It is estimated that there are between 25 and 30 different types of lavender, seven of which grow wild, especially in the Mediterranean region. Lavender has its homeland in the barren, Mediterranean mountain regions, whereby different varieties with difficult needs have developed in different locations.

The natural habitat of lavender

However, most of the numerous lavender varieties are cultivated forms of the three species known as progenitors. Common lavender as well as spike lavender and French lavender grow on rocky, dry locations around the Mediterranean Sea. The evergreen subshrubs have been thriving for thousands of years, especially in Southern Europe, North Africa, India and Southwest Asia. In Germany, only the strong seed-producing common lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) sows itself and occasionally grows out of gardens.

Occurrence of True Lavender

True lavender is originally a mountain plant; it is found at altitudes between 600 and 1600 meters. It is also known as wild lavender or mountain lavender. Due to this origin, this species thrives best on dry, preferably stony, soil and is also the only type of lavender that is winter hardy in Germany.

Spike lavender and lavandin

The spike lavender comes from the western Mediterranean area. It tends to be found in lower and therefore warmer areas than true lavender, which is why it grows significantly larger (up to one meter high), but is also more sensitive to frost. Lavandin or Provence lavender, as its name suggests, thrives primarily in southern France. It is a cross between spike lavender and real lavender. The species is only slightly frost hardy and remains smaller than the two parent species.

The origin of the French lavender

The French lavender, a popular species for planting in tubs and balconies, naturally occurs primarily in the coastal regions of south-western Europe. However, two different forms are distinguished, depending on their origin. In Germany, both the Spanish and the Italian lavender are only suitable for cultivation in pots, as this species is not hardy. In addition, the French lavender has a special feature: In contrast to the other types of lavender, Lavandula stoechas thrives on lime-free soil.

tips and tricks

If you are looking for something special: Green lavender (Lavandula viridis) is very rarely cultivated in this country. This species, native to southwestern Europe, grows to about 60 centimeters in height, has white flowers and yellowish-green leaves.

IJA

Category:

Herbs