Aphids can ruin the most beautiful plants in no time. The annoying little creatures not only drain the plants of their lifeblood, but also produce a sweet dew that attracts ants. These, in turn, destroy the root system with their duct formation and thus cause the affected plant to die. So if you suddenly see more ants, you should definitely check your plants for aphids.
Plant lavender as a crop protection
However, aphids do not infest every plant species equally. In particular, species that produce a lot of intensely fragrant essential oils are avoided by the vermin. The little animals don't like lavender in particular, although this statement does not apply to every type of lavender. Less intensely scented lavender - such as lavandin - can certainly be infested by aphids, as can plants that develop little essential oils due to inadequate site conditions and care. Strongly scented lavender, on the other hand - especially the French lavender - is ideal for planting as a protective bastion against predatory insects. It is best to plant the plants as a dense hedge or as ground cover in the bed, but take into account the different needs of the respective plant species. Lavender, a drought-loving plant, does not get along well with every neighbor.
Lavender infusion as a remedy against aphids
If aphids have already appeared, they can often be driven away by intensive treatment with a lavender infusion. To do this, pour two generous handfuls of dried lavender flowers in a liter of boiling water and let the mixture steep for a few hours. Then strain the flowers and spray the infested plants with the liquid. You should repeat the treatment several times until the last aphid has disappeared. The lavender stock can also be used as irrigation water. In this case, the active ingredients in lavender are absorbed by the roots and transported to the leaf veins, where the aphids suck them up. Instead of dried lavender blossoms, you can also use a few drops of concentrated lavender oil - preferably from wild lavender, because this is where the concentration of active ingredients is highest.
tips and tricks
Mulch endangered or infested plants - such as roses - with spent and dried lavender stalks. With a little luck, the lavender will even self-seed and you can transplant new young plants in the spring.
IJA