Spanish Lavender Lavandula × cadevallii Fairy Wings Purple = 'Fw Spellbound' (Fairy Wings Series)
ABOUT
Lavandula × cadevallii Fairy Wings Purple, more commonly known as lavender, is recognized for its distinctive floral and foliage characteristics. The appearance of this lavender variant is exceptionally enchanting with flowers that have a deep purple hue, which captivates the eye with their rich, vibrant color. These flowers are not only colored intensely but are also shaped in delicate whorls that cluster around slender, vertical spikes, creating an alluring display. The foliage of the Fairy Wings Series lavender is equally appealing, comprising of slender, elongated leaves that carry a grayish-green coloration. The leaves have a soft, sometimes silvery appearance, which contrasts splendidly with the deep purple flowers. The overall presentation of this plant is one of grace and charm, inviting onlookers to come closer not only to admire its beauty but also to indulge in the delightful fragrance that lavender is so well known for. The plant emanates a strong, soothing scent that is a quintessential characteristic of all lavender varieties, making it a favorite among gardeners and fragrance enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Fairy Wings Purple, Spellbound Lavender.
Common names
Lavandula × cadevallii Fairy Wings Purple = 'Fw Spellbound' (Fairy Wings Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, which includes the Fairy Wings Purple variety, is generally not considered toxic to humans. Most types of lavender are edible and are used in cooking and for making tea. However, consuming lavender in large quantities might lead to discomfort such as gastrointestinal issues or an allergic reaction in some individuals.
To pets
Lavender, including the variety Fairy Wings Purple, is also not typically harmful to pets. It is generally regarded as safe for dogs, cats, and horses. If a pet consumes a large amount of lavender, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but serious toxicity is rare. It's always best to monitor your pets if they ingest any plant material and consult a veterinarian if you notice any adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender plants, such as Lavandula × cadevallii 'Fw Spellbound,' add a splash of purple color and an elegant structure to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Lavender is well-known for its pleasant and relaxing fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, contributing to the health of your garden’s ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, lavender plants are typically drought-tolerant, making them ideal for water-wise gardens and areas with low rainfall.
- Easy to Grow: Lavender is generally easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care once it's established, making it good for beginner gardeners.
- Culinary Uses: Some varieties of lavender, including culinary types, can be used in cooking, adding a unique flavor to various dishes.
- Landscape Versatility: Lavender can be grown in a variety of settings, such as in garden borders, as low hedges, or in containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender sachets: The dried flowers of Lavandula × cadevallii can be used in sachets to scent drawers and wardrobes, providing a natural fragrance to clothes and linens.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers can be used in floral arrangements to add color and a pleasant scent to any room.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil from the flowers, when used in aromatherapy diffusers, can create a calming atmosphere in a space.
- Natural dye: The flowers of Lavandula × cadevallii can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafting projects.
- Flavoring: While culinary use is common, it can also be used in unusual recipes like lavender-infused sugars or syrups for cocktails.
- Garden borders: The plant can be used in landscaping to create attractive, fragrant borders that also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Candle making: The dried lavender flowers can be incorporated into homemade candles for scent and decoration.
- Bookmarks: Dried lavender can be laminated or placed inside paper bookmarks to create a scented reminder of nature.
- Potpourri: The flowers can be mixed with other herbs and spices to create a longer-lasting potpourri mixture.
- Crafting: Lavender can be used in various crafts, such as making lavender wands or incorporated into homemade paper for an artistic touch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used in Feng Shui to promote a calming atmosphere, reduce stress, and bring a sense of peace and tranquility to a space. Place it in the living room or bedroom to enhance relaxation, or in the home office to help with concentration. Its purple color can also be associated with wealth and prosperity when placed in the southeastern area of a home or room.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calming: Lavender is commonly associated with a calming effect, often used in aromatherapy to soothe nerves and alleviate stress.
- Purity: The clear, sweet scent of lavender symbolizes cleanliness and purity, frequently used in cleaning products and rituals that involve purifying spaces.
- Protection: Historically, lavender has been used in protective sachets and was believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Healing: With its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender is often connected with healing, both physical and emotional.
- Love: The romantic purple color and enchanting fragrance of lavender have made it a symbol of love and devotion.
- Silence: In some cultures, lavender is symbolic of silence and peace, hence it's often a feature in gardens intended as tranquil retreats.
- Longevity: Because the lavender plant is perennial, it symbolizes long life and endurance.
WaterFairy Wings Lavender should be watered deeply but infrequently, as the plant is drought-tolerant and does not like to sit in wet soil. During the growing season, water it once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the weather conditions, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In the hot summer months, increase watering to once a week if there are signs of stress like wilting leaves. Reduce watering in the winter to every 2-3 weeks. Typically, use about half a gallon of water per plant for each watering session.
LightFairy Wings Lavender thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot would be an area that gets unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as too little light can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureFairy Wings Lavender prefers a temperate range of 60°F to 70°F, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 80°F. It is important to avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range to prevent stress or damage to the plant.
PruningPrune Fairy Wings Lavender in early spring or just after the first flowering to encourage bushier growth and maintain a compact shape. Remove any dead or withered flowers to promote new blooms. Do this pruning at least once a year, but twice can be beneficial, with the second pruning in the late summer after the last flowers have faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender Fairy Wings Purple thrives in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil mixed with compost. Ideal soil pH is slightly alkaline, around 6.7 to 7.3.
RepottingLavender Fairy Wings Purple should be repotted every 2-3 years or when roots become crowded in its current pot.
Humidity & MistingLavender Fairy Wings Purple prefers low to moderate humidity levels, typical of its Mediterranean origin.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good airflow, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from harsh winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Lavender 'Fw Spellbound', belonging to the Fairy Wings Series, starts its life as a seed, which with proper conditions—light, warmth, and moisture—germinates into a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops a root system and true leaves, eventually becoming a mature plant. During its growth, the plant enters a vegetative stage, building up energy reserves and growing in size and strength. With enough light and warmth, it begins flowering, producing the distinctive purple flowers that attract pollinators and are characteristic of this cultivar. After pollination, seeds form and mature, which can then be dispersed by wind or animal activity, allowing for the spread and propagation of the plant. Finally, 'Fw Spellbound' enters a period of senescence where growth slows and the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but can persist and regrow if the conditions are favorable, such as in milder climates or when provided winter protection.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Lavandula × cadevallii Fairy Wings Purple, commonly known as the 'Fw Spellbound' Lavender, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This process is best carried out during the late spring or early summer. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) from the parent plant's new growth, ensuring that there are several sets of leaves. After removing the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, the stem is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in a warm location with indirect light. Roots often establish after a few weeks, at which point the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted out.
