Pink lavender, types of cultivation. Features of growing and caring for lavender in open ground

Thanks to the efforts of breeders, every year more and more plants appear in the gardens of the Moscow region that are unusual for these regions. One of them is lavender. This heat-loving shrub wins the hearts of people with its unpretentiousness, pleasant fragrance, and elegant flowers. Planting and care does not take much effort.

Lavender flower: description

– subshrub of the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) family, decorative, perennial, evergreen. It grows wild in India, the Canary Islands, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and Africa.

The trunk is small. The branches start almost close to the ground. Flowers range from pink to purple. They bloom for up to 10 years. Grows up to 70-100 cm. They emit a pleasant smell.

Lavender is a relative of aromatic herbs:

motherwort;
basil;
rosemary;
oregano

Types and varieties of lavender

The genus includes 47 species.

There are 2 varieties grown everywhere:

broadleaf lavender (French);
Lavender angustifolia (English).

Lavender angustifolia (English)

Another name is lavender officinalis. Latin name- Lavandula angustifolia (angustifolia). Most suitable.

Blooms in July-August. The flowers are bluish-lilac, in the form of a spike. The leaves are bright green and narrow. Height varies from 30 cm to 1 meter. It grows for 20 - 30 years. Seeds are stored for several years. Found in the wild in Kuban.

The most common varieties:

Hidcote. Height 40 – 60 cm. Flowers – violet-blue. Recommended for decorating hedges.
Voznesenskaya. Suitable for growing in Russia. Used for medicinal purposes.
Blue space. Height – up to 35 cm.
Dwarf blue. The flowers are purple. Height – up to 40 cm, winter-hardy variety.
Purple Haze. Height – up to 40 cm, frost-resistant.
Munstead. Planted in places with strong winds. The flowers are blue, height – 40 cm.
Delight. Height – up to 60 cm. Flowers – blue-violet. Strongly branched.
Southerner. The color of the flowers is dark purple. Height – up to 60 cm.

Lavender angustifolia

Lavender broadleaf (French)

Flowers with a pungent odor. It blooms the earliest - in April-May. Sometimes 2 times per summer. Color – light purple. The leaves are wide. Tolerates cold temperatures down to -15 o C. Grows well indoors. Ancestor decorative varieties . Not suitable for gardens near Moscow, as it does not tolerate frost. Most beautiful variety Papillon - with flowers in the shape of a butterfly. The aroma is not very pleasant.

The most famous varieties:

Regal Splendur;
Helmsdale;
Yellow Vale;
Tiara;
Rocky Road.

Lavender latifolia

Lavender hybrid (Dutch)

The highest of all. Height – up to 2 meters. Hybrid of narrow-leaved lavender with other species. Blooms in July. The flowers are large, white and purple. It is decorative. The smell is strong and pleasant. Suitable for temperate climates. Used in industry.

Popular varieties:

Richard Gray (dark purple flowers);
Arabian Knight (lilac, blue);
Grosso (lilac-lilac);
Alba (white flowers);
Sawyers (light, purple).

Lavender hybrid Alba

Lavender serrated

Heat-loving, grows well in southern regions. Tolerates cold temperatures down to -5 o C. It is difficult to tolerate planting in open ground. Suitable for growing at home. Flowers with a lilac tint. Leaves are rugged and silvery. For the Moscow region, it is only suitable for growing in a pot. It reaches a height of up to one meter. The famous variety is Royal Crown.

Lavender serrated

How to grow more crops?

Any gardener and summer resident is pleased to receive big harvest with large fruits. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to obtain the desired result.

Plants often lack nutrition and useful minerals

It has the following properties:

Allows increase productivity by 50% in just a few weeks of use.
You can get a good one harvest even on low-fertility soils and in unfavorable climatic conditions
Absolutely safe

Features of growing lavender in the Moscow region

Difficult weather The Moscow region allows the cultivation of only 1 species - angustifolia lavender. She is being used. Design of flower beds, flower beds. It finds application in aromatherapy. Used as a medicinal plant.

Lavender grown from seeds is more sustainable. In the Moscow region, seedlings are planted in open ground in early summer. Sowing and further care no different from other areas.

Care includes:

watering;
feeding;
pruning;
loosening;
weed removal;
fight against diseases and pests.

Some gardeners believe that it does not need to be covered for the winter; simply covering it with snow is enough.

