Lavandin Lavandula × intermedia Olympia = 'Downoly' (PBR)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The plant in question, commonly known as Lavender Olympia, is a perennial hybrid with a compact and bushy growth habit. It has a dense form with gray-green, narrow foliage that is highly aromatic. The leaves are long and thin, with a somewhat velvety texture. The plant is particularly prized for its abundant blooms that take the form of long spikes. These flower spikes are topped with small, purple flowers that are known for their intense fragrance and are often used for essential oils, dried floral arrangements, and crafting. The blooms appear in profusion, creating a striking contrast against the foliage, and attract a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Overall, the appearance of Lavender Olympia is one of a well-mounded, serene, and fragrant plant that provides both visual and sensory appeal in a garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae
- Synonyms
  Lavandin, Dutch Lavender, Hybrid Lavender
- Common names
  Lavandula × intermedia Olympia = 'Downoly' (PBR).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as Lavandin is generally considered non-toxic to humans. No severe toxicity is expected if parts of this plant are ingested in small quantities. However, some individuals could potentially experience mild discomfort, such as nausea or stomach upset, especially when consumed in large amounts due to the presence of oils and compounds typically found in lavender plants.
- To pets
  Lavandin is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is unlikely that ingestion of this plant will result in severe poisoning for pets, but as with humans, the oils and compounds present in the plant can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals if they ingest a significant amount. If your pet consumes a large portion of the plant and shows signs of illness, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Purple
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  5-9
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Produces attractive violet-blue flowers and silver-green foliage that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Emits a pleasant, calming scent that is enjoyed in gardens and can be used in sachets and potpourris.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with occasional pruning and limited need for fertilization or watering.
- Culinary Use: Flowers and leaves can be used to infuse oils, make teas, and flavor various dishes.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for a variety of landscaping uses, including borders, hedges, and as a specimen plant.
- Deer Resistance: Less palatable to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from browsing.
Medical Properties
- Antiseptic: Lavender is known for its antiseptic properties, which can help in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Anti-inflammatory: It can reduce inflammation, which might help in conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness.
- Anxiolytic: Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy for its anxiolytic effects, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
- Sedative: Components in lavender, such as linalool, are believed to have sedative effects which might promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
- Analgesic: The plant may offer mild pain relief for conditions such as headaches or other minor aches and pains.
- Antispasmodic: Lavender may help alleviate spasm-related conditions, such as menstrual cramps or gastrointestinal issues.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Lavender can be used as a natural dye, producing a range of colors from pink to purple depending on the mordant used.
- The plant's buds can be incorporated into baking, adding a floral flavor to cookies, cakes, and other desserts.
- Lavender flowers are sometimes used in the crafting of homemade soap for their fragrance and exfoliating properties.
- Dried lavender sachets can be placed in drawers or closets to naturally repel moths and freshen clothes.
- The essential oil derived from lavender can be added to homemade cleaning solutions for its scent and mild antibacterial properties.
- Lavender can be used in the creation of natural insect repellent sprays or lotions.
- The stems and flowers of lavender can be woven into wreaths or bouquets for decorative purposes.
- It can be included in potpourri mixes for a calming and pleasant aroma in the home.
- Lavender can be used as a natural herbicide, as it has been noted to inhibit the growth of certain weeds.
- The plant can be included in companion planting strategies to enhance the growth and flavor of vegetables and other herbs.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Lavender is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Lavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Calmness: Lavandin, being a hybrid of lavender, is known for its relaxing aroma which is often associated with calmness and stress relief.
- Purification: Throughout history, lavender and its hybrids like lavandin have been used for cleansing and purifying spaces, repelling bad odors and negative energies.
- Devotion: Lavandin can symbolize devotion, as lavender has been used in religious ceremonies and to convey loyalty.
- Healing: Known for its therapeutic properties, lavandin stands for healing, symbolizing the plant’s use in traditional medicine to soothe and heal various ailments.
- Serenity: The soothing fragrance of Lavandin promotes a serene atmosphere, symbolizing peace and tranquility.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Lavender plants, including the Lavandula × intermedia 'Olympia', prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently. A good rule of thumb is to water once every 7 to 10 days, providing about half a gallon per plant, depending on the climate and soil conditions. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and avoid using sprinklers. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture first.
Light
The Lavandula × intermedia 'Olympia' thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for this plant is in an open area where it receives ample light throughout the day, without being shaded by trees or buildings. Avoid placing it in areas with partial shade to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
Temperature
Lavandula × intermedia 'Olympia', commonly known as lavender, can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrives in conditions between 60°F and 70°F. Lavender can withstand temperatures dipping briefly to 20°F but should be protected from prolonged freezing conditions. During the summer, it can survive up to 90°F, but ensure it has adequate water during extreme heat.
Pruning
Pruning Lavandula × intermedia 'Olympia' is essential to promote vigorous growth, maintain an attractive shape, and enhance flowering. Prune once a year in early spring or after flowering by cutting back about a third of the plant's height. Pruning just above the new growth will encourage the plant to bush out. Avoid cutting into the older, woody parts of the plant, as this can cause damage.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Lavender 'Phenomenal' prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. A mix containing equal parts of garden soil, coarse sand, and organic compost or well-rotted manure is ideal.
Repotting
Lavender 'Phenomenal' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring just before new growth begins.
Humidity & Misting
Lavender 'Phenomenal' is tolerant of dry air but prefers a humidity level between 40-50%. It thrives in environments with low to moderate humidity and does not require high humidity levels.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a sunny spot, ensure good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, low humidity.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
Lavandula × intermedia 'Olympia' begins its life cycle with germination from seed or rooting from cuttings, requiring well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Once established, the plant enters a vigorous growth phase, developing a bushy habit with grey-green, aromatic foliage. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer, producing long stems topped with fragrant purple flowers which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After blooming, seeds can be collected or allowed to self-sow, and the plant should be pruned back to encourage a compact shape and prepare for the next season's growth. In colder climates, it becomes semi-dormant in winter, with some foliage dying back, necessitating protection from frost. With proper care, Lavandula × intermedia 'Olympia' is a perennial, living for several years and potentially becoming woody at the base as it matures.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: Lavandin 'Olympia', better known as a hybrid lavender, is frequently propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. For optimal results, cuttings are typically taken in late summer, after flowering has finished but before the plant becomes dormant. The most popular method involves taking cuttings of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5-10 centimeters) in length from healthy, non-flowering stems. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where the leaves were removed. The potting medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a bright, indirectly lit area until roots have developed, after which they can be transplanted to a more permanent location.