Lavender Lavandula angustifolia Melissa Lilac = 'Dow4' (PBR)
![English lavender [Melissa Lilac]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b61cd098d7.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Lavender 'Melissa Lilac' is a visually appealing perennial plant well-known for its distinctive fragrance and beautiful flowers. Its foliage consists of narrow, silver-green leaves that provide a lovely contrast to its blooms. The most striking feature of the plant is its flowers, which are a soft lilac color. These flowers are borne on long spikes that rise above the foliage, creating a gentle and attractive look. The blooms are known for their soothing and aromatic scent that is commonly used in sachets, perfumes, and oils. The delicate pastel shade of the flowers combined with their pleasant fragrance make Lavender 'Melissa Lilac' a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of serenity to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
English Lavender, Common Lavender, True Lavender, Lavender
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender is generally known to be non-toxic to humans. Most people can safely handle and ingest Lavandula angustifolia, including the 'Melissa Lilac' variety, in moderate quantities without experiencing adverse effects. Lavender is actually widely used in culinary applications and therapeutic products for its flavor and supposed health benefits. However, consuming lavender in excessive amounts could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other symptoms due to its strong essential oils and compounds. It is always advisable to use lavender sparingly and with caution, especially for people with existing allergies or sensitivities.
To pets
Lavender is generally considered non-toxic to pets, and this includes the Lavandula angustifolia 'Melissa Lilac' variety. While it's not common for pets to consume large amounts of lavender, mild gastrointestinal upset could occur if they ingest a significant quantity. However, in most cases, pets won't suffer from serious poisoning after coming into contact with lavender. It is always prudent to monitor pets around plants and discourage them from consuming non-food items, and consult with a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract bees and butterflies, which helps in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Aromatic: Lavender is highly valued for its soothing fragrance, which is used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, lavender is drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering.
- Low Maintenance: Lavender plants generally require little care and are relatively easy to maintain, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Landscape Beautification: Lavender adds a splash of color and texture to landscapes with its purple flowers and silvery-green foliage.
- Culinary Uses: Lavender can be used in cooking to add flavor to various dishes, such as desserts and teas.
- Evergreen: As an evergreen, lavender provides year-round interest in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: Lavender is typically not favored by deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
- Long Blooming: Lavender has a relatively long blooming period, providing color and fragrance for an extended time during the growing season.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for landscaping or sharing with others.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic Effects: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is commonly recognized for its potential calming and stress-reducing effects.
- Sleep Improvement: Due to its relaxing properties, lavender is often used to improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia.
- Analgesic Properties: The essential oil derived from lavender is sometimes applied topically to relieve minor aches and pains.
- Antiseptic Uses: Lavender has been traditionally used for its antiseptic properties to clean cuts and bruises.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Studies suggest that lavender may have anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation.
- Antispasmodic Effects: The plant is thought to relieve muscle spasms or cramps when applied topically or inhaled.
- Mood Stabilizer: Due to its calming effects, lavender is sometimes used to help stabilize mood swings and reduce anxiety.
- Neuroprotective Potential: Some research indicates that lavender could have neuroprotective effects, though this is still being actively studied.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender sachets: Dried lavender buds can be sewn into small sachets and placed in drawers or closets to give clothes a fresh, floral scent and to ward off moths and insects.
- Natural dye: The flowers of the lavender plant can be used to create a natural dye in shades of pink, blue, and purple, suitable for coloring textiles and crafts.
- Sleep aid: A small pouch of dried lavender under a pillow can help some individuals relax and improve the quality of sleep without using it for its medicinal properties.
- Cooking: Lavender can be used in culinary dishes; its flowers add a unique flavor to baked goods, lemonades, and savory dishes like stews and dressings.
- Displays and decorations: Dried lavender stems can be arranged in bouquets or used in wreaths and other home decor items for their beauty and enduring fragrance.
- Garden companion planting: Lavender is believed to be a good companion plant in gardens, possibly repelling certain pests and attracting beneficial insects like bees.
