Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) is a semi - evergreen , perennial herbthat belong to the lot mob . The herb is a vulgar choice for culinary , ornamental and cutting gardens because the peak are edible , highly fragrant and make a very beautiful display when plant en masse . Lavender is also widely used in cosmetic and perfumes , most notably in soaps and other bath products . How long it takes for lavender to reach maturity depends on the species or cultivar .
English Lavender
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English lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) belike earned its coarse name because it performs well in that area ’s climate , but the plant is not aboriginal to England . This is the " true " lavender that comes from the hilly regions of the Mediterranean , and from which lavender indispensable oil is produced . English lavender require full to partial sun and evenly moist but well - drain soil . This lilac-colored species performs best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8 . If starting new plant from seed , it will take 90 to 200 days to reach due date . English lavender is considered amply ripe when it turn over between 1 and 2 feet in tallness with an adequate spread .
Other Species
When shopping for lavender plants , you will quickly learn that the public figure for Spanish lavenders ( Lavandula stoechas and Lavandula dentate ) and French lavender ( Lavandula dentata ) are used interchangeably and inconsistently . In other words , if the tag does n’t specifically read " English lavender , " it will be in all likelihood be generically referred to as either Spanish or Gallic lavender . Knowing the plant ’s point of rootage is of little help because the herb commonly referred to as Gallic lavender comes from Spain . Regardless , these plants have basically the same polish and mood requirements as English lavender , reaching maturity when height measures about 2 feet . However , note that the plant hardiness zona for Lavendula dentata is 8 through 10b .
Dwarf Varieties
There are several compendious cultivars of English lavender . " Hidcote " ( Lavandula angustifolia " Hidcote " ) and " Munstead " ( Lavandula angustifolia " Munstead " ) are both suitable for container horticulture , maturing to a superlative of 1 to 1.5 feet . Although they are slightly small than stock lavenders , within 2 or 3 years they should be transferred to a garden situation in USDA geographical zone 8 . The dwarf cultivars " Nana Alba " ( Lavandula angustifolia " Nana Alba , " and " Irene Doyle " ( Lavandula angustifolia " Irene Doyle " ) are contented to stay in containers .
Hybrids
Lavender cross are a cross between English lavender and spike lavender ( Lavandula latifolia ) and are collectively called lavandins . They portion out similar characteristics with English lavender in that they grow when stems reach between 18 and 24 inch long and they yield a high - quality essential crude suitable for use in cosmetics and aromatherapy . Although they also perform well in USDA zone 8 and 9 , they bloom later in the time of year , from mid- July through late August .
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