The French lavender is a sun-loving Mediterranean child that grows wild, especially on the Spanish coasts - mainly on islands like Tenerife and Madeira. Of all lavender varieties, the French lavender has the longest flowering period, which begins around May / June and lasts until autumn.
location and earth
Like all lavender varieties, the French lavender needs a location that is as full of sun as possible with dry, permeable soil. However, this must not be alkaline under any circumstances, i. H. Contain lime - this is what distinguishes the plant, also known as butterfly lavender, from other types of lavender. The French lavender tolerates a neutral to slightly acidic soil best.
watering and fertilizing
The French lavender should also only be watered very sparingly, above all waterlogging should be avoided. Therefore, good drainage in the pot is essential. If possible, only water the plant when the top layer of soil has already dried out. The same goes for fertilizing: French lavender needs only a few nutrients; too much fertilizer leads to flowering laziness. You should be especially stingy with nitrogen. If possible, do not use tap water for watering.
Cut and propagate
The older shoots of French lavender become woody, so the plants should be pruned twice a year. The topiary in spring is carried out as early as March if the weather continues to be warm, with a second cut finally in July / early August. When cutting, you can choose cuttings about 10 to 15 centimeters long and then simply stick them in the ground. They will take root within four to six weeks. In addition, French lavender can be propagated by means of sinkers and seeds, sometimes it even sows itself.
hibernate
French lavender is only conditionally hardy, but not hardy. Therefore, it should not overwinter outdoors, but in a cool, but frost-free and as bright as possible location. With the first warm days in March, the plant can finally go outside again by the hour.
tips and tricks
French lavender should never be left too wet. With waterlogging, the roots rot and the plant turns brown. It also becomes more susceptible to fungal attack and mold growth.
IJA