She is bred in the apartment as well. But at home she is more picky. Requires special temperature regime, air humidity. For the winter, they provide a microclimate for the transition to a state of rest.

Where to plant lavender on the site?

Lavender loves warmth and light. To get beautiful bushes, you need to choose the right place to plant and soil. Loves alkaline environment. If there is no elevated area on the territory, it must be artificially raised for planting.

Tips for choosing a landing site:

Do not plant in acidic soil. Sandy and loamy soils are ideal.
Does not tolerate areas with shallow groundwater.
Lavender needs a sunny, windless place. In such a place it blooms profusely.
Soil acidity should be within pH 6.5 - 7.5.
Fertile land is needed.
It is better to choose an elevated area.
Looks great near curbs, house walls, paths.
Does not tolerate swampy, waterlogged areas.
It goes well with cleome, helichrysum, and Spanish gorse.

The roots reach 2 - 3 meters in depth, so the shallow occurrence of groundwater is detrimental for them. In heavy peat soils lavender is blowing.

Stories from our readers!
“I am a summer resident with many years of experience, and I started using this fertilizer only last year. I tested it on the most capricious vegetable in my garden - tomatoes. The bushes grew and bloomed together, they yielded more than usual. And they did not suffer from late blight, this is the main thing.

Fertilizer really gives more intensive growth garden plants, and they bear fruit much better. Nowadays you can’t grow a normal harvest without fertilizer, and this fertilizing increases the amount of vegetables, so I’m very pleased with the result.”

Methods of cultivation and reproduction

There are 4 ways to propagate lavender:

stem layering;
dividing the bush;
growing from cuttings;
seed.

The first 3 methods are vegetative. The seed method is rarely used, since this is a long process; the first flowers can only be seen the next season. It will be of interest to those who do not yet have mature bushes.

Reproduction by stem layering

To do this, select a branch from the bottom.
Should be dug up small hole. Place the middle part of the branch in it. Place a stone on it or secure it with a bracket. Cover with soil. The top and bottom remain above the ground.
It is necessary to water the branch as needed. It's not worth pouring.
It should grow in this state for at least 3 months.
You can replant it in the fall. The cuttings must have formed roots.
The seedling is transplanted with a clod of earth.
Until the plant gets stronger, it needs to be protected from the wind.

Dividing the bush

This method is used as a last resort. Lavender does not tolerate the division process well. To do this, it must have sections of stems that form separate group. Optimal time division - early spring.

Instructions for dividing the bush:

Select 3 - 5 stems that are nearby.
Dig out this section of the stems.
Make a hole for planting.
Fertilizer is placed at the bottom.
Place the roots in the hole and cover with soil.
Watered. Take care as usual.

Growing by cuttings

Occurs in 2 ways: green cuttings and lignified cuttings:

The right time for cuttings is spring-summer, but no later than mid-July.
The roots should get stronger before winter. This requires 1.5 months.
You need to choose a branch with at least 2 growth nodes (the place where the leaves start to grow).
Green cuttings that have not yet become woody grow faster. The roots are formed better.
Prepare the pot for planting. It is better if it is clay - it allows air to pass through well.

Sequence of actions when landing:

Cut a cutting 13 cm long, diagonally. Under the growth node.
All leaves need to be removed. Leave it on the top only.
When planting lignified cuttings, they should be placed in a root formation stimulator.
Plant at a shallow depth. Water.
At first you need to keep it in the shade. Subsequently, take it out into the sun.

Propagation by seeds

Before sowing, hardening is carried out - stratification, for this:

seeds are mixed with sand;
the mixture is poured into a closed container, wrapped in polyethylene;
put in the refrigerator for 1.5 months.

Hardened seeds are sown in pots at the end of winter and beginning of spring. In the spring - in a greenhouse. Depth - 3 mm. There is no need to separate the sand. Replant in open ground if there is no risk of frost.

To plant seedlings, seeds are sown in a wide but shallow box. The maximum container depth is 7 cm. Cassettes are not suitable.

Sowing scheme:

The box is filled with earth. Leveling.
Water is sprayed onto the soil from above using a spray bottle.
They are planted rarely, one at a time. Distance – 1.5 – 2 cm.
Sprinkle with 2-3 mm of soil.
Cover the top with glass or film.

For seeds to germinate, two conditions are required:

sufficient lighting;
room temperature – 15 – 21 o C.

