Woolly lavender Lavandula lanata

Water

Wooly lavender should be watered sparingly as it is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions. It is best to water the plant once every two weeks with about a half gallon per plant, ensuring the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. During the hot summer months, you may need to water wooly lavender slightly more often; however, always check the soil moisture before watering. Over-watering can be detrimental, so let the soil dry out between watering sessions.

Light

Wooly lavender requires full sun to flourish, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It should be placed in a south-facing location if grown indoors or in an area that receives ample sunlight if planted outside. The best spot for wooly lavender is a sunny, open area without shade to ensure robust growth and optimal oil production.

Temperature

Wooly lavender thrives in a temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures down to 10 degrees and up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to provide good airflow, especially in hot, humid climates, to keep the temperature around the plant stable. Wooly lavender prefers cooler night temperatures, which help to promote healthy growth.

Pruning

Wooly lavender should be pruned annually to maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth. Pruning is best done in the spring, just as new growth is beginning, and again after flowering to shape the plant and prevent it from becoming leggy. Remove up to a third of the plant, cutting just above the new growth to promote bushier growth. Pruning not only improves the appearance but also stimulates new blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Woolly Lavender requires well-draining soil with a gravelly or sandy texture, often achieved with a mix of two parts coarse sand, one part perlite, and one part compost. The ideal soil pH for Woolly Lavender is between 6.5 and 7.5.

Repotting

Woolly Lavender should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Use a slightly larger pot each time to ensure enough space for development.

Humidity & Misting

Woolly Lavender prefers a dry atmosphere and does well in low humidity conditions, which mimic its native Mediterranean environment. High humidity levels should be avoided to prevent fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Woolly Lavender near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant Woolly Lavender in full sun and well-draining soil; shelter from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Lavandula lanata, commonly known as woolly lavender, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-draining soil and is facilitated by full sunlight. After germination, the seedling establishes a root system and produces its first leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth and development. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to summer, producing tall spikes covered with small, purple, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, and once the seeds are mature, they are dispersed by wind or other means, ready to begin a new cycle. During the late summer or fall, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, where growth slows down or ceases temporarily. In regions with mild winters, woolly lavender may remain evergreen and continue growth, with proper care and conditions allowing it to live and flower for several years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• Propogation: Lavandula lanata, commonly known as woolly lavender, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place during the late summer. To propagate woolly lavender, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, often composed of equal parts peat and perlite or sand. The environment should be kept humid, for instance by covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and the soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots generally form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimatized to less humid conditions before being transplanted to its final location.