- Flavoring smoke: When grilling or smoking meats, dried lavender sprigs can be added to the fire to impart a subtle, herby flavor to the food.
- Homemade soap and candles: Lavender buds and oil are common ingredients in homemade soaps and candles, contributing scent and texture.
- Wedding confetti: Dried lavender buds are a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti and can be tossed at weddings for a fragrant and eco-friendly option.
- Linen freshener: Spritzing a light mist of lavender water on bedding or linens can freshen them up between washes and provide a calming scent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lavender is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is often associated with tranquility and calm. The soothing fragrance of Lavandula angustifolia is known to reduce stress and aid in relaxation.
- Purity: The plant's delicate purple flowers symbolize purity and cleanliness, often used to create a peaceful atmosphere in homes.
- Devotion: Lavender represents loyalty and devotion, making it a traditional gift for loved ones to express these sentiments.
- Silence: Due to its tranquil properties, lavender is sometimes symbolic of silence and peace, indicating a desire for solitude or quiet.
- Grace: The graceful spikes of lavender blooms stand for elegance and refinement. It’s often related to the feminine and can symbolize gentle beauty.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for its medicinal properties. It symbolizes healing and the wish for someone’s well-being.
WaterEnglish Lavender requires moderate watering and should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Water it deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil drainage, providing about 1 gallon per plant to encourage deep root growth. During the hottest periods of the summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the plant is not yet well established or if it's in a container. Overwatering or leaving the plant in soggy soil can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage. Cut back on watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightEnglish Lavender thrives in full sun and prefers to be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for English Lavender is an area with well-draining soil where it won't be shaded by taller plants or structures. Ensure it's not in a location where buildings or trees will cast shade for the majority of the day.
TemperatureEnglish Lavender prefers mild to warm temperatures and can generally survive winter temperatures down to about 10°F, although it thrives in temperatures between 60°F to 70°F. It's a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures up into the 80s or higher, but excessive heat can stress the plant, especially if it's not receiving adequate water. Ensure it has some protection or relief during the peak of summer heat.
PruningEnglish Lavender should be pruned to prevent it from becoming woody and to encourage new growth. Pruning is best done in early spring before new growth starts or in the fall after flowering. Removing about a third of the plant promotes a bushier growth habit and prevents the center from becoming sparse. Prune annually or biennially, cutting back to just above the wood line, to keep the plant compact and healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Lavender 'Melissa Lilac' should be well-draining, loose, and sandy with added organic matter. The preferred soil pH for lavender is slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingLavender 'Melissa Lilac' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Melissa Lilac' prefers dry air and does not require high humidity levels. Average home humidity is generally sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, good air flow, and well-draining soil for indoor Lavender.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula angustifolia, commonly known as 'Melissa Lilac' English lavender, begins its life cycle with seed germination in warm, well-drained soil conditions, often in spring. The seedlings grow and develop a root system before producing a rosette of leaves; during this juvenile phase, the plant focuses on vegetative growth. As the plant matures, typically within a year, it enters the flowering stage during late spring to early summer, where it produces spikes of fragrant, lilac-colored flowers attractive to pollinators like bees. After pollination, the plant sets seeds towards the end of summer, which can be collected for propagation or naturally dispersed to begin a new cycle. As a perennial, 'Melissa Lilac' then goes into a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, during which it conserves energy and may appear less vigorous or even die back depending on the climate. With the return of warmer weather in the subsequent spring, the plant exits dormancy, resumes growth, and the cycle continues.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as lavender, specifically the 'Melissa Lilac' variety, is through softwood cuttings. This process is typically performed in spring to early summer when new growth is soft and flexible. Gardeners will carefully select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut sections that are 3 to 4 inches long, ensuring at least one node is present. These cuttings are then stripped of leaves from the lower half and dipped into rooting hormone before being planted into well-draining soil. Maintaining a humid environment while avoiding over-watering is crucial for successful root development, often taking a few weeks to a month for cuttings to establish.