Rules for caring for seedlings:

should be slightly moistened.
The film and glass are opened from time to time for ventilation.
The first shoots - after 2 weeks. After they appear, the glass and film are removed.
The soil is kept slightly moist.
Place it on a bright windowsill.
Dive - after the appearance of 2 true leaves. Replant with a lump of earth around the root.

Before taking it outside, permanent place, seedlings are hardened off on the balcony in advance. To do this, they take it out to a new place for a short period of time. They start at one hour. Further, the residence time is doubled. During the first year of life, roots develop. Doesn't bloom.

Planting lavender in open ground

First you need to choose a landing site. It has a powerful root system. Therefore, do not plant in waterlogged parts of the garden. Shade-tolerant, but prefers bright places. It is better to plant on elevated parts of the garden.

Instructions for planting lavender:

The first flowers can be seen in the 2-3rd year of planting. We bloom from June to August. Before planting, sand, humus, and compost are added to the soil. . Mature bushes should not be replanted . Seeds are sown in open ground in mid-May. The seedlings are transplanted in June.

When is it better to plant: spring or autumn?

The optimal time for planting is spring. This should be done when the danger of frost has passed.
In warm regions, autumn planting is acceptable., but 2 months before frost.

Planting before winter

Sowing is carried out in October.
Planted in rows. The distance between bushes is 20 cm.
Transplantation - in the spring. Plants should reach 10 cm in height.
They are transplanted to a permanent place at a distance of 50–60 cm.

Caring for lavender bushes in the garden

All types of lavender require the same care.

Watering:

Does not require frequent watering. Drought resistant.
Water when the soil under the plant is dry.
Yellow leaves are a sign of excess water and rotting roots.
Slow growth may be caused by excess moisture.

Loosening and mulching:

Loosening is carried out after each heavy rain and watering.
The soil under the lavender should not harden. The plant will not have enough oxygen.
– through humus, peat.

Trimming:

Feeding and fertilizer:

At the beginning of the season, nitrogen is added. They are needed for the growth of green mass. It is prohibited to use them in the second half of summer. The bush will not have time to prepare for winter;
Then during the flowering period - complex (mineral) ones.
Not demanding. Can be content with what is in the soil.
If there is a layer of mulch, fertilizing is not needed.

Diseases and pests

Lavender is resistant to diseases and pests.

At improper landing, care problems may arise:

Rotting is the result of improper watering. However, the plant cannot be treated. It needs to be cut off as quickly as possible. Burn all parts.
The rainbow beetle is a rare sight. It can be assembled by hand.
Slobbery pennies.
Cicada.

Insecticides will come to the rescue in the fight against insects.

Preparing for winter in the Moscow region

Lavender bushes can grow in one place for up to 20 years.

Growing lavender at home

Lavender is also grown at home.

To do this, follow the technology of planting and subsequent care:

Choose a pot of the appropriate size. Volume of at least 2 liters. Diameter – not less than 30 cm.
Drainage: nut shells, small pebbles, gravel.
Do not cover the hole at the bottom of the pot.
Soil acidity - from pH 6.5 to pH 7.5.

Rules for caring for lavender in an apartment:

Watering carry out at the same time. Water – settled, at room temperature.
Fertilizer– first 2 months.
The pot is placed on the south side. On the balcony, windowsill. If there is not enough light, you can use a fluorescent lamp.
After flowering– in summer, should be pruned.
Wintering takes place in a cool place; at this time it is often not watered.

They don’t place a flower near the house heating devices. In the summer, the plant is taken out onto the balcony. A small pot is not suitable for lavender, as it has powerful roots. As it grows, the container where it grows is changed. Suitable variety for an apartment - southern.

Ways to grow lavender at home:

An annual shoot is cut from an adult bush and cut cuttings 10 cm long. Plant them in a box and cover them with plastic wrap.
You can divide the existing bush. This occurs by separately hilling each stem.
If mature plant planted in a large pot, propagated by layering. To do this, they choose to escape. Bend to the ground. Bury part 3 cm into the soil. Replant when the shoot takes root.
Seed propagation requires stratification, so it takes a lot of time. Plant the seeds at a depth of 3 mm.

Secrets of growing indoor lavender

It is more difficult to grow lavender at home than outside. It is considered a capricious houseplant.

