Phenomenal lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’) is an incredibly popular shrub and herb that is native to the Mediterranean. It’s a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender, and it is known for its superior fragrance and flower production.
It is hardy in zones 5-8, so it should thrive in most areas of the United States. As far as growth, it typically grows to reach 3-4 feet tall and 1 – 2 feet wide. It is naturally an upright grower, although it can be pruned if desired to create a more compact shape.
Phenomenal lavender is generally a fast-grower, especially when planted in a sunny location in well-drained soil. It will become established and bloom within the first season after planting. If grown in ideal conditions, it can spread rapidly and form a clump up to 4 or 5 feet wide in one season, depending on the variety.
Crowding and poor soil can slow or stunt its growth, however, so it is important to give this plant the proper environment to promote healthy and fast growth.
How far apart do I plant phenomenal lavender?
When planting phenomenal lavender, it is important to place the plants about 1-2 feet apart in rows that are spaced 3-4 feet apart from each other. This spacing ensures that the plants are far enough apart to provide enough airflow and sunlight to the individual plants, while being close enough to create a hedge-like mass planting.
Before planting, it is important to loosen the soil with a spade to a depth of 12-15 inches and then mix in organic matter such as well-rotted manure or compost. Additionally, it is recommended to dig a hole that is 2-3 times wider than the root system of the plant, in order to create plenty of room for the roots to grow.
Do you cut back phenomenal lavender?
Typically, there is no need to cut back phenomenal lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’) as this type of lavender is low-maintenance and does not require regular pruning. It does benefit from an occasional light trim after the flowering period.
However, for vigorous growers or for those that become unruly and leggy, a more aggressive prune of up to 1/3 of the bush can be performed in late winter or early spring. With this type of lavender, deadheading of the flowers just after they bloom is also beneficial in maintaining a neat, tidy habit and encouraging new flowering growth.
What does phenomenal lavender look like in winter?
Phenomenal lavender in winter looks truly breathtaking! In the winter, the deep purple flowers and soft green foliage of the plant will stand out against the landscape of snow which often provides a stark contrast.
If you’re lucky, you may even be able to witness alluring white frost on the tips of lavender flowers, which makes for a beautiful sight. The contrast of colours can make for a truly mesmerizing vista of the wintery lavender field.
What is the hardiest lavender?
The lavender plant is pretty hardy but the hardiest varieties are Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) and Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin). Both English and Lavandin lavenders are adapted to withstand harsher climates than some other lavender varieties, and both have been known to survive harsh winters with temperatures dipping as low as -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).
English lavender is the hardiest of the two varieties, and it can often survive temperatures as low as -17 degrees Celsius (1.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
In general, to ensure a healthy lavender plant, it is important to provide it with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Other helpful tips for caring for lavender plants include pruning them once a year, fertilizing them in the spring, and protecting them from extreme temperatures.
Why is my phenomenal lavender dying?
There could be several reasons why your phenomenal lavender is dying. Lavender is a Mediterranean plant and it prefers well-draining soil, plenty of sunshine, and cool nights. If your lavender is not getting adequate sunlight, it can impact the health of the plant.
Also, make sure the soil is not overly saturated. Too much water can cause root rot. Additionally, lavender can be affected by pests, such as aphids and leaf miners. It could also be that your plant has an underlying disease causing it to die, These can include Fusarium or Phoma, powdery mildew, and grey mold.
An arborist may be able to diagnose the problem. Treating it with the appropriate fungicide and pesticides can help to get your lavender back to health. Finally, pruning your lavender in late winter or early spring can help it to be more healthy and vigorous.
When should lavender be cut back?
Lavender should be cut back at the end of the summer. Around late August or early September is the best time to cut them back. This is when the lavender is done flowering and the leaves are beginning to yellow.
Cutting the stems back to about one-third of their current length ensures that the lavender will remain healthy and vigorous. By doing this, you’ll encourage new shoots and ensure a better appearance and more flowers the following year.
However, if you’re growing lavender as a perennial and don’t want flowers the following year, you can wait until early spring to cut it back. Be sure to prune lightly and don’t cut into the old woody stems, as this can damage the plant and reduce its growth.
