Lavender [Platinum Blonde] Lavandula × intermedia Platinum Blonde = 'Momparler' (PBR)

Water

The Lavender 'Platinum Blonde' should be watered deeply but infrequently as it prefers drier conditions typical for Mediterranean climates. Generally, it requires water once or twice a week during active growth if there hasn't been sufficient rain, decreasing to every two to three weeks once established and during cooler months. Each watering session should provide about 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to let the soil dry out between watering sessions. In hotter, drier climates, increasing the frequency of watering may be necessary, especially for plants in containers.

Light

The Lavender 'Platinum Blonde' thrives best in full sun. It needs to be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot would be an open area with unobstructed exposure to the sun's rays, away from tall plants or structures that might cast shade.

Temperature

The Lavender 'Platinum Blonde' prefers a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is able to survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit but will flourish best within its preferred range. When exposed to temperatures outside this range, especially extreme cold, the plant may require protection to prevent damage.

Pruning

Prune the Lavender 'Platinum Blonde' to maintain its shape and promote robust growth. Pruning should be done in early spring as new growth appears and again after flowering to encourage a second bloom and to prevent the plant from becoming woody. Pruning about 1/3 off the top of the plant is generally recommended. The best time for a major cutback is just as the buds show color, but before they fully open.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lavender 'Platinum Blonde' thrives in well-draining soil that is light and sandy with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A suitable soil mix for this lavender variety would contain two parts coarse sand or gravel, one part topsoil, and one part compost to provide ample drainage and sufficient nutrients.

Repotting

Lavender 'Platinum Blonde' generally requires repotting every 1 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring just before the new growth begins, which allows the plant to establish in its new container over the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Lavender 'Platinum Blonde' prefers a dry and low humidity environment. It does well in the humidity levels typically found in Mediterranean climates, which means it is best suited to conditions where the air is relatively dry and not too moist.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in sunny spot, ensure pot has drainage holes.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, space plants.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Lavandula × intermedia Platinum Blonde, commonly known as Platinum Blonde Lavender, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm, well-drained soil, usually in spring. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with distinctive variegated foliage. This perennial herb then enters a vegetative stage, where it grows and matures, establishing a strong root system and woody base. During the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, it produces spikes of fragrant purple flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, these flowers may produce seeds, allowing the plant to propagate, although Platinum Blonde Lavender is often propagated through cuttings to maintain its variegated traits. Finally, the plant enters a dormancy stage during the colder months, when growth slows down significantly, and it may require pruning to promote vigorous growth in the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Lavender 'Platinum Blonde' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place during the summer months when the plant's growth is semi-ripe. To propagate, one would cut a 3-4 inch (approximately 7.5-10 centimeters) segment from the current year's growth, ensuring there are several nodes present. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix or a combination of peat and perlite. It is important to maintain consistent moisture and provide a warm environment for the cutting; often a plastic covering is used to retain humidity. Rooting usually takes several weeks, after which the new plant can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions before being planted out.