No, phenomenal lavender is not an English lavender. It is an American hybrid of two closely related species of European lavenders, Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’ and Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’.
Phenomenal lavender is an intersectional lavender and is a sterile cultivar, meaning that it does not produce viable seeds, so it will not spread. It is more tolerant of humidity and heat than other lavender varieties, while still producing vibrant, fragrant blooms.
Its color is a unique lilac-pink blend with white, making it a stunning addition to any landscape. Phenomenal lavender is a vigorous grower with a long blooming period, so it makes a great choice for sunny borders, hedges, containers, or patio gardens.
Which lavender is the most fragrant?
When selecting fragrant lavender varieties, it is important to consider the environment in which they will be grown. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is widely believed to be the most fragrant variety, particularly due to its high essential oil content.
Other popular fragrant varieties include French Lavender (Lavandula dentata), Lavender Stoechas, and Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica). In Mediterranean climates, where English and French lavender thrive, these varieties are especially fragrant due to their ability to produce essential oils more readily.
In more temperate climates, Spike Lavender does well and is known for its outstanding fragrance. For a more intense fragrance, hybrid lavenders can be a great choice, such as Grosso, Super, and Provence.
Generally, any variety of lavender will release a sweet-smelling scent when touched or crushed, however, some varieties like Spike, Stoechas, or Grosso are especially good for potpourri due to their intense scent.
The fragrance of lavender is also believed to be an effective natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety.
Can you cook with phenomenal lavender?
Yes, you can cook with phenomenal lavender. Lavender has a mild, subtle taste that can add a hint of floral flavor to your dishes. It can be used to impart subtle flavor to foods such as desserts, beverages, and savory dishes.
Small amounts of lavender can be used to flavor sauces, salad dressings, and marinades, and it can be added to sweet and savory dishes. You can also make a lavender-infused simple syrup that can be used to sweeten beverages or desserts.
When it comes to roasting and grilling, lavender is typically added to the marinade or combined with herbs or spices to create a rub. When using lavender in recipes, try to avoid using too much because it has a strong flavor that can become quite bitter.
Should I deadhead phenomenal lavender?
Deadheading, or the process of removing spent flowers, is an important cultural practice for phenomenal lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’). The purpose of this practice is to promote a healthy, neat growing habit and to increase the amount of flowers the plant produces.
It is especially important to deadhead this lavender variety since it is an interspecific hybrid which is bred for its long blooming period and abundant flower production. Deadheading is also a way of encouraging continual flowering as the plant ages.
It can help keep the plant from becoming leggy, encourage a nice, dense form, and keep the foliage looking healthy.
Deadheading should be done regularly each season when needed. To deadhead, you should use sterilized scissors or shears, cutting the stem just above the point where a new flower bud is visible. It is important to be sure to remove the dead flower heads all the way down to the foliage to prevent spent flower stems from drying out and potentially harboring disease.
Keep in mind that cutting back also encourages new growth and more blooms. Phenomenal lavender can benefit greatly from regular deadheading.
How far apart should phenomenal lavender be planted?
The spacing of phenomenal lavender plants will depend on the size of the variety you are planting. Lavender can reach a height of between 25cm and 1m, with a spread of between 30cm and 1m. As a rule of thumb for larger varieties of lavender, such as Phenomenal Lavender, you should generally allow 60-90cm between plants.
If you are planting in a long row, then you can space the lavender plants up to 1m apart. If you are growing several plants in a group, then it is best to allow 30-60cm of space between each lavender plant.
When planting multiple varieties of lavender in the same area, be sure to allow plenty of room, you should allow at least 4 times the suggested spacing between plants to allow each variety of lavender to be at their best.
Does lavender bloom first year?
It largely depends on the type of lavender you have planted and the growing conditions. With proper care, lavender may bloom in its first season, but it is not a guarantee. Common English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) takes two to three years to reach maturity and bloom.
Large shrub varieties like French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) may take three to four years before they bloom. Hybrid varieties, like Grosso (Lavandula x intermedia) generally bloom in their first season, though they may take longer as well.
In order to ensure that your lavender blooms in its first season, it’s important to provide the right environmental conditions. Lavender prefers well-draining, loose soil with a slightly alkaline pH balance.
It likes full-sun (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight) and should be watered deeply and regularly in the hot summer months. Finally, be sure to prune the spent flowers from the lavender after it blooms.
