French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) typically grows 1.5–2.5 ft tall and 1 ft wide. It has a mounding, shrub-like shape with fragrant sliver-green foliage, and bright purple flower heads that appear in spring and early summer.
It is hardy in zones 8–10 and can be grown in colder areas when planted in a sheltered spot, under a tree, or near a wall. French lavender also makes a great container plant with its compact size and striking beauty.
It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant and makes a great addition to any perennial garden or patio.
Where should you plant a lavender tree?
Lavender trees should be planted in a sunny location that has well-draining soil. They should be planted in a sheltered spot to protect them from cold winter weather and strong winds. Lavender trees prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.
0. If your soil is too alkaline, consider adding compost or sulfur to reduce the pH level. Plant your lavender tree in a sunny spot that is not fully exposed to the wind. The ideal location may be on the south or west sides of a structure, such as a wall or garden fence.
Plant your lavender tree in spring or fall, being sure to use adequate organic matter to give your tree a good start.
What is the difference between lavender and a lavender tree?
The main difference between lavender and a lavender tree is that lavender is a type of flowering herb in the genus Lavandula, while a lavender tree is not a true tree, but a type of large shrub belonging to the genus Lavatera.
Lavender is a perennial herb and is popular for its fragrant violet-colored flowers, while Lavatera species are known for their large, white, hibiscus-like blooms that appeal to pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Lavender is commonly used in cooking or as a herbal remedy and its essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy and cosmetics products. Lavender borne on a Lavatera is edible and can be used in desserts and as a garnish.
Lavatera is widely used in landscaping as an ornamental hedge or landscape tree, and its flowers are popular in flower arrangements. Both lavender and lavatera contain compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate that give the plant its characteristic aroma.
Are lavender trees toxic for dogs?
No, lavender trees are not toxic for dogs. The essential oil of the lavender plant can be used to help soothe and calm dogs, but it should always be used in moderation and should never be used directly on a dog’s skin.
Internal use of lavender oil is not recommended and should be avoided. However, consuming the leaves of a lavender tree is generally considered safe for dogs. If your pet eats a small amount of the leaves, it is unlikely to cause any significant adverse health effects.
As well, the flowers of the lavender tree contain a compound called linalool, which is generally regarded as safe for animal consumption.
Does the smell of lavender hurt dogs?
No, the smell of lavender does not hurt dogs. In fact, lavender has a number of health benefits for dogs. lavender essential oil can help soothe an anxious dog, reduce inflammation and pain, and even help fight bacterial and fungal infections.
As with any essential oil, lavender should be properly diluted before applying directly to your dog’s skin or fur. Furthermore, lavender oil diffusers can also be beneficial for dogs. The scent of lavender can help soothe anxious dogs and even help them relax and sleep better.
Some research suggests that lavender oil has a calming effect on dogs, so it can make them feel more secure and relaxed in stressful situations. Additionally, lavender has been shown to help minimize motion sickness and nausea in canines.
While the scent of lavender may be pleasing to some dogs, not all dogs enjoy it, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before using it on or around your pup.
What if my dog eats a lavender plant?
If your dog ate a lavender plant, it is important to monitor them closely and watch for any signs of adverse reactions. Lavender is generally considered safe for dogs, but consuming too much of the plant can lead to digestive upset.
The most common signs of toxicity include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of coordination. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. Additionally, the oil from lavender plants can be toxic in large doses, so if you think your dog has ingested too much oil, contact a vet or animal poison control as soon as possible.
In the meantime, you should try to keep your pet hydrated and feed them smaller, easier to digest meals. Make sure that you do not feed them any more of the lavender plant and move the rest away so that your dog won’t be able to access it.
As with any new food or plants, you should introduce it slowly and in small quantities. A little bit of lavender can be beneficial for dogs, as it is known to help reduce stress and anxiety, but caution should always be taken.
Does a lavender tree come back every year?
No, lavender trees are typically annuals, meaning that the plant or tree dies off or withers away after the growing season has ended. While there are some types of lavender that are perennial, meaning they will return each year, even these types of lavender are typically short-lived.
If a gardener wishes to keep a lavender tree year after year, they must ensure that they are replanting it every season.
Can my lavender tree survive winter?
Whether or not your lavender tree can survive winter depends on the type of lavender you have and the climate where you live. If you have English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or other hardy varieties, then your lavender tree should be able to survive the winter.
Having said that, there are some simple steps you can take to help your lavender tree survive the winter season. Before the first frost, make sure to prune the stems back and remove any faded blooms.
This will help reduce the amount of frost damage to the foliage. Additionally, it’s best to apply a winter mulch to the lavender tree – this will help keep the soil consistently moist and protect the roots from the cold.
In some cases, it may also be a good idea to cover the lavender tree with a frost cloth or, in very cold climates, a burlap wrap to provide additional insulation from the cold weather. Finally, make sure the lavender tree is getting plenty of sunlight.
When temperatures are too cold, try to keep the lavender tree out of direct sunlight during the day and make sure to bring it indoors or into a sheltered area when nighttime temperatures dip below freezing.
With some helpful winter care, your lavender tree should survive the winter season.
What conditions do French lavender like?
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They need six to eight hours of sunlight each day, and should not be planted in areas that remain overly moist or in areas with standing water.
The soil should be loose and porous—loam or chalky soils are best—and should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6 to 7. It’s best to amend the soil with some organic compost or peat moss at planting time and also to provide a layer of mulch for moisture retention.
French lavender also needs good air circulation around the plants, since poor air circulation can lead to disease and pest issues. Water French lavender deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry to a depth of about four inches before watering.
