Lavender

Description:

There are many types of Lavender- this article is about English Lavender

English Lavender does well in zones 5-9 and needs to be planted in full sun to light shade.

The soil for lavender needs to be light, well-drained, ideally a limey soil neutral or slightly alkaline is best with a pH of 6.7-8.0.

Lavender has a silvery foliage and purple blossoms which make stunning borders and they help attract bees which is great for pollunation of your garden.

How to Grow Lavender:

Lavender seeds do not always produce the same flowers as the ones you took the seeds from.  The best way to grow more lavender is by taking cuttings that are 2-3 inches long taken from side shoots of the plant in spring or autumn.  You can also purchase plants from greenhouses or catalogs.

Be sure to space them 1 to 2 1/2 feet apart.

You need to plant the lavender as soon as you recieve them otherwise you may get root rot.

Pinch flowers on first year plants to help them grow, be sure to provide shelter during the winter months and in areas with cold, wet winters.

Well drained soil is essential to growing lavender.

It is best to replace weakening plants every 5 years with newer plants.  Remove the old plants each spring and remulch before planting the new plants.

Pests and Disease Prevention:

Usually free of pests and diseases.

Medicinal Uses:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• indigestion
• Migraines
• Bronchitis
• Sunburn
• Minor burns
• Muscular pain
• Cold sores
• Halitosis
• Vaginal discharge