Lavender Lavandula × intermedia Heavenly Angel = 'Dowphangel' (PBR) (Heavenly Series)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Lavender Heavenly Angel is characterized by its silvery-green foliage and profusion of flower spikes that bloom in a shade of soft violet-blue. The leaves of this perennial are narrow, elongated, and have a somewhat fuzzy texture that is typical of lavender plants. The Heavenly Angel blooms are distinctively aromatic, releasing a calming fragrance that is a signature trait of lavender. The flowers are densely packed on long stems that rise gracefully above the foliage, and each individual floret is dainty and tubular, contributing to the overall fluffy appearance of the flower spikes. Since this is a hybrid variety, it often displays a robust vigor and enhanced blooming compared to its parent plants. Its growth habit tends to be bushy and compact, forming a mounded shape that is covered in blooms during the peak flowering season. The contrast of the bright blooms against the silver-green leaves makes it a standout in any garden setting. Lavender Heavenly Angel is often coveted for not only its beauty and scent but also for its usage in crafts, culinary applications, and as a dried flower.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Heavenly Angel Lavender
Common names
Lavandula × intermedia 'Dowphangel'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as lavender. Lavender is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is often used in culinary applications as well as in aromatherapy. However, ingestion in large quantities may lead to mild discomfort, such as gastrointestinal issues or headache in some individuals, but severe toxicity is rare. It is always recommended to exercise caution and avoid consuming large amounts of any non-food plant material.
To pets
Lavender is also commonly considered non-toxic to pets. While it is not typically associated with severe poisoning, ingestion of large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals. It is always advisable to monitor pets and prevent them from ingesting plants in large amounts, as individual reactions can vary. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large portion of lavender and is showing signs of distress, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Grey-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet 3 inches (0.68 meters)
Spread
2 feet 3 inches (0.68 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers beautiful, abundant purple flowers that enhance the visual beauty of any garden or landscape.
- Fragrance: Emits a pleasant, soothing scent that can create a calming environment outdoors.
- Attracts Pollinators: Serves as a nectar source for bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has the ability to withstand periods of low water availability.
- Low Maintenance: Typically requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners at all levels of experience.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides flowers for an extended period, usually from mid to late summer.
- Cold Hardy: Able to survive in cooler climates, making it a versatile plant for different regions.
- Deer Resistance: Generally not preferred by deer, reducing the risk of damage from wildlife.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender sachets: Dried lavender flowers can be placed in small pouches to create natural sachets that impart a pleasant scent to drawers, closets, and even vehicles.
- Natural dye: Lavender can be used to produce a soft, gentle dye for fabrics, wool, or paper, providing a hint of lavender color.
- Flavoring in baking: Culinary lavender can be incorporated into recipes for cookies, cakes, and pastries to add a unique floral flavor.
- Homemade soap: Lavender flowers and essential oil can be used in homemade soap recipes for fragrance and exfoliation.
- Candle making: The scent of lavender is popular in candles, providing a relaxing atmosphere in any room.
- Creative crafts: Dried lavender can be used in various crafts, such as wreaths, potpourri mixtures, or as a decorative addition to gift wrapping.
- Linen freshener: A few drops of lavender essential oil can be added to water and sprayed onto linens to freshen them up between washings.
- Natural insect repellent: Lavender is known to repel certain insects, so it can be used in wardrobes or around windows to keep pests at bay.
- Photography prop: Lavender plants and their blooms can serve as an exquisite backdrop or subject for botanical photography.
- Companion planting: Lavender can be planted alongside other garden plants to help deter pests and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Lavender is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Lavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender, including the 'Heavenly Angel' variety, is often associated with calmness and tranquility, due to its soothing scent which is widely used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Purity: The name 'Heavenly Angel' suggests a connection to the divine and purity. Lavender is also traditionally linked with cleanliness, partly because of its use in scenting linens and baths.
- Devotion: Lavender can symbolize devotion or undying love. It has been used in history to convey deep adoration and commitment.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for its medicinal properties, and it symbolizes health and healing. It has been believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities.
- Serenity: The calming nature of lavender typically equates it with peace and serenity, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.
- Grace: The delicate and elegant stems and blooms of lavender can represent gracefulness and elegance.
- Silence: Due to its calming effects, lavender is often connected with silence and an absence of turmoil or agitation.
WaterThe Lavender 'Heavenly Angel' should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its preferred Mediterranean conditions. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically amounts to once every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. Decrease watering in the fall and winter to every two to three weeks, unless you're in a particularly dry climate. Give the plant about a gallon of water at each watering to ensure the moisture reaches the deep roots. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of too dry rather than too wet.
LightLavender 'Heavenly Angel' thrives in full sun, so the plant should be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An open, south-facing position where it can bask in uninterrupted daylight is ideal. Although the plant is adaptable to partial shade, the flowering and oil production may be compromised with reduced sunlight.
TemperatureLavender 'Heavenly Angel' prefers warm conditions and tolerates a wide temperature range. It can survive temperatures as low as 10°F for short periods, but ideal growth occurs between 60°F and 70°F. This plant is hardy to USDA Zone 5 and can withstand temperatures up to around 90°F, but prolonged heat can stress the plant.
PruningPrune Lavender 'Heavenly Angel' at the end of its blooming period to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. It is best to prune lightly, removing only a third of the growth to avoid cutting into the woody stems, as this can prevent regrowth. A yearly pruning in early spring is recommended, just as new growth is starting, which can help prolong the life of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender (Lavandula × intermedia 'Heavenly Angel') thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of two parts coarse sand, one part perlite, and three parts compost. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline, around 6.7 to 7.3.
RepottingLavender (Lavandula × intermedia 'Heavenly Angel') typically needs repotting every two to three years or when the plant becomes root-bound and the growth slows down.
Humidity & MistingLavender (Lavandula × intermedia 'Heavenly Angel') prefers low to moderate humidity levels and can tolerate dry air typical of most indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot. Ensure pot has good drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from harsh winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula × intermedia Heavenly Angel = 'Dowphangel' (PBR) (Heavenly Series), commonly known as Lavender, begins its life as a seed that germinates in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. The seedling emerges with true leaves and gradually develops into a young plant, exhibiting the characteristic narrow, aromatic foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative growth phase, increasing in size and producing woody stems. Come spring and early summer, the lavender reaches the flowering stage, producing long stems topped with dense spikes of fragrant flowers that can range from purple to blue or white. After pollination, the flowers set seeds that can be dispersed to propagate new plants. As a perennial, lavender enters a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, with growth slowing down and the plant focusing on resource conservation until favorable conditions return for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Lavender 'Heavenly Angel' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique involves taking cuttings from the plant's current year's growth, which has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardened. The optimal time to take these cuttings is during the summer months, typically late June through early August. Cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long and have several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the cutting is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, the cuttings are placed in a well-draining medium such as sandy soil or a mix of peat and perlite. Maintaining a humid environment is crucial, so covering the cuttings with a plastic dome or misting regularly can help ensure success while they root over the course of several weeks.