French lavender also needs to be pruned regularly in order to maintain its shape. Pinching the tips of new shoots in spring before flowering will help to promote bushiness and a full display of blooms.
Does French lavender need full sun?
Yes, French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) typically needs full sun in order to thrive. However, it is important to note that this type of lavender can tolerate some periods of partial shade. It is best to give it at least five hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and for the French lavender to reach its full potential.
It is essential to ensure the soil in which the French lavender is planted is well-draining and that it receives plenty of airflow. If it is grown in too much shade, the plant won’t bloom as well and can become mildewed.
Additionally, it is advised to water this type of lavender at the base of the plant so that its foliage doesn’t become too damp.
Should I deadhead French lavender?
Yes, it’s a good idea to deadhead French lavender as it encourages more blooms, as well as uniform growth. When you deadhead French lavender, take off the spent blooms by pinching them off just above where the stem meets the branch.
Don’t cut the stem, otherwise new blooms might not develop. Deadheading will also help to prevent the plant from self-seeding or becoming straggly. Make sure to check your plant regularly for signs of disease or pests.
It’s also important to give French lavender regular water and to trim back the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth each season.
Why does my French lavender keep dying?
There could be a variety of factors causing the death of your French lavender plant. One common issue is overwatering. When the soil around your lavender is overly saturated, the roots can rot due to lack of oxygen and may become infected by fungus or bacteria, leading to the death of the plant.
Additionally, too much water can cause the leaves of the lavender to become waterlogged and will eventually lead to the death of the plant.
It is also important to ensure that the soil your lavender is planted in is well-draining. Poorly draining soil can cause an accumulation of moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus while also encouraging root rot, which will eventually kill the plant.
It is also possible that the plant has been infected with a disease or pest. If you have noticed any discoloration, wilting or curling of the leaves, or wide patches of damage or dead tissue, these could be signs of a potential problem.
Regularly inspect your lavender for signs of pests such as aphids and spider mites, or diseases, such as root rot, powdery mildew, and botrytis blight.
In addition to disease and pests, your lavender may also be dying due to environmental factors, such as lack of sufficient sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations. Make sure that your lavender is planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunshine a day, and avoid placing it in an area that is subject to temperature fluctuations.
It is also important to water your lavender evenly, either with irrigation or rainwater.
In conclusion, there are a variety of factors that could be causing the death of your French lavender plant. It is important to address issues such as overwatering, a lack of well-draining soil, disease or pests, and environmental factors, in order to ensure the health and survival of your lavender.
How often should lavender be watered?
Lavender is a drought-tolerant species of plant and requires very little water to thrive. Depending on the growing season, it should typically be watered about once every seven to ten days. During the warmer months and during periods of increased light, it may need to be watered more frequently, around once every five days.
During the cooler months and periods of reduced light, it can often go up to two weeks without water, depending on the amount of rainfall in the area. When watering, it’s important to water generously, as lavender has a deep root system that is not accustomed to frequent watering.
The soil should be moist to the touch, but not saturated. It’s also important to ensure that the lavender is in a well-draining soil and is not standing in standing water. Finally, it’s important to monitor the lavender’s leaves for wilting, as this can be an indication that it needs more water.
What does Overwatered lavender look like?
If your lavender is overwatered, you may start to notice signs such as wilting, drooping, yellow leaves, leaf drop, or root rot. You may also see an increase in fungal or disease issues. The leaves may start to turn yellow or brown, become discolored, or drop off altogether.
In serious cases, you may even find white, gray, or brown rot on the stem and leaves. In the worst-case scenario, the stems may start to blacken and die back. To check if your lavender is overwatered, take a look at the soil.
If it is soggy, heavy, and smells sour, it’s a sign that too much water is being applied. Drain the soil and move the lavender to a sunnier location to ensure better drainage. Also, check that you are using containers with enough drainage holes.
Should French lavender be cut back?
Yes, French lavender should be cut back. Pruning is an important step in encouraging new healthy growth and promoting flowering. Generally speaking, it’s best to prune French lavender in late winter or early spring.
Besides general pruning, removing faded flowers helps to prolong the flowering season. When removing old flowers, be sure to cut the flower head off at the base of the stem and avoid cutting into bare, woody stems.
French lavender benefits from an annual pruning, but be sure to prune lightly since it’s a slow-growing plant. If you remove too much of the plant at once, it can hinder its growth and flowering.
Is French or English lavender better?
The answer to which version of lavender is better is subjective and will depend on the intended use of it. French lavender (Lavandula Stoechas) tends to be a more aromatic variety than English lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia).
French lavender has a distinct camphor scent and is often preferred for aromatherapy purposes, while English lavender is more mellow and has a sweet and floral aroma. English lavender is sometimes preferred for culinary purposes, such as in teas and baked goods.
Both types are excellent for crafting and in home decor; French lavender can be used for potpourris or sachets, while English lavender can be used in creating soap and other bath products. Depending on what you need the lavender for, either variety may be a better choice.
How do you keep French lavender blooming?
In order to keep French lavender blooming, it is important to provide the right environment and conditions. French lavender thrives best in full sun and well-draining soil that has a slightly acidic pH balance.
It is also important to make sure not to over-water the lavender, as too much water can cause the plant to rot. When watering, it is best to use a slow, deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
In addition, it is important to fertilize your lavender plants every 6-8 weeks with a balanced formula, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Lastly, make sure to clean up the dead flowers regularly and lightly prune to promote fresh growth.
In order to have the best blooms, it is important to keep French lavender in a sunny spot, with well-drained soil, fertilized regularly and pruned lightly. With proper care, the beautiful blooms of French lavender can last for many years.