Lavender is perfect for the garden for many reasons. The flowers and leaves of the plant can be used for teas, scented sachets or as a spice in the kitchen. Lavender is also a popular food plant for bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Furthermore, the intensely scented shrub keeps pests such as aphids away from neighboring plants - quite apart from the fact that the lush and colorful flowering plants are a real ornament.

Hardy lavender varieties for the garden

However, not all of the estimated 25 to 30 lavender varieties can easily be planted in the garden, after all, only the varieties of real lavender are hardy in Germany. In particular, the French lavender, which is often planted because of its unusual flower shape, and the spike lavender, which grows quite tall, do not tolerate frost and should therefore not overwinter outdoors. The following varieties are suitable for planting out and overwintering in the garden due to their relative insensitivity to cold:

  • Hidcote Blue
  • Munstead
  • Miss Katherine (feature: pink flowers)

The varieties mentioned are exclusively real lavender. Varieties of Lavandin (Lavandula intermedia) are only hardy, but not hardy. This also includes such attractive variants as the white flowering lavender "Edelweiß", the violet "Grosso" or the light blue "Hidcote Giant".

The right location for garden lavender

In addition to the right variety, the location must also be right. Lavender needs a full sun, sheltered spot in the garden. You will not enjoy your plants for long in half-shady or even shady locations. In addition, the soil should be permeable and low in nutrients, which is why lavender thrives excellently in rock gardens or gravel beds. The plant feels most comfortable in a south-facing location, perhaps on a non-shady, warming house wall.

Do roses and lavender go together?

Lavender is often touted as the ideal companion to roses, but while these two plants are visually compatible, their needs are not. Roses need nutrient-rich, moist soil and must be fertilized regularly - however, in these conditions the lavender will quickly wither. Therefore, you should at least plant cultivated roses and lavender with a little distance and also prepare the soil for lavender accordingly. With wild roses, on the other hand, things are a little different, because they have similar requirements to lavender.

Cultivate lavender in the garden

Caring for garden lavender is not complicated. The plant does not need to be watered or fertilized regularly. Only regular pruning in spring and, if necessary, in summer is necessary so that the lavender does not become lignified over time. You should also enrich the soil with a little lime once a year.

tips and tricks

Lady's mantle and cranesbill are particularly suitable companions for cultivated roses. These have similar requirements in terms of location and care and also bloom similarly profusely.

IJA

Category:

Herbs