Lavender Regal Splendour Lavandula 'Regal Splendour' (PBR)
ABOUT
Lavandula 'Regal Splendour' is commonly known as lavender. This plant displays vibrant purple flowers that are known for their rich color and delightful fragrance. The blooms typically appear as dense spikes atop slender stems, which rise above the foliage. The leaves of 'Regal Splendour' are narrow, typically gray-green, and can have a slightly silvery sheen, which makes a beautiful contrast with the vividly colored flowers. The overall form of this lavender variety is a mound-like shape, which creates a lush and full appearance, embodying a classic allure that is characteristic of Mediterranean gardens. The aromatic qualities of Lavandula 'Regal Splendour' make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens, where its blossoms attract bees and butterflies. Additionally, the flowers can be dried and used in sachets and potpourris, retaining much of their color and scent. This lavender's appearance truly lives up to its name, presenting a regal display that adds splendor to any landscape.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Regal Splendour Lavender
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia 'Regal Splendour'
- Toxicity
To humans
Lavender is generally recognized as safe for human consumption when used in moderate amounts. There have been no significant reports of toxicity from ingesting the plant in small amounts, such as those typically used for culinary or herbal purposes. However, consuming large quantities of lavender can potentially cause side effects due to the presence of compounds like linalool and camphor. These side effects may include gastrointestinal issues or central nervous system depression. Caution should be exercised to avoid consuming large amounts of lavender, as it could lead to unpleasant symptoms or adverse health effects.
To pets
Lavender is generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It is often used in gardens and homes where pets are present without incident. However, if a pet ingests a large amount of lavender, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. In very rare cases, and usually with large ingestions, more serious symptoms could occur due to the essential oils present in the plant. It is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants in significant quantities and to consult with a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise after ingestion.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender 'Regal Splendour' produces vibrant purple flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant and soothing scent that can create a relaxing atmosphere in outdoor spaces.
- Ease of Care: Lavender is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal watering and care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is well-suited for dry climates and can survive with minimal water, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are attracted to Lavender 'Regal Splendour', which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Culinary Uses: While not a medical benefit, Lavender can be used in cooking for its unique flavor in various culinary dishes.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in various garden designs, such as formal borders, rock gardens, or as a fragrant ground cover.
- Deer Resistance: Lavender is generally resistant to deer, which makes it a good option for gardens in areas with a deer population.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Crafting Potpourris: Lavender's dried flowers can be mixed with other herbs to create fragrant potpourris that can refresh any space with a calming aroma.
- Flavoring Sugar: By layering granulated sugar with lavender buds in an airtight container, one can create lavender-infused sugar that adds a floral note to baked goods and beverages.
- Lavender Wands or Bottles: Stems of Lavender can be woven into wands or bottles with ribbons and are traditionally used to ward off moths while scenting linens and woolens.
- Natural Dye: The flowers of Lavender can be used to produce a natural dye that can tint fabrics and wool in shades of green or grey depending on the mordant used.
- Smokeless Incense: Dried Lavender buds can be used as a smokeless incense alternative, providing aroma without smoke when placed in a bowl or sachet.
- Fireplace Kindling: Dry stems of Lavender can be used as kindling for fireplaces, adding a pleasing scent while helping to start a fire.
- Drawer Freshener: Small sachets filled with dried Lavender can be placed in drawers to impart a fresh fragrance to clothing and repel moths.
- Insect Repellent: Lavender plants can be placed around outdoor seating areas to help naturally repel mosquitoes and other insects.
- Decorative Wreaths: Fresh or dried Lavender can be woven into wreaths for decorative purposes, which later dry and continue to provide fragrance.
- Fragrance Enhancer in Vacuum Cleaners: A few dried Lavender buds can be sucked into a vacuum cleaner to release a subtle scent throughout the home while cleaning.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Lavender is often 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 peaceful sleep. Its purple color is also associated with spiritual awareness and can be used in the wealth corner of a home to attract prosperity.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Lavender is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Calmness: Lavender is widely known for its soothing fragrance, which is often associated with calmness and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Purity: The pure and clean fragrance of lavender conveys a sense of purity and cleanliness, often used in cleansing rituals or for purifying the air.
- Serenity: The serene vibes emitted by lavender's presence are symbolic of peace and tranquility, promoting a peaceful environment.
- Devotion: Historically, lavender symbolizes devotion, making it a common gift for loved ones to express a committed and deep affection.
- Healing: With its numerous therapeutic properties, lavender is often associated with healing, both physically and emotionally.
- Protection: In folklore, lavender was used to ward off evil spirits, and it is still considered a protective plant against negative influences.
- Water
For the 'Regal Splendour' lavender, it's important to water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, water the plant once every 1-2 weeks, providing about 1 gallon of water to the base of the plant each time, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In hot and dry conditions, increase the frequency slightly, but always let the soil dry out between watering sessions. Over the winter or in cooler climates, reduce watering significantly, as the plant is dormant and requires less moisture.
- Light
The 'Regal Splendour' lavender thrives best in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting would be an open location with ample sunlight and possibly protection from high winds, which can help maximize its healthy growth and aromatic oil production.
- Temperature
The 'Regal Splendour' lavender can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F. This plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10°F, and it's relatively heat-tolerant, able to withstand temperatures up to 100°F. However, consistently optimal growth tends to occur within the ideal range stated above.
- Pruning
Pruning 'Regal Splendour' lavender helps maintain its shape, encourages new growth, and prolongs the lifespan of the plant. Prune lightly in the early spring just as new growth starts and again after flowering to remove spent blooms and about a third of the plant's overall height. The best time for the main pruning is in the late summer or early fall, making sure to leave some green growth on the plant so that it can recover before winter.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Lavender 'Regal Splendour' is well-draining with low fertility, such as a mixture of sand, gravel, or perlite with compost and peat to improve drainage. The ideal soil pH for lavender is between 6.0 and 8.0, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
- Repotting
Lavender 'Regal Splendour' generally needs to be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best repotted in spring or early summer before new growth begins.
- Humidity & Misting
Lavender 'Regal Splendour' prefers a dry environment and tolerates low humidity levels well. It's essential to avoid high humidity to prevent fungal diseases; thus, good air circulation is crucial.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in a sunny window, ensure low humidity, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, well-draining soil, and protect from cold winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Lavandula 'Regal Splendour', also known as Lavender, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm, well-draining soil under full sunlight. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops true leaves, gradually forming a compact shrub with woody stems. The lavender plant enters the vegetative stage, during which it produces aromatic foliage and begins to grow rapidly. Following the vegetative stage, the plant reaches maturity and produces tall spikes of fragrant purple flowers, usually in late spring or early summer, attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds develop that, once matured, can be dispersed to generate new plants, completing the life cycle. Over the years, with proper care, the plant can live and continue its cycle for many years, though it often requires pruning to maintain health and vigor.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Lavandula 'Regal Splendour', commonly known as Lavender, is best propagated through semi-ripe stem cuttings. This is typically done during summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, healthy, non-flowering shoots are selected and cut just below a node at a length of about 3-4 inches (about 7.5-10 centimeters). The lower leaves of the cuttings are removed and the base is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cuttings are then inserted into a mix of peat and perlite or horticultural sand, ensuring that they are spaced out to prevent crowding. The pot is kept in a warm place with indirect light and the medium is kept moist but not wet. Roots usually develop within several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and then transplanted to their final location.