Scientific Name
Lavandula lanata Boiss.
Common Name(s)
Woolly Lavender
Synonym(s)
Lavandula spica var. tomentosa, Lavandula tomentosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Lamiaceae
Subfamily: Nepetoideae
Tribe: Ocimeae
Genus: Lavandula
Flower
Color: Dark purple
Bloom Time: Summer
Description
Lavandula lanata is a dwarf, evergreen shrub with white-woolly stems and leaves. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. Flowers are dark purple and appear on narrow spikes, giving off the familiar lavender scent.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
As with most plants, your success in growing this coveted plant will depend on what kind of growing conditions you can provide and which varieties you select to grow. Lavender plants will tolerate many growing conditions but thrive in warm, well-drained soil and full sun.
Like many plants grown for their essential oils, lean soil will encourage a higher concentration of oils. An alkaline or especially chalky soil will enhance lavender's fragrance.
Although most Lavenders are labeled hardy in USDA Zones 5 – 9, while you can grow Lavender in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, you will unlikely have a Lavender hedge. More realistically, you can expect to have plants that will do well when the weather cooperates and experience the occasional loss of a plant or two after a severe winter or a wet, humid summer.
Lavender is a tough plant and is extremely drought-resistant once established. However, when first starting your Lavender plants, don't be afraid to give them a handful of compost in the planting hole and keep them regularly watered during their first growing season.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Lavender.
Origin
This species is native to southern Spain.
Links
- Back to genus Lavandula
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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