This will encourage it to grow strong and healthy, and potentially bloom again in following seasons.
When should lavender be cut back?
The best time to cut lavender back is in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins. During this period, the plant is in its dormancy, which makes pruning and trimming much safer and easier.
Pruning in late winter and early spring helps maintain the size and shape of the plant and encourages healthy new growth and flowering. Remove overcrowded stems, scraggly branches, dead wood, and weak stems.
Cut off any stems that have finished blooming and have already gone to seed. Prune the plant down to about one-third of its original size. Be sure to leave a few stems to develop and put energy into producing a better show of flowers.
Does lavender phenomenal rebloom?
Yes, lavender can rebloom. However, its success in doing so depends on the variety of lavender you are growing and the climate where it is planted. Some varieties of lavender tend to be more likely to rebloom than others.
Generally, a lavender that does not have a woody base or bloom in the fall will not rebloom. Additionally, the weather is a factor in determining the success of its rebloom, as lavender prefers sunny, dry climates.
To ensure a successful rebloom, make sure to deadhead the spent flowers and timely trim the lavender. Also, do not over-fertilize the plant. When growing lavender in colder climates, mulching can help retain heat and ensure a longer blooming period.
How do you cut back lavender for winter?
In order to cut back lavender for winter, you should start by pruning the stems back by one third in late summer – preferably soon after flowering has finished. This can be done either with pruning shears or by hand.
Aim to cut back only the older, woody stems near the bottom of the lavender plant, leaving the newer, green parts of the stems at the top alone. Subsequent winter pruning may also be necessary and in this case, you should prune any remaining stems back to about 10 cm.
This will prevent the lavender from becoming too leggy, as well as encouraging new growth and flower production the following year. If the plant has grown too tall or out of shape, it can also be lightly trimmed during spring months.
It’s important to note that if the lavender is the species Lavendula angustifolia, winter pruning may be too harsh and could result in dieback of the stems. So, some caution is advised, particularly when pruning in cold months.
What is the prettiest lavender?
The prettiest lavender is subjective, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, there are some varieties of lavender that are often praised for their beauty. These include the Grosso and Folgate lavender varieties, both of which feature a light purple and white thin-petaled bloom.
Grosso lavender is known for it’s intense scent and has a longer flowering season than many other varieties. Folgate has a disease-resistant bush, making it ideal for regions with harsher environments.
Additionally, the Real and Munstead varieties are highly sought after for their beauty, offering a range of shades from dark and light purple. All of these varieties provide a unique visual appeal and fragrance, making them some of the most desired lavenders for gardeners and floral designers.
Is lavender toxic to dogs?
No, lavender is generally not toxic to dogs. While it is possible for a dog to have an allergy or a sensitivity to any type of plant, such reactions are usually mild. Generally, lavender is safe for your pet, as long as you are careful in the amounts used.
The lavender oils can cause skin irritation if used too heavily, so it is important to dilute the oil before using it. You should also use caution when using lavender products near your pets, as strong odors from the plants can cause discomfort.
If you are worried about toxicity, it is best to avoid lavender plants altogether, as well as any fragranced products with lavender in them.
What kind of lavender grows tall?
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a species of lavender that is known for its ability to grow tall and wide. This purple-flowering perennial has woody stems and a strong, sweet aroma. It can reach up to 2.
5 feet in height, although this depends on the variety. English Lavender is a great choice if you are looking for a tall, bushy variety of lavender that will fill your garden with a fragrant scent. Another tall variety of lavender is Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia).
This variety is also known as spike lavender because of its spikes of tiny purple flowers and can reach up to 3 feet in height with a spread of 4 feet. Lastly, one of the tallest varieties of lavender is the French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), which can grow up to 3.
5 feet in height.
What type of lavender is phenomenal?
The type of lavender that is most commonly referred to as being ‘phenomenal’ is Lavandula angustifolia, sometimes referred to as ‘English lavender’. This type of lavender is an fragrant evergreen shrub, with grey-green foliage, that produces fragrant purple flower heads and has an amazing range of uses from aromatherapy to flavoring food and drinks.
The scent is an iconic hint of summer, and the oil of this lavender is one of the most popular essential oils. It is used in all kinds of products, from soaps and lotions to cosmetics and perfumes. Its calming and soothing presence also makes it a great choice for many crafts, including creating a wreath or making potpourri.
English lavender is a beautiful addition to any garden or outdoor space.