Peculiarities home grown lavender:

A special temperature regime is required. More frequent care required.
Takes up a lot of space. Maximum size reaches 3 - 5 years.
A lot of light is needed. The best place- South side. If there is a shortage, artificial lighting will come to the rescue.
IN summer period its permanent place should be a balcony. But you should protect it from the wind. It is necessary to accustom oneself to the conditions of a balcony gradually. She loves warmth.
It is necessary to observe the wintering regime. The temperature at this time of year should be 10 -12 o C.
Doesn't like dry air. Humidifiers can be used.
The soil should always be moist. The leaves also need to be watered.
Do not feed with nitrogen fertilizers. Potassium supplements are best. The first 2-2.5 months after sowing require watering. liquid fertilizer- 2 g per 1 liter of water.
The ideal soil is a mixture of sand and peat with the addition of eggshells.
Replanted every year. During the period of rest.
For good growth need big pots. There must be drainage at the bottom.

What mistakes are made when growing lavender?

Water frequently. Many gardeners do not know that this plant is drought tolerant.
Gently pruned. This can destroy the bush.
Plant in heavy peaty, clay soil.
They don’t know that lavender loses some of its foliage during wintering. This is an evergreen bush. But by spring it may lose its attractiveness. There is no need to rush to remove it from the site.
Buy annual varieties . She shows all her beauty closer to 3 years. Therefore it is meaningless.
Lavender is thought to have a wonderful aroma. The same variety can smell differently in different places. There are varieties that are odorless.

Even a novice gardener can handle planting and caring for lavender. Therefore, it is increasingly used for landscaping areas. In Russia, angustifolia lavender is grown for these purposes. It tolerates the climatic conditions of the Moscow region well.

Lavender is planted for the following purposes:

design of alpine slides, hedges;
making flower arrangements;
decoration of paths, sidewalks, flower beds, fences, buildings.

To plant lavender beautifully, you need to know the rules of sowing and care. An important role in the design of the site is played by the color of flowers, leaves, and the height of the bush. Its flowers, the color of which varies from soft pink to dark purple, and evergreen leaves will help decorate any garden.

Conclusion

Lavender is used in design summer cottage, private house in the Moscow region (Moscow and Moscow region). Lavender is not suitable for industrial cultivation in the Moscow region. The southern regions of the country (Crimea) are more suitable for this.

Among the variety of varieties, there are those that can winter in these natural conditions. The positive aspects do not end with decorativeness. This treatment plant widely used in folk medicine.

Benefits of planting lavender:

unpretentiousness;
frost resistance;
beautiful appearance throughout the year;
pleasant aroma.

Planting at the dacha is not a difficult process. Care includes the same points as for other plants: watering, fertilizing, pruning, shelter for the winter.

Video: detailed agricultural techniques for growing lavender

Pleasant aroma, unpretentiousness, attractive appearance and variety practical application have long made lavender one of the most popular plants. She has her own secrets of care. What conditions must be created for the plant to become a real decoration of your garden, and how to grow lavender from seeds?

Lavender: description and types

Lavender has a rather discreet appearance: a matte green stem covered with foliage, small shoots purple flowers. The height of the evergreen plant is from 20 cm, and the diameter of an ordinary lavender bush is no more than 40 cm.

You won’t immediately notice this shy girl in the garden, but if you don’t appearance, then everyone recognizes lavender by its smell. The warm, rich and slightly tart smell of lavender attracts both beneficial insects(honeybees), and sophisticated aesthetes-gardeners.

Did you know? Lavender exudes scent not only from its inflorescence. The stem and leaves also have a characteristic aroma, but it is milder than that of the flowering part.

Lavender has the following properties:

medicinal(has anti-inflammatory effect, calms, relieves headaches)
decorative(used to design gardening areas)
cosmetic(organic skin and hair care supplement)

Lavender even finds its use in the kitchen, as a spice for gourmet haute cuisine.

The specific uses of lavender depend on its type, of which there are about 30. The difference between them is in color, size of inflorescences, stem height and leaf shape. Some of the species grow only in certain places, but most grow on all continents.

The most common types of lavender:

Lavender angustifolia, or real. The peculiarity of this species is its high frost resistance and rapid regeneration. Narrow-leaved lavender does not require special growing conditions and easily takes root in any type of soil.

broadleaf lavender has a brighter aroma, and the stem produces not one, but three arrows of inflorescences.

- decorative, “dwarf” appearance with bright colors and silvery curly leaves.

French lavender only grows in open ground, transplanting into a pot is contraindicated for her. Small flowers are almost lost in the background large leaves, which makes this type of lavender an ideal hedge material.

