Lavender Lavandula 'Willow Vale'
ABOUT
Lavandula 'Willow Vale', commonly known as lavender, is a captivating plant with a distinctive appearance that makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. Its most striking feature is the profusion of flowers which present themselves in dense spikes atop slender, upright stems. These flowers carry the plant's signature color—a soothing shade of purple that can range from a pale, lilac hue to a deeper, more intense violet. The foliage of the lavender 'Willow Vale' adds to its allure with bushy clumps of narrow leaves that boast a soft, silvery-green color. The leaves are typically elongated and sometimes exhibit a slightly wrinkled texture, accentuating the plant's overall textured appearance. When crushed or brushed against, the leaves release the unmistakable, aromatic fragrance for which lavender is renowned. This lavender variety exhibits a gracefully rounded and compact shape that serves as an attractive addition to any landscape, be it a traditional flower garden, a rockery, or as a border plant. Its harmonious blend of colorful blooms and fragrant foliage makes it an excellent choice for both visual and sensory appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Lavender
Common names
Lavandula 'Willow Vale'
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, which includes Lavandula 'Willow Vale', is generally not poisonous to humans. However, consuming large quantities of lavender or ingesting the essential oils, particularly in undiluted form, could potentially lead to symptoms of toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Additionally, some people might experience an allergic reaction resulting in skin irritation or an adverse response if they are particularly sensitive to it.
To pets
Lavender, specifically Lavandula 'Willow Vale', is generally considered to be non-toxic to most pets, including dogs and cats. While it is not common for pets to suffer from poisoning after ingesting lavender, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Some pets may also have an allergic reaction to lavender, so it's important to monitor them for any signs of distress after exposure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Lavender 'Willow Vale' has attractive purple flowers and silver-grey foliage that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant and calming fragrance that can create a relaxing atmosphere in outdoor spaces.
- Drought tolerance: 'Willow Vale' lavender is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Culinary uses: Some parts of the lavender plant can be used in cooking, adding a unique flavor to various dishes.
- Low maintenance: Once established, lavender 'Willow Vale' typically requires minimal care and is relatively easy to maintain.
- Deer resistance: Lavender is generally resistant to deer, which can be an advantage in areas where deer browsing is a problem for gardeners.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: May offer pain relief for conditions like headaches and sore muscles.
- Antiseptic: Can be used to help sanitize and heal minor cuts and burns.
- Anti-inflammatory: Might reduce inflammation when applied to the skin.
- Relaxant: Commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming effects which may alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Antispasmodic: Can ease muscle spasms and tension.
- Sleep Aid: Helps improve sleep quality due to its sedative properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Linen freshener: Dried lavender can be placed in sachets and tucked into drawers or closets to impart a fresh fragrance to linens and clothes.
- Hair rinse: Infused lavender water can be used as a final rinse in hair care to lend a mild scent and potentially help with scalp health.
- Lavender sugar: By infusing granulated sugar with lavender, you can create a unique ingredient for baking or sweetening teas and lemonades.
- Flavoring honey: Lavender flowers can be steeped in honey to create a flavored sweetener for teas, desserts, and toast.
- Natural dye: The flowers of lavender can be used to create a soft purple dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Moth repellent: Dried lavender can be used in place of mothballs to protect woolens from insects and larvae.
- Lavender crafts: The stems and flowers can be woven into wreaths, garlands, or other decorative items for the home.
- Flavoring salt: Blend lavender with sea salt to create a seasoned salt that's excellent for cooking or as a garnish on savory dishes.
- Lavender pillows: Small pillows stuffed with dried lavender can help promote relaxation and may aid in better sleep when placed under a regular pillow.
- Lavender smoke: Burning dried lavender can be used for a pleasant, aromatic fire in fireplaces and during outdoor gatherings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used in Feng Shui to bring a sense of calm and purification to a space. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to promote relaxation and peaceful sleep. The scent of lavender is also believed to cleanse the air of negative energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace and Tranquility: Lavender is often linked with calming effects, helping to soothe the mind and reduce anxiety.
- Purity and Silence: The pale hues of lavender are associated with purity and its quiet scent can indicate an atmosphere of serene silence.
- Devotion: Lavender symbolizes devotion and undying love, reflecting its long-standing use in dedications and commitments.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for medicinal purposes, symbolizing its healing properties for both physical and emotional ailments.
- Protection: In some cultures, lavender is believed to offer protection from evil spirits or negative energies.
WaterFor the lavender plant Lavandula 'Willow Vale', water infrequently but deeply. Lavender prefers to dry out between waterings, so it's generally best to water once every two weeks, providing about half a gallon for medium-sized plants. During hot, dry periods, this may increase to once per week. Always check the top couple of inches of soil for dryness before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to ensure good drainage and to avoid letting the plant sit in water.
LightLavender, including the 'Willow Vale' variety, thrives in full sunlight. This plant does best when placed in a spot where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. Avoid areas with heavy shade or prolonged periods of indirect light to ensure the healthiest growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureThe common lavender plant prefers temperate conditions and can survive in temperatures ranging from 10 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it flourishes when temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lavandula 'Willow Vale' can tolerate occasional temperature dips below freezing but should be protected from prolonged periods of extreme cold or heat.
PruningPruning lavender, specifically the 'Willow Vale' type, promotes vigorous growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody. Prune in early spring as new growth appears or just after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new flowers. It's typically recommended to prune lavender once a year, removing about one-third of the overall plant to keep it compact and to boost blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender 'Willow Vale' thrives best in well-draining soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, generally between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix of two parts coarse sand or perlite to one part compost or organic matter is often recommended for optimal growth.
RepottingLavender 'Willow Vale' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Willow Vale', like most lavender varieties, prefers a dry climate with low humidity levels. It is important to avoid high humidity environments to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering for Lavender.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and protect from harsh winter winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Lavender 'Willow Vale' begins with germination, where the seeds sprout when exposed to optimal conditions of warmth and light. Following germination, the seedlings enter a phase of vegetative growth, developing leaves and stems as they mature. As the lavender plant reaches maturity, it enters the flowering stage, producing fragrant purple flowers typically during late spring through to summer. After pollination, which can be aided by insects such as bees, the plant produces seeds contained within the spent flower heads. The post-flowering stage involves the ripening of these seeds and the preparation of the plant for dormancy or decreased activity in response to cooler temperatures or drier conditions if perennial in regions with seasonal climates. Finally, Lavender 'Willow Vale' can either die after setting seed if it is grown as an annual or return to vegetative growth the following season if it behaves as a perennial in the garden setting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Lavender 'Willow Vale', commonly known as lavender, is usually propagated through the method of semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is most successful when done in the late summer. To propagate, one carefully selects and cuts a 3 to 4-inch (about 7.5 to 10 cm) piece of the semi-hardwood stem, ensuring that there are at least two sets of leaves at the top. The lower leaves are stripped off and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage growth. The cutting is then placed in well-draining soil, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept under conditions of high humidity and indirect light until roots develop, after which it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
