QA

Quick Answer: What Do Lavender Plants Look Like

How do I identify a lavender plant?

Look for purple flowers from the beginning to the end of summer. Lavender’s flowers rise into the air like a spike, consisting of several light to deep purple petals. Certain varieties may include flowers that open up, while others resemble a pine cone.

Will lavender come back every year?

Lavender is a Low-Maintenance Perennial And this beauty will come back to your garden every year, for about 3-5 years, so it’s a great investment. What is this? Before you make any plant purchases, however, I want to remind you to always choose plants that thrive in your plant hardiness zone.

Do lavender plants spread?

Lavender is a small shrub that usually grows 20 to 24 inches tall and wide. The height includes the flower stalks, so when not in bloom, the foliage may be only a foot tall. The plant does not spread as thyme, oregano, and other herbs tend to.

Is lavender toxic to dogs?

Lavender contains a small amount of a compound called linalool, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Problems arise only if a dog ingests a very large quantity of lavender. Symptoms of lavender poisoning may include vomiting, inability to defecate, a swollen and tender abdomen, reduced appetite, and fever.

Do all lavender plants bloom?

Because not all Lavenders bloom at the same time and some bloom continuously, producing flowers all spring and summer. Planting one of each in your garden will reward you with heavenly fragrance and attractive flower spikes from spring until late summer.

Is lavender a sun or shade plant?

Lavenders demand full sun, although afternoon shade may be appreciated in the hottest climates. Plants are very drought resistant once established, but will flower better if not allowed to dry out.

How tall does lavender get?

Staking: Lavender plants range from 1 to 3 feet tall and wide and do not require staking. Watering: Water young plants well. Once established, lavender is drought tolerant and doesn’t need frequent watering. Over-watering is a common cause of stress to lavender plants.

Should I cover lavender in the winter?

If you live where subfreezing winter temperatures are common, it’s helpful to cover your lavender plants with evergreen boughs once you’ve had your first frost and the ground is cold. The covering also provides protection from cold winter winds that can dry out the plants and cause die-back of stems.

Can lavender grow inside?

With the right light and care, it is possible to grow lavender indoors. In most situations, lavender should be grown outdoors. Even in coldest regions where lavender isn’t hardy, it’s best to keep growing lavender indoors as a fall-back position, something you do in winter when plants can’t be outdoors.

Does lavender keep bugs away?

Lavender. They love the flowers, but other bugs stay away. Lavender has a pleasant scent that comes from the essential oils in the leaves of the plant, but the bugs hate it. Hang some dried lavender in your closet and you won’t have to worry about moths eating your clothes.

What flowers look like lavender?

One lavender look-alike is Salvia officinalis, sage or common sage, with grey foliage and blue-ish purple flowers. Like lavender, this sage is native to the Mediterranean and has a long list of culinary and medicinal uses.

What do I do with my lavender plant?

The many uses for lavender include traditional floral arrangements, dried lavender wreaths and making lavender oil, which has a host of applications from homekeeping to germ-fighting. Lavender uses don’t stop there. This perennial herb also holds its own in the kitchen—in desserts, grilled entrees and beverages.

Can lavender plant survive winter?

As mentioned above, English lavender is winter-hardy to Zone 5 and may only need a bit of help in the form of a thin layer of straw. Otherwise, lavender shouldn’t need any extra care outdoors. Spanish and French lavenders, on the other hand, are only hardy to Zone 8, and will need to be brought indoors in colder areas.

How deep are the roots of a lavender plant?

Lavender is a shallow rooted herb, so you do not need a tall pot. Average depth and spread of the root system is 8-10 inches.

Do fleas like lavender?

The scent of lavender oil naturally repels fleas and ticks, making it unlikely that any will burrow into your animal’s fur. It also prevents tick eggs from hatching, so if they did make it onto your dog’s skin, they would not be able to reproduce and would quickly die off.

Can I eat lavender leaves?

Lavender basics Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten and have a pleasant yet slightly bitter flavor. Lavender grows throughout southern Europe, Australia and the United States.

Does lavender grow in part shade?

Lavenders need full sun and they do not grow well if at all in partial shade or full shade. Lavenders are a relatively short lived garden plant (4 years is typical) so do not do them a disservice by placing them in unfavourable shade.