Dutch lavender - This is a hybrid species, bred by crossing broad-leaved and narrow-leaved relatives.

Important! The stem of the tallest evergreen shrub reaches 2 m in height. Only hybrid species of lavender are capable of this, the cultivation of which requires special climatic conditions.

How to choose a place to grow lavender

When planting lavender in your garden, you need to take into account some nuances that directly affect the quality of flowering and the survival rate of the plant as a whole.

Lavender is very sensitive to acids, so peat soil is not suitable for it. The ideal option would be porous, loose soil with low level acidity. But if on your site it is not possible to create such conditions for the plant, how to germinate lavender? Regular application wood ash or lime will make the soil fresher, and with the help organic fertilizers you will saturate the soil with nutrients.

Wetlands or soil with high undercurrents are not suitable for lavender. In a humid environment this evergreen shrub withers and then dies. But if there is no other place, then with the help of drainage layers you can reduce the level of soil moisture and create favorable conditions for growing lavender bushes.

As for lighting, lavender can grow in both shady and sunny areas. But in the second case, lavender will please you bright inflorescences and a spicy smell, and in the first case, the appearance and aroma of the plant will be very dull.

Rules for planting evergreens

At favorable conditions Lavender grows well and reproduces readily. Planting of already formed shrubs can be carried out both in spring and autumn, the only condition is sunny weather and moderate watering. IN autumn period The plant will indicate its “readiness” for transplantation with a hardened trunk, and in the spring with swollen buds.

Before planting lavender in open ground, make a hole 5-8 cm deep and leave it to “steam” under a covered film for about 3-4 days, periodically watering the ground. Then, having dug up a bush with a lump of soil, disconnect the desired part of the bush with its roots and place it in the prepared hole. During the rooting period, lavender needs to be watered frequently, but not overdo it.

Features of lavender care

Lavender is an unpretentious bush. But this does not mean that it does not need to be looked after. Beautiful, strong, flowering plant- this is the result of proper care.

How to water lavender

Lavender likes moderate humidity. Water the lavender as the soil dries out. IN summer time Irrigation frequency is 2-3 times a week; in the off-season, once every 1-1.5 weeks will be sufficient.

Loosening and fertilizing the soil

It is important to monitor the soil in which lavender grows. In loose, oxygenated soil, the plant grows better and produces more beautiful inflorescences.

Important!Lavender's roots do not go as deep into the ground as other shrubs. When loosening the soil, try not to be too zealous with the tool, otherwise you risk damaging root system and destroy the entire bush.

Lavender responds well to fertilizing: it quickly absorbs fertilizer and very soon begins to grow and bloom. Both organic stimulants and mineral complex fertilizers are suitable for it.

How to prune lavender

Lavender bushes have a rather chaotic shape, and in order for your flowerbed to look well-groomed, it is necessary to trim the crown of the plant from time to time.

Pruning rules depend on the type and growth of the bush, but there are a number of requirements common to all types of lavender:

cut off inflorescences after the first flowering;
do not touch the woody column of the plant, but cut off only the young shoot;
The maximum length of the cut part is no more than 5 cm.

Lavender propagation

Growing lavender includes not only planting and care, but also the ability to properly propagate the bush. What methods of propagating lavender are there?

Cuttings

One of the simplest and effective methods Propagation of lavender bushes is by cuttings. For it you need to prepare the soil for planting and collect planting material.

Young shoots cut from an adult bush are used as cuttings. Optimal length planting material- 10 cm, so long shoots can be cut into several small cuttings.

Soil ready for planting is loosened, oxygenated soil, generously watered. It is in this soil that you need to place the finished cuttings, sprinkle them with earth and press them down at the base.

Best time for disembarkation garden crops in open ground - the first months of summer. At the end of the season, the cuttings will take root, and they can be planted in a permanent flowering location.

Lavender is a flower, the mention of which brings endless purple fields to life. French Provence. But now in Russia, many professional flower growers and decorators, as well as amateur gardeners, are engaged in growing lavender. It is used for decoration alpine slide, creating a shrub border or simply for decorating a flower bed.

In nature, lavender grows beautifully on mountain slopes, held in place by three-meter-long roots. She represents perennial evergreen shrub, the leaves of which have a silvery tint, and the flowers - from traditional lilac to unimaginable white.

Species diversity

To date There are more than 45 varieties of lavender known, but most often the following varieties are used when decorating a garden:

For successful cultivation lavender in the garden is an indispensable condition right choice places. That should be enough sunny plot. Partial shade is also suitable for planting, but in such conditions you should not expect long and abundant flowering.

