Lavender Lavandula 'Pretty Polly'
ABOUT
Lavandula 'Pretty Polly', commonly known as lavender, is a perennial plant that boasts a compact and rounded form. It stands out with its vibrant foliage and striking flowers. The plant has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that exhibit a silver-green hue, contributing to its distinctive appearance. The foliage forms a dense and bushy habit, providing a lush backdrop for the lavender's most captivating feature—its flowers. The blooms of 'Pretty Polly' lavender are organized in terminal spikes, presenting a charming display that tends to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These flower spikes are composed of small, tubular individual flowers. The flowers present a rich purple color, ranging from soft lilac to deeper violet shades, depending on the season and growing conditions. These fragrant flowers emerge profusely in late spring to early summer, with a possible rebloom in the fall, depending on the climate and care. The strong, sweet fragrance is typical of lavender varieties, often used for aromatherapy and in scented products. The combination of the plant's aromatic flowers, silver-green foliage, and neatly rounded shape makes 'Pretty Polly' lavender an attractive addition to gardens, borders, and containers, offering both visual appeal and sensory pleasure.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Pretty Polly Lavender
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia 'Pretty Polly'
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, which includes the variety 'Pretty Polly', is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. It is often used in culinary applications and aromatherapy. However, ingesting large quantities of lavender oil or concentrated extracts could potentially result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or headache. In extremely rare cases, allergic reactions can occur. It is important to use lavender in moderation, especially when dealing with essential oils or other concentrated forms.
To pets
Lavender is not typically toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The plant can sometimes be found in gardens and is used for its aromatic properties. Most pets can interact with the lavender plant without adverse effects. However, if a pet consumes a large amount of lavender, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. The essential oil of lavender, if ingested in significant amounts, can be more harmful than the plant itself and may lead to more serious symptoms such as lethargy or difficulty breathing. Therefore, it's important to keep essential oils out of reach of pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: 'Pretty Polly' lavender provides a vibrant pop of color with its purple flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a characteristic pleasant and soothing scent, adding a sensory dimension to the garden experience.
- Drought tolerance: As a hardy plant, it can survive in dry conditions once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low maintenance: 'Pretty Polly' lavender requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners at all levels of experience.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Culinary use: The flowers of 'Pretty Polly' lavender can be used to infuse flavor in culinary dishes, particularly desserts and teas.
- Landscape versatility: The plant can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, herb gardens, and as ground cover.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: The natural oils in lavender deter deer and rabbits, protecting other nearby plants in the garden.
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 can be placed in drawers or closets to impart a fresh fragrance to clothes and linens, and to deter moths and other insects.
- Potpourri made from dried lavender flowers can enhance the aroma of a room when placed in decorative bowls or sachets.
- Lavender-infused water can be used as a linen spray for bedding or tablecloths, giving them a pleasant, calming scent.
- Dried lavender stems can be burned like incense or used in a fireplace to release a soothing fragrance into the home.
- Lavender can be used as a natural dye, yielding a soft purple color for fabrics or crafts.
- When added to compost, lavender can act as a pest repellent, deterring rodents and insects from the compost pile.
- Lavender flowers can be used as a decorative, edible garnish on desserts or salads, adding a touch of color and a hint of flavor.
- A few drops of lavender oil can be added to paint before applying it to walls to help reduce the odor of the paint and leave a fresh scent.
- Lavender petals can be incorporated into homemade soaps or bath bombs for their fragrance and skin-soothing properties.
- As a natural cleaner, a solution made from lavender can be used to clean surfaces, leaving them not only clean but also lightly scented.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender can be used in Feng Shui to promote relaxation, peace, and purification. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to create a serene atmosphere and improve sleep quality, as well as in the bathroom to cleanse and harmonize the energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is commonly associated with calming effects, often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Serenity: The gentle color and soft fragrance of lavender are symbolic of tranquility and peace.
- Purity: Due to its clean and fresh scent, lavender is often associated with purity and cleanliness.
- Devotion: Historically, lavender represents devotion and undying love, making it a popular plant in wedding bouquets and decorations.
- Healing: Known for its medicinal properties, lavender symbolizes healing and restoration of health.
- Protection: In some cultures, lavender is thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
- Beauty: The attractive appearance of the lavender plant stands for beauty and elegance.
- Silence: With its association to peacefulness, the lavender plant can symbolize silence and stillness.
WaterThe Lavender 'Pretty Polly' prefers consistent but moderate watering, usually established by allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. A general guideline is to provide about 1 inch of water every week, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Reduce watering in the fall and water sparingly in winter, as the plant is dormant. Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to water deeply but infrequently. As a Mediterranean plant, Lavender 'Pretty Polly' is drought-tolerant once established, so frequent light watering should be avoided.
LightLavender 'Pretty Polly' thrives best under full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant loves a sunny spot with clear exposure to sunlight to flourish. It is essential not to place Lavender 'Pretty Polly' in a shaded area as inadequate light can lead to poor flowering and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureLavender 'Pretty Polly' prefers a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and can survive nighttime temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is heat-tolerant and can survive in temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing conditions include a well-ventilated area that protects Lavender 'Pretty Polly' from extreme cold and frost, as it is not tolerant to temperatures much below freezing.
PruningPruning Lavender 'Pretty Polly' is important to maintain its compact shape, encourage blooming, and prevent it from becoming woody. The best time to prune is in the spring after new growth appears and again just after flowering to shape the plant and prompt a second flush of flowers. Typically, lightly pruning back about a third of the plant's growth is recommended, ensuring not to cut into the old wood without leaves as this may not regrow.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender 'Pretty Polly' prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. A mix of 60% potting soil, 30% sand, and 10% compost works well for this plant to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingLavender 'Pretty Polly' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the pot, ensuring not to disturb the roots excessively during the process.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Pretty Polly' thrives in low to average humidity conditions; it does not require high humidity and can manage in drier air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, well-draining soil, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from harsh winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycle'Pretty Polly' lavender, a dwarf variety of Lavandula, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with basic vegetative structures like true leaves and a root system. As it matures, the lavender enters a vegetative stage, where it grows steadily and forms a compact, bushy habit with silvery-green foliage. This is followed by the budding stage, where flower spikes start to form at the tips of the stems. The blooming stage comes next, with 'Pretty Polly' displaying vibrant pink flowers that attract pollinators and offer a delightful fragrance during late spring to summer. After the blooming period, the plant may produce seeds if flowers are allowed to go to seed, or it can be pruned to encourage further vegetative growth and prepare for the next flowering cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Lavandula 'Pretty Polly', commonly known as lavender, is by taking semi-ripe cuttings in the summer. To do this, select healthy, non-floral shoots and cut a 3-4 inch (about 7.5-10 cm) segment just below a node using a sharp, sterilized knife or scissors. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development. The cutting should then be inserted into a well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of peat and perlite. It's important to keep the cutting moist but not waterlogged, and in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be potted up into its own container.
