Lavender Lavandula 'Pukehou'
ABOUT
Lavandula 'Pukehou', commonly known as lavender, is a perennial plant known for its aromatic and ornamental appeal. It typically showcases a bushy growth habit, displaying dense, silvery-green foliage. The leaves of this lavender are narrow and elongated with a slightly fuzzy texture, which contributes to its soft appearance. Throughout its blooming period, the plant becomes adorned with spikes of vibrant purple flowers. These flowers are small, tubular, and arranged in whorls along the spikes, rising elegantly above the foliage. Lavender's flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden. The blooms emit a soothing, sweet fragrance, which is commonly used for therapeutic and relaxation purposes. Overall, the Lavandula 'Pukehou' presents a serene and picturesque presence in any setting where it is cultivated, from garden beds to borders to containers, creating a striking visual and sensory experience.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pukehou Lavender
Common names
Lavandula 'Pukehou'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, in general, is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting lavender in small amounts, such as those used in cooking or tea, is usually safe. However, consuming lavender in large quantities could lead to discomfort or adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It's always recommended to use culinary-grade lavender for ingestion and to consult with a healthcare provider if you're considering using it for medicinal purposes.
To pets
Lavender is also generally considered safe for pets in small amounts. However, if a pet ingests a large amount of lavender, it may experience some mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Essential oils from lavender can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities or applied directly to their skin, so it's important to use lavender products around pets with caution. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of lavender, it's best to contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender adds a vibrant purple hue and a structured, bushy form to gardens, enhancing visual interest and beauty.
- Fragrance: Lavender is well-known for its pleasant and soothing scent which can be enjoyed in the garden or from harvested flowers indoors.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, lavender is quite resilient to drought, making it a great plant for water-wise landscaping.
- Pollinator Attraction: Lavender flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations and biodiversity.
- Culinary Uses: Certain parts of lavender can be used to flavor foods and beverages, such as herbal teas, desserts, and more.
- Landscape Versatility: Lavender can be incorporated into various garden designs, from formal to cottage-style gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Lavender plants generally require minimal care once they are properly established.
- Companion Planting: Lavender can be grown alongside other plants to help deter pests with its strong scent, benefiting the entire garden.
Medical Properties- Lavandula 'Pukehou', commonly known as Lavender, traditionally has calming and sedative effects which may be used to support sleep and alleviate anxiety.
- It contains essential oils that can have antimicrobial properties, potentially being useful in preventing and treating infections when applied topically.
- Lavender oil can be beneficial in aromatherapy to relieve stress, promote relaxation, and improve the mood.
- It has been used to soothe skin irritation and inflammation when used in creams or lotions.
- Lavender may provide mild analgesic effects and has been used to help reduce pain, such as headaches or sore muscles, when massaged into the skin.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavandin 'Pukehou' can be used as a natural moth repellent by placing dried flowers in sachets within clothing storage areas.
- The gray-green foliage of the Lavandin can be used in floral arrangements to provide a soft, textured contrast to other flowers.
- The woody stems of mature Lavandin plants can be repurposed into garden markers or small stakes for supporting other plants.
- Lavandin blossoms can be used to flavor sugar for baking and desserts, by infusing the sugar with its flowers.
- The essential oil extracted from Lavandin 'Pukehou' can be mixed with water to create a natural, chemical-free household cleaning spray.
- Dried Lavandin flowers can be included in homemade potpourri mixtures for a long-lasting fragrance.
- The Lavandin 'Pukehou' can be planted as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to help deter certain pests.
- Lavandin flowers can be used to make a natural fabric dye, producing a range of colors from pale yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
- When burned as incense, Lavandin 'Pukehou' produces a calming fragrance for relaxation and stress relief within a home environment.
- The plant can be woven into small wreaths or decorations for adding a fragrant, rustic charm to the home.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender can be used in Feng Shui to promote relaxation, purification, and tranquility. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to foster calm and peaceful energy, as well as in the study to aid concentration.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is often associated with tranquility and relaxation. Lavandula 'Pukehou', as a variety of lavender, carries that same symbolism and is frequently used to promote a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
- Purity: The clean and soothing scent of lavender is said to symbolize purity and cleanliness. Lavandula 'Pukehou' may also represent these virtues.
- Devotion: Lavender plants, in the language of flowers, can signify devotion and undying love. Hence, Lavandula 'Pukehou' could be a symbol of commitment and perpetual affection.
- Serenity: The gentle nature of lavender's presence is known to embody serenity. Lavandula 'Pukehou' contributes to creating a serene environment conducive to meditation or relaxation.
- Healing: Traditionally, lavender has been used for its medicinal properties. Lavandula 'Pukehou' symbolizes health and healing, promoting wellbeing and recovery.
- Protection: In some cultures, lavender is believed to ward off evil spirits. A Lavandula 'Pukehou' plant could represent protection against harm.
WaterLavender, specifically Lavandula 'Pukehou', thrives with less frequent watering as it prefers drier conditions. The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently, about once every one to two weeks, depending on the climate and soil moisture. During hotter, dry spells, increase watering to prevent stress. Generally, it's best to provide about half a gallon to one gallon per plant each time you water, allowing the soil to dry out in between. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil.
LightLavender, including the Lavandula 'Pukehou' variety, requires full sun to flourish. The best spot for this plant would be a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoiding shaded areas will help in keeping the plant healthy and will encourage better blooms.
TemperatureLavender, including the Lavandula 'Pukehou' cultivar, prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It can survive winter temperatures down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit but may need protection if temperatures dip below this. Ideally, the plant should not be exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods as it may stress the plant.
PruningPruning Lavender, including Lavandula 'Pukehou', is important to encourage new growth and prevent woodiness. Prune once a year, ideally in the spring after the last frost when new growth appears, cutting back by about a third. This will maintain the shape of the plant and promote robust, bushy growth. Additional light trimming can be done after flowering to deadhead the blooms and tidy the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender 'Pukehou' thrives in a well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil mix, avoiding heavy clays or moisture-retentive mixes. The ideal soil pH for this lavender should be slightly alkaline, between 6.7 to 7.3. A good soil mix for potting might include one part coarse sand or perlite to two parts compost or loamy soil, with a handful of lime mixed in to raise the pH if necessary.
RepottingLavender 'Pukehou' should generally be repotted every 1-2 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to refresh the soil. Spring is the best time to repot this plant, taking care not to bury it deeper than it was in the previous pot.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Pukehou' prefers a dry environment and does not tolerate high humidity well. The best humidity level for this plant is between 40% to 60%, which typically reflects common indoor humidity levels or the dry conditions it encounters in its native Mediterranean climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, low humidity, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with good air circulation and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Pukehou' lavender, like all lavender varieties, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically requires well-draining soil and warm temperatures to initiate. Following germination, the seedlings grow into young plants, establishing a root system and developing foliage. As the plants mature, they enter a vegetative stage where they grow larger and bushier, with gray-green leaves typical to lavender plants. After the first or second year, depending on conditions, they reach the flowering stage, producing long stems crowned with fragrant purple flowers which are attractive to bees and butterflies. After the flowering period, if seeds are produced, they can be dispersed to create new plants, while the parent plant may go into a state of dormancy in colder climates or continue its growth cycle in warmer regions. Throughout its life, the 'Pukehou' lavender may be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more abundant flowering in subsequent years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lavandula 'Pukehou', commonly known as Lavender Pukehou, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer when new growth is abundant and the plant is actively growing. This method involves taking a cutting of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) in length from a healthy, non-flowering stem with a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors or pruners. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that where the leaves were removed is buried beneath the soil surface. The cutting should be kept lightly moist and in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