The flower is quite sensitive to humidity levels; it is not suitable for wet soil or a place where groundwater flow too high. Planting in the driest soil is considered preferable. If there is no choice, then experts recommend the installation of artificial drainage layers.

You should also pay attention to soil acidity level. Any type of lavender can only benefit from alkaline or neutral soil. To reduce acidity levels, you can add a small amount of lime or ash to the soil before planting. In addition, regular fertilization with compost will be useful to increase the nutritional value of the soil and improve its drainage qualities. But adding nitrogen or manure can have a detrimental effect on flowering.

Gardening experts often advise placing lavender on personal plot Near vegetable crops – sharp and strong aroma emanating from flowers can repel insect pests.

When planting a plant in the ground, it should be taken into account that the distance between individual bushes may not be greater than their maximum height. In the case of decorative hedges, this distance is halved.

Growing lavender from seeds

Most in a complicated way Experts consider growing lavender to be growing a bush from seeds.

Before planting seeds in the soil, they need to be hardened off. In warm European countries, where there are no severe frosts, stratification occurs naturally. To do this, selected seeds are planted directly in the ground at the end of autumn. More acceptable in our climate zone artificial stratification. Lavender seeds need to be mixed with sand, poured into a small container, wrapped plastic film and store in the refrigerator for about a month and a half.

Prepared lavender seeds are planted towards the end of spring in greenhouses along with sand under a not too thick layer of soil. And when the first shoots appear, they can be safely transplanted to previously prepared places.

One of the disadvantages of this method of growing is the long preparation of the plant itself for flowering: for the first year or two, the shrub will grow a root system, flowers will appear much later.

Growing lavender from cuttings

This is a fairly simple method and is used in practice very often. First you need to prepare cuttings from woody shoots of one or two years, which are then cut to a length of no more than 10 cm. planted in loose soil at a depth of 2–3 cm, cover with film and water regularly. The roots of the cuttings germinate very quickly, after which it can be transferred to open ground.

Growing lavender using stem layering

This method of propagating lavender is considered the simplest. All that is required of the gardener is to lay one branch of the bush he likes horizontally, cover it completely with earth and put some weight on top. After about a few months, the cuttings will develop their own root system and can be cut off from the parent bush and planted independently. Cut location required sprinkle with crushed coal to avoid rotting of the main bush.

Growing lavender from shoots

Another breeding method that can be easily used in practice. In the fall, the selected bush is cut to 10 cm and sprinkled with soil, then with the onset of spring you need to trim it again. Next fall there will be enough shoots to divide the bush into several new ones.

Plant care

When deciding to decorate your garden with lavender, you need to remember about its low frost resistance and the need to cover the bush with branches for the winter. coniferous plants. It is better not to use foliage to insulate the plant, because lavender bushes can rot.

Besides, the plant cannot tolerate high humidity . If the planting region is characterized by long rains, then it is best to cut off the young shoots so that the bush is not affected by the fungus. Watering should be done as the soil dries out.

For the growth of the bush and the formation of new shoots, it is necessary to regularly carry out hilling and mulching. Doing so better in spring and in autumn. Trimming also plays a big role and can prolong the life of the plant. Pruning is carried out immediately after flowering, cutting the stems by no more than 2 cm, and the main shortening is carried out in early autumn, leaving a few fresh shoots.

Like anything ornamental plant, lavender is susceptible to various diseases, despite the fact that the aroma is able to protect it from many pests.

Gray rot is considered especially dangerous, which must be removed along with the affected area of the stem and burned.
The pennitsa insect uses places covered with rot to lay its larvae. Although this does not lead to the death of the plant, it still spoils its appearance.
In addition to common diseases, the rainbow beetle is dangerous for jagged and French lavender; you can get rid of it manually by collecting it from each bush.

Very beautiful photos English lavenders are presented in our gallery.

Mediterranean guest - lavender

Once I saw blooming lavender in a pot and inhaling its subtle delicate scent, you will definitely want to plant this mountain flower from the southern shores of the Black Sea in order to enjoy the fresh healing aroma without leaving home. What you need to know about growing plants at home will be discussed below.

Heat-loving lavender, native to the mild, warm climate of the Mediterranean, loves space and plenty of sunlight. It is a low-growing shrub up to 1 m high with narrow silver-green leaves and purple flowers.