Additionally, be sure to remove any dead woody stems, as this will allow more light, air, and nutrients to reach the new growth at the base of the plant.
How do you cut back lavender for winter?
In the fall, when the warm days of summer have been replaced by cooler temperatures and the growing season is coming to an end, it is a good time to prepare your lavender for winter. The goal is to make sure that the plant has access to enough warmth, light and water to survive the winter and to ensure healthy new growth in the spring.
Cut back your lavender in late summer to early fall when most of the blooms have lost their color and faded. This is done by trimming the plant back to where there is still some green foliage and leaving a few inches of the stems.
Prune lavender with hand pruners or a garden knife to remove the woody stems and to create a shape that looks natural and allows the plant to form an evenly rounded shape.
To encourage new growth on the lavender, prune off all the faded flower heads. Avoid pruning too much of the foliage, as this can make the plant look unsightly and damage its ability to generate new growth.
Deadheading will also help encourage more blooms in the spring.
In colder climates, cover lavender with a “winter blanket. ” Choose a light fabric such as burlap, a garden film, or lightweight row cover to use as protection against the cold temperatures and to ensure that the soil does not freeze.
Make sure the material is anchored to the ground, so it does not blow away, and removed in the spring when temperatures become more mild.
By following these steps, you can cut back your lavender for winter and enjoy abundant blooms in the spring.
Which smells stronger English or French lavender?
It is difficult to say which variety of Lavender smells stronger between English or French, as it ultimately depends on the individual plant and there are many different varieties within each type. English Lavender typically has conical spikes of purple flowers, while French Lavender has more bell-shaped flowers and a slightly more intense aroma.
Generally, the English varieties have a softer scent, while French Lavender can have a more intense aroma. This can vary though, as there are different cultivars within each type of Lavender that can have a greater or lesser intensity of scent.
For example, English Lavender can have some varieties that are more highly-scented, while French Lavender can have some varieties that are more muted in terms of their aroma. Ultimately, it is best to research the different varieties of Lavender and find which variety best fits your needs as far as scent goes.
Do different types of lavender smell different?
Yes, different types of lavender smell different! There are over 45 different known varieties and species of lavender, each with its own unique aroma. Different types of lavender can be categorized based on their fragrance intensity, as well as by the notes and aroma they produce.
Some of the most popular types of lavender include English Lavender, French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, and Spike Lavender. English Lavender typically has a mild aroma of sweet herbs, while French Lavender has a sweet, floral scent.
Spanish Lavender has a bold, fresh scent, while Spike Lavender is the most potent, with a strong, fragrant aroma.
Which type of lavender is best?
The best type of lavender depends on the intended use. For culinary purposes, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is generally considered the best option due to its sweeter flavor and lack of medicinal strength compared to other varieties.
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is better for ornamental purposes due to its ornate flower heads and dense foliage. For fragrance, French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is considered to be the best due to its strong, distinctive scent that persists for a long time.
For medicinal purposes, some of the best varieties include Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), and the hybrid lavender (Lavandula x chaytorae). Each of these varieties has a high content of volatile oil, which makes them more therapeutic.
Is French or English lavender better?
This really depends on the desired application and preference. French lavender (Lavendula stoechas) is a flowering shrub with a strong herbal scent, whereas English (Lavendula angustifolia) is more delicate and subtle.
French lavender is often used in home fragrance, while English lavender is better suited for culinary use. Some people also prefer French lavender in crafts and floral arrangements, as the bold blooms make an eye-catching decoration.
Furthermore, each variety of lavender has unique therapeutic benefits, with French lavender known for its ability to reduce joint pain and headaches, while English lavender is often used for relaxation, anxiety and sleep.
Ultimately, both are great choices, and it comes down to personal preference.
Which lavender flower lasts the longest?
The lavender flower that typically lasts the longest is the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). It retains its fragrance and color well over time and is often used in dried flower arrangements.
When left in their natural state, these flowers are highly long-lasting, keeping their purple hue for up to 6 months. In addition to its beautiful color, it boasts an intense and aromatic scent with sweet and herbal notes.
Although it may not last quite as long as other flower varieties, it’s hard not to enjoy the unique fragrance and aesthetically pleasing shape of this delightful bloom.
