Lavandin Lavandula × intermedia 'Provence'
ABOUT
Lavandula × intermedia 'Provence', commonly known as Provence lavender or simply lavender, is a plant renowned for its enchanting fragrance and striking appearance. This perennial shrub typically has a bushy form with branchy growth that gives it a full, rounded shape. The leaves of Provence lavender are a hallmark of the species, being a silver-gray or grayish-green in color. These leaves are typically long and narrow, with a tendency to roll slightly under at the edges, giving them a slightly tubular appearance when viewed from certain angles. The most distinctive feature of Provence lavender, apart from its calming scent, is its flowers. The blooms are arrayed in long, slender spikes located at the ends of long stems that protrude above the foliage. Each spike is composed of multiple small flowers that exhibit a color palette ranging from a soft, muted purple to a vibrant violet-blue shade. These blooms are not only visually striking but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the plant for its nectar. The classic aesthetic of the Provence lavender, with its contrasting silvery foliage and vibrant purple-toned flowers, makes it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. Its ability to evoke the charm of the French countryside, coupled with its use in perfumes, soaps, and a myriad of other scented products, ensures its popularity and continued cultivation in gardens around the world.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Provence Lavender, French Lavender, Lavandin.
Common names
Lavandula × intermedia 'Provence'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, specifically Lavandula × intermedia 'Provence', is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, lavender is commonly used in culinary applications, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine. However, it is possible for someone to have an allergic reaction or experience irritation if they have a sensitivity to lavender or its essential oils. Ingesting large amounts of lavender oil, which is highly concentrated, can be harmful and potentially lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and headache.
To pets
Lavender is generally considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. However, as with humans, some animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions to lavender or its oils. If a pet ingests a large amount of lavender, particularly in the form of essential oil, they may exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always best to use caution with essential oils around pets and consult with a veterinarian if any concerns arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Grey-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
3 feet (91 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Provence' lavender is valued for its beautiful purple flowers and silvery-green foliage, adding color and texture to gardens.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a strong, pleasant scent that can perfume an outdoor space and is commonly used in sachets and potpourri.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity and aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Culinary Uses: The flowers and leaves can be used to flavor various dishes, teas, and desserts.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be planted in garden beds, borders, and as a low hedge, providing structure to garden design.
- Low Maintenance: It requires little care beyond the occasional pruning and can thrive in poor soils.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits due to its fragrance.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: Lavandin oil, derived from Lavandula × intermedia 'Provence', is believed to have antiseptic properties, which may help disinfect minor cuts and scrapes.
- Anxiolytic: The scent of lavandin is thought to have a calming effect, which might help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Sedative: It is sometimes used in aromatherapy for its potential sedative effects, which may aid in improving sleep quality.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant contains compounds that may possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Antispasmodic: Lavandin might be used to soothe muscle spasms or menstrual cramps due to its potential antispasmodic effects.
- Analgesic: The essential oil derived from lavandin may have analgesic properties, which could provide relief from minor aches and pains.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender 'Provence' can be used to create a natural dye, providing a range of purple and violet hues for textiles depending on the mordant used.
- The flowers of the Lavender plant can be incorporated into baking, adding a distinctive, floral flavor to cookies, cakes, and other pastries.
- As a moth repellent, dried Lavender sachets can be placed in closets and drawers to protect clothing from damage.
- Lavender oil can be used in homemade natural cleaning products, leaving surfaces with a fresh, calming scent.
- When infused into vinegar, Lavender provides an aromatic rinse that can be used in hair care, leaving the hair fragrant and shiny.
- It's often used in artisanal candle-making, contributing its pleasant aroma to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Lavender can be added to bath salts, offering a soothing and spa-like experience during baths.
- In the art of potpourri making, dried Lavender flowers are a staple ingredient, providing long-lasting fragrance.
- Lavender blooms are sometimes used to make floral-infused syrups for cocktails, teas, or drizzling over desserts.
- It can serve as an organic mulch for gardens, not only deterring some pests but also adding nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used in Feng Shui to introduce a sense of calm and tranquility to a space. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Its purple color is associated with spirituality, wisdom, and wealth, which can be utilized in the southeast area of a home to enhance abundance and prosperity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Serenity and Calmness: Often associated with its soothing scent, the plant commonly known as 'Provence' Lavender is widely believed to bring about a sense of calm and tranquility, helping to ease stress and anxiety.
- Purity and Silence: Due to its clean and fresh fragrance, Lavender signifies purity and is associated with maintaining a quiet, pacified state of being.
- Devotion: Lavender is sometimes a symbol of devotion, representing a commitment or dedication to a person, cause, or principle.
- Healing: Traditionally used in herbal remedies, Lavender is symbolic of healing and is thought to have medicinal properties that can help heal physical or emotional ailments.
- Protection: In some folklore, Lavender is believed to ward off evil spirits or negative energies, thus symbolizing protection and safety.
WaterProvence lavender should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to mimic its native Mediterranean habitat. Typically, watering once every week or two with about 1 gallon of water per plant should suffice, depending on the local climate and soil drainage. In hotter, dryer periods, increase the frequency slightly, but always check the soil moisture first. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage. During winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant enters a dormant phase.
LightProvence lavender thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is an open area with clear exposure to the sun's rays, without shade from trees or buildings. The intense light contributes to the essential oil concentration in the lavender's blooms, enhancing its fragrance and color.
TemperatureProvence lavender prefers warm temperatures and will bloom best in a range that sits between 60°F and 70°F. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F in winter but is generally not cold-hardy below this point. During the summer months, it can endure temperatures exceeding 90°F as long as it's well-watered and not exposed to prolonged extreme heat.
PruningProvence lavender should be pruned annually to maintain its shape and encourage robust growth. The best time to prune is in the spring, just as the new growth starts to appear. Trim back about one-third of the overall height, taking care to leave green, non-woody stems. Regular pruning prevents the plant from becoming woody and sparse at the center and promotes better air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender 'Provence' thrives in well-draining soil with low to moderate fertility and a pH of 6.5 to 8. A soil mix ideal for this plant would consist of one-third garden soil, one-third sand or gravel for drainage, and one-third compost for organic matter. Ensure the mix is loose and gravelly to prevent water logging.
RepottingLavender 'Provence' does not require frequent repotting and can often go several years without being moved to a new container. It's best to repot once every 3 to 4 years, ensuring to prune the roots slightly and provide fresh soil mix to rejuvenate nutrient supply.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Provence' prefers low to moderate humidity levels and is well-suited to the dry air found in most home environments. It's important to avoid highly humid conditions as it can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space plants.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula × intermedia 'Provence', commonly known as Lavandin 'Provence', begins its life with the germination of seed under the right conditions of warmth and light. The seedling stage follows, wherein the first true leaves develop, and the plant becomes established. As it enters the vegetative stage, the lavandin 'Provence' grows rapidly, producing stems, leaves, and branching out. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces long spikes of fragrant purple flowers attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, if it occurs, seeds may form and mature by late summer, although lavandin 'Provence' is often sterile and propagated through cuttings. Finally, it enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, though as a perennial, it will regrow from its woody base when conditions become favorable in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Lavandula × intermedia 'Provence', commonly known as Provence lavender, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is usually done in the late summer. To propagate, gardeners take cuttings of about 3 to 4 inches (roughly 7.5 to 10 centimeters) from the current year's growth, ensuring that each cutting has a few sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright place, but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept moist until roots have developed, after which they can be potted up or planted out.
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