners and those seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Culinary Use: The flowers and leaves can be used in cooking to infuse dishes with a unique flavor, often utilized in desserts and savory recipes.
- Crafts and Decoration: Dried Lavender flowers are commonly used in crafts, potpourris, and as decorative elements in homes and events.
- Companion Planting: Lavandula angustifolia 'Little Lady' can serve as a companion plant, helping to repel certain pests from neighboring plants in the garden.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: Lavender has natural antiseptic properties that may help prevent infection in minor cuts and burns.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritations.
- Anxiolytic: Lavender is often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Sedative: Has potential sedative effects that might aid with sleep and relaxation.
- Analgesic: May provide some pain relief for minor aches and pains.
- Antispasmodic: Could help relieve muscle spasms and cramps.
- Carminative: Lavender can be used to help reduce gastrointestinal gas and bloating.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender 'Little Lady' can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from soft pinks to purples depending on the mordant used.
- The plant may serve as a moth repellent when dried and placed in closets or drawers, keeping clothes free from damage.
- Lavender essential oil, extracted from 'Little Lady', can be used in homemade cleaning products due to its pleasant scent and mild antibacterial properties.
- The flowers of Lavender 'Little Lady' can be used as a natural flavor enhancer in baking, particularly in recipes for cookies or cakes.
- When dried, the plant provides material for fragrant potpourri that can freshen up the home without artificial chemicals.
- The bloom spikes are sometimes used in craft projects, such as in the creation of floral arrangements or wreaths for decoration.
- The plant's flowers can be infused into sugar, creating lavender-flavored sugar for use in teas or culinary dishes.
- Used in sachets, Lavender 'Little Lady' can subtly scent linens and towels when placed in linen closets.
- Gardeners can use the plant as a companion plant to deter pests from vegetables and other herbs due to its strong fragrance.
- Lavender 'Little Lady' can be included in homemade soaps for its scent and gentle antiseptic qualities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lavender is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calming: Lavender is widely associated with calmness and tranquility, often used to soothe the mind and decrease anxiety levels.
- Purity: The clean, fresh scent of lavender is symbolic of cleanliness and purity, making it a common choice in cleansing rituals and traditions.
- Silence: With its quiet and understated beauty, lavender can represent silence, reflecting a peacefulness that is both internal and external.
- Devotion: Lavender is often a symbol of devotion and undying love, conveying a sense of deep adoration and commitment.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for medicinal purposes, symbolizing healing and relief from pain or discomfort.
- Protection: Some cultures believe that lavender can ward off evil spirits or ill fortune, making it a symbol of protection.
WaterFor the English Lavender, water sparingly as it prefers dry or moderately moist soil. Typically, watering once every two weeks with about 1 gallon per plant should suffice, depending on weather conditions. Ensure proper drainage as this plant does not like to sit in water. During the peak of summer, water may be increased to once a week if the weather is particularly hot and dry, but always check the soil moisture before adding water. Reduce watering frequency as the weather cools and especially during winter when the plant goes dormant.
LightEnglish Lavender thrives in full sun with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It's best to position it in a spot where it can enjoy plenty of light without obstruction. Insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and a leggy growth habit, so ensure it's in the brightest spot possible.
TemperatureEnglish Lavender can survive in a range of temperatures but prefers a comfortable zone between 60°F and 70°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F and as high as 100°F, though extreme conditions can be stressful for the plant. It is important to note that Lavender is a hardy plant that can withstand cooler temperatures quite well, but it does not thrive in high humidity.
PruningPrune English Lavender in the spring after the last frost or in early fall before it becomes dormant to encourage bushy growth and prevent woodiness at the base. Remove about a third of the overall height, cutting just above a set of leaves. Timing is crucial—annual pruning helps maintain a compact shape and improves air circulation, which can prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender 'Little Lady' thrives best in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil, with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. A mixture of two parts coarse sand, one part perlite, and three parts compost or organic matter is ideal, providing the necessary drainage and nutrient levels.
RepottingLavender 'Little Lady' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its pot. Early spring is the best time to repot to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Little Lady' prefers a dry climate and low humidity. Ideal relative humidity levels for this plant range from 40% to 50%, which mimics its native Mediterranean conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, low humidity, and well-draining soil mix for Lavender 'Little Lady'.
Outdoor
For Lavender 'Little Lady', choose full sun, well-drained soil, and low humidity.
Hardiness zone
Lavender 'Little Lady' is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.
Life cycle"Little Lady" Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Batlad') starts as a seed that, under appropriate conditions of light and temperature, germinates. It then develops into a seedling, forming a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As it matures, the plant grows woody stems and characteristic grey-green foliage, eventually reaching its flowering maturity wherein it produces spikes of small purple flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often aided by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing seeds. Once seeds are dispersed, the parent plant continues its growth cycle by entering a semi-dormant phase in autumn and winter, where growth slows down. The plant then rejuvenates and resumes active growth in the following spring, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Lavender 'Little Lady' is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This is usually done in late spring or early summer when new growth is tender and flexible. Cuttings should be approximately 2-4 inches long and have several leaf pairs. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. Maintaining a consistently moist environment is critical, often achieved by covering the cuttings with a plastic dome or bag to retain humidity. Roots typically develop within 4-6 weeks, after which the new lavender plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before planting out.
