Chaytor's Lavender Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Sawyers'
ABOUT
Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Sawyers', also known as lavender, is an ornamental plant distinguished by its appealing fragrance and attractive appearance, which is characterized by its beautiful flowers and foliage. The lavender plant typically features a mound of gray-green foliage that sets the stage for the blooms. Its leaves have a narrow shape, are slightly fuzzy to the touch, and have a silver to grayish-green color, which can sometimes look silvery. From among these leaves rise the striking flower spikes for which lavender is famed. The lavender 'Sawyers' flowers themselves are a sight to behold. They grow in whorls atop long stems that are held high above the foliage. Each stem bears multiple purple to violet-blue flowers, which are small, tubular, and arrayed in a tiered fashion along the spike. These blooms are known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding an animated dimension to its visual beauty. The flowers are also highly appreciated for their essential oils and their use in perfumes and aromatherapy. When in full bloom, the plant bursts into a profusion of color, creating a lavender mist effect that is both soothing and enchanting in a garden setting. The overall appearance of lavender 'Sawyers' is one of natural charm and pastoral tranquility, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add both visual appeal and aromatic pleasure to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Lavender 'Sawyers', Chaytor's Lavender, Sawyer's Lavender
Common names
Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Sawyers'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as lavender (Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Sawyers') is generally considered safe for humans. It is not toxic and is often used in culinary and herbal applications. However, if ingested in extremely large quantities, it could potentially cause mild discomfort, such as an upset stomach. It is very uncommon for lavender to cause significant poisoning in people.
To pets
Lavender (Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Sawyers') is generally considered to be of low toxicity to pets. It is not typically dangerous if they consume small amounts accidentally. However, in some cases, if a pet were to ingest a large quantity of lavender, it could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which may include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Nonetheless, severe poisoning from the ingestion of lavender is rare in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
Hybrid Origin
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Sawyers' Lavender provides ornamental value with its attractive purple flowers and silver-green foliage, adding beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: It emits a pleasant, calming scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or outdoor space.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, 'Sawyers' Lavender is drought tolerant and requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Culinary Use: Although primarily grown for its ornamental value, lavender can be used in culinary applications to flavor various dishes and beverages.
- Companion Planting: Lavender can be planted alongside other plants to help deter pests with its strong fragrance, acting as a natural pest repellent.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including formal gardens, rockeries, and as border plants, providing versatility in garden planning.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender 'Sawyers' can be used in crafting to create fragrant sachets which can be placed in drawers or closets to impart a mild scent to clothes and linens.
- The dried flowers of Lavender 'Sawyers' can be used as a natural confetti at weddings, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic versions.
- Lavender 'Sawyers' can be infused in chocolates and sweets, providing a subtle floral note to gourmet confections.
- When dried and burned, the plant can act as a natural mosquito repellent, making it useful for outdoor gatherings and camping trips.
- The aromatic oils from Lavender 'Sawyers' can be used in homemade cleaning products to give a fresh scent and can potentially have mild antibacterial properties.
- In the garden, this lavender variety can be used as a companion plant to deter pests from neighboring plants without the use of chemical repellents.
- Lavender 'Sawyers' stems can be woven into wreaths or other decorative items, offering a rustic and aromatic addition to home decor.
- The plant can be used to make a dye for textiles, providing shades of blue and purple depending on the mordant used.
- Lavender 'Sawyers' can be used in the smoking process of meats or cheeses to add a unique flavor profile.
- Fine woodworking often includes lavender sawdust for its fragrance in the composition of decorative inlays or for scenting the interior of wooden boxes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lavender is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is widely associated with tranquility and relaxation, often used in aromatherapy to soothe the mind.
- Purity: The clean and fresh scent of lavender is symbolic of cleanliness and purity.
- Silence: The name lavender is derived from the Latin verb "lavare," meaning to wash or silence, symbolizing quiet and peace.
- Devotion: Lavender represents devotion and undying love, as it remains fragrant long after it has dried.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for its medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and restoration of health.
- Protection: In folklore, it is believed that lavender can ward off evil spirits and bad luck, representing protection and safeguard.
WaterThe Lavender 'Sawyer' needs to be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This typically translates to about once every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, depending on the weather conditions. Use approximately 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants to ensure deep watering that reaches the roots. During winter, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks, or even less, as Lavender 'Sawyer' is drought-tolerant and prone to root rot if overwatered.
LightLavender 'Sawyer' thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for these plants is in an area where they can receive uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day, without any shade blocking their exposure to the sun's rays.
TemperatureLavender 'Sawyer' prefers a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperature ranges ensure the plant's hardiness, with ideal growth conditions maintained within this range.
PruningPrune Lavender 'Sawyer' annually to maintain its shape, remove any dead or woody stems and encourage fresh growth. It's best to prune in early spring just as the new growth starts or immediately after the first flowering. Avoid cutting into old wood, and aim to prune about one-third of the plant each year to keep it healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Chaytor's Lavender, the ideal soil mix is well-draining with a mix of peat, perlite, and sand in equal parts. This lavender variety thrives in a slightly alkaline to neutral pH, around 6.5 to 7.5. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot and mimic its native Mediterranean conditions.
RepottingChaytor's Lavender typically requires repotting every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot this plant, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingChaytor's Lavender prefers low to moderate humidity levels, akin to its Mediterranean origin. Aim for humidity levels between 40% to 50%, avoiding overly humid conditions which can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Chaytor's Lavender near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Chaytor's Lavender in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
Chaytor's Lavender is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.
Life cycleLavandula × chaytoriae 'Sawyers', commonly known as Sawyer's Lavender, begins its life cycle as a seed that requires well-drained soil and full sunlight to germinate. Once germination occurs, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic fragrant foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state where it grows and establishes a strong root system. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, Sawyer's Lavender produces spikes of purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, allowing the plant to reproduce and complete its reproductive cycle. In the last stage of its life, the plant will eventually senesce and die, but can also be propagated through cuttings, extending its presence in the garden beyond its natural lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Sawyers', commonly known as lavender, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The most popular time for taking these cuttings is in late summer, after flowering, when the new growth has matured but before it has become completely woody. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) length, making the cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that several nodes are buried where leaves were removed. The cutting should be placed in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight and kept moist, but not waterlogged, until roots develop. After a few weeks to a couple of months, when the cutting has established a robust root system, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.