There are two varieties of flowers: English and French.

U English look leaves are narrow, and the purple inflorescences have an elongated shape. English lavender is unpretentious and winter-hardy, suitable for growing in open ground and even in central Russia does not require digging in the fall for wintering in pots.

French, unlike English, has wider leaves, lavender inflorescences and is shorter in size. This species is more capricious in cultivation; when the air temperature drops to -15°C, the plant dies, so this species is grown mainly in pots.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of indoor lavender is its fragrant smell., exuded during flowering, has a calming effect and relieves headaches.

Lavender is an essential oil plant and has many beneficial properties.

Made from flowers essential oil, which is used in medicine, aromatherapy, cosmetology and the perfume industry.

Lavender oil is used in the treatment of burns, joint pain and as a massage oil to help relax muscles and relieve tension in them. It has a strong antimicrobial effect.

When growing a flower at home, you can cut and dry the flowering shoots and use them:

for making sachets - scented pads to add a delicate scent to linen and repel moths;
add to the composition of herbal pillows that help with spasmodic headaches and combat insomnia;
used as shoe fresheners (placed in shoes overnight, they remove unpleasant odors);
as an additive to green and flower tea;
in cooking, add to baked goods, salads, vegetable and fish dishes.

The plant has no disadvantages, except perhaps individual intolerance to the rich, bitter aroma.

Planting and care

There are several ways to grow lavender at home:

By cuttings. Cuttings 10 cm long are cut from one-year-old shoots, and leaves are removed from the lower end. The cuttings are placed in light, moist soil, covered with film to maintain moisture, and wait for roots to appear. Cuttings root easily.
Seeds. Before planting, the seeds must undergo a stratification process, i.e. treating them with cold to increase germination. The seeds are placed in a moist substrate, covered plastic bag and placed on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 1.5-2 months. After the stratification period, containers with seeds are placed in a bright and warm place until germination. Grown seedlings are planted in cups, and then, as they grow, they are transplanted into pots. The seedlings will bloom in 1-2 years.
Dividing the bush. You can separate a part of the bush growing in the garden and place it in a pot to grow in the house.

Growing lavender in a pot requires following certain rules:

the brightest place is chosen, preferably south-facing windows, but in summer, during the hottest afternoon hours, slight shading is required;
the soil should be light, nutritious and consist of 3 parts leaf soil, 2 parts humus and 1 part sand, be sure to add 1 tbsp. wood ash or lime;
When planting a flower in a pot, there must be a good layer of drainage to prevent stagnation of water.

Lavender loves calcareous soils, so flower pots It is advisable to add crushed eggshells.

Plant care consists of:

the flower does not like watering as the soil dries out or the soil becomes waterlogged;
fertilizing: after planting and pruning, for good growth of green mass, apply nitrogen fertilizers, before and during flowering, complex mineral fertilizers;
In the spring before flowering and in the summer after, lavender is pruned to give shape to the bush and stimulate flowering.

Problems of growing in a pot at home

There are no particular difficulties in growing plants at home., but some nuances of planting and care are still worth taking into account.

Since the plant loves space, and this applies not only to the surrounding space, but also to the volume of the pot. Lavender has a long root; if during the growth process it bumps into something, it stops growing, which means it stops growing entirely. Taking into account this feature of the plant, pots for growing need to be wide and deep.
When grown, the plant needs direct sunlight at least 8 hours a day.
In summer, lavender needs to be taken out into the garden or onto the balcony, it needs fresh air.
In winter, the plant needs the lightest window sill, a temperature not higher than 15°C and moderate watering.
From spring to autumn, flowers must be fed regularly, otherwise the plant may stop developing normally, which will certainly affect flowering.
Lavender needs to be replanted annually, changing not only the soil, but also the size of the pot to a larger one.

Under no circumstances should the soil in the pot be allowed to dry out. Drying out earthen coma plant even once leads to its death. No growth stimulants will help restore the root system.

Protection from diseases and pests

Lavender is rarely affected by pests and diseases at home.. Infection of a plant with gray rot.

If the soil is waterlogged, the plant may become infected with gray rot. In this case, the affected stems are removed.

Having learned about the intricacies of growing lavender at home and making sure that there is nothing too complicated in this process, you can safely take on flower experiments. By growing a beautiful and fragrant bush on your windowsill, you will not only fill your house with the smells of summer and the Crimean coast, but also provide for yourself useful flowers and leaves without leaving home.