What type of lavender comes back every year?
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a type of perennial lavender, meaning it will come back year after year. This type of lavender is popular for its long-lasting flowers and scent, as well as its ability to survive moderate winter temperatures.
Perennial lavenders are compact, bushy plants that typically reach heights of 60–90 cm (2-3 ft) and widths of 30–45 cm (1-1.5 ft). The flowers of English lavender are a rich purple color and are borne on long spikes in the summer.
English lavender is often used both in the landscape and as an ornamental plant, due to its attractive blooms and attractive foliage. Its adaptation to low-water conditions, drought tolerance, and low maintenance needs make it a great addition to any garden.
Is there lavender that blooms all summer?
Yes, there are some varieties of lavender that bloom all summer long. Most known for its beautiful purple blooms, the English Lavender is a type of lavender that will flower from late spring to autumn if kept well-trimmed.
Many other varieties such as the Spanish Lavender, French Lavender, and Greek Lavender may also bloom all summer depending on their individual bloom times. Lavender is a hardy, self-sufficient plant that can grow in most climates, and with enough light, nutrients, and water, lavender can usually be counted on to be in bloom all summer long.
Which lavender is easiest to grow?
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is widely considered to be the easiest lavender to grow, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. This variety of lavender is hardy and tolerant of a variety of climates.
It generally grows to a height of about 1 or 2 feet and blooms in shades of purple and pink. English lavender prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil and can handle moderate drought and dry spells.
Deadheading the flowers can also help encourage more of the blooms to form. Additionally, they are quite deer and rabbit resistant, making them a great choice if those are pests in your garden.
The plants are also quite low maintenance and require minimal pruning and water. For the best growth and development, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer is recommended. Be sure to water English lavender sparingly in the winter months, as over-watering can increase the chances of rot.
Which lavender is for aromatherapy?
The most commonly used type of lavender for therapeutic uses is Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English or true lavender. This species of lavender is recognized for its vibrant purple flowers and strong, sweet scent.
English lavender is commonly used for aromatherapy for its relaxing, calming, and uplifting effects. Lavender is believed to have calming and soothing effects when inhaled, potentially helping to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, or restlessness.
It’s often used as an oil in baths, massages, lotions, or to scent a room. It can also be used medicinally in tinctures or taken orally.
Is phenomenal lavender an English lavender?
No, phenomenal lavender is not an English lavender. Phenomenal lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’) is a hybrid lavender, created by crossing the True English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia and the Portuguese Lavender, Lavandula latifolia.
As a hybrid, phenomenal lavender has evolved to grow in many different climates, having traits of both its parents, while being hardier and more disease-resistant than English lavender alone. Its distinctive color and compact size makes it a popular choice for home and commercial gardens as it adds a stunning visual element in shades of purple, pink and mauve.
Phenomenal lavender does best in conditions that replicate its native Mediterranean conditions, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wet winters. Providing the required nutrients, full sun and adequate water will result in the best performance in your garden and the most fragrant blooms.
What can you not plant with lavender?
You should not plant lavender with anything that gives off a lot of nitrogen-rich fertilizer, as it will encourage leaf growth over flower production. Also, you should avoid planting it too close to vegetables, as it has an intense scent that may affect their flavor.
Furthermore, lavender is a relatively low maintenance plant and does not like to compete for resources, so it’s best to avoid planting it alongside extremely aggressive species. In addition, lavender likes dry, well-draining soils, so plants that prefer more moist environments may disrupt its preferred growing conditions.
Finally, lavender prefers full sun to partial shade, so keeping it away from shade-loving plants will help it bloom nicely.
How hot is too hot for lavender?
Lavender is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In hot climates, lavender can tolerate temperatures up to 100°F (38°C). However, prolonged temperatures above this point can scorch the leaves and damage the plant.
The ideal temperature range for lavender is between 68°F-77°F (20°C-25°C). Temperatures exceeding these limits can cause plants to suffer stress, decreasing the quality of their growth and flowers, as well as their scent.
Additionally, high temperatures can also lead to disease and insect infestation. It is recommended to keep lavender away from direct, intense sun rays during peak afternoon hours and to find a place in the garden where temperature fluctuations are minimal.