I just returned from 6 days in Virginia and Washington, D.C. I had hydrangea and peony envy….the entire time I was there. So today, I decided to stop pouting and start appreciating the plants that grow here in Phoenix. Lavender is one of those plants that conjures up romance, serenity and bliss.
Climate
The climate in Phoenix is PERFECT for growing lavender~~these beautiful plants thrive in full sun, heat and fast draining, low fertility soils. They are at their very best in the more arid climates found west of the Mississippi where heat, sun, dry growing conditions and poor soils predominate. Humid heat and compost-enriched, water retentive soils are the enemy of lavender.
We have lavender growing in several beds around the yard and most of it is English lavender, but I still haven’t figured out the variety~~is it Provence, Hidcote or Arbrialii?
What is it?
What is lavender? It’s a perennial herb that’s native to the Western Mediterranean region. Different types of lavender plants are hardy in different zones, but most is hardy in Zones 5 to 11. Who knew (not me!) that lavender is in the mint family (which also includes basil, thyme, lemon balm, oregano, sweet marjoram, rosemary, sage, savory, and summer savory).
Lavender love heat! These plants need good air circulation to maintain healthy leaves. A good rule of thumb is to space the plants as far apart as they’ll grow tall. This ensures ample air circulation between plants.
Cutting
I try my hand at cutting lavender. It is recommended that you do so early in the morning to preserve the oils in the flowers. The snipping is near the base of the stems when the purple flowers are abundant.
Drying
Drying lavender is one of the easiest floral projects you’ll undertake. You can dry the flower heads by standing them upright in a vase without water.
I choose to bundle the flower stems together using ribbon, and will hang them upside down in a dry, dark, warm spot to dry. With either method, you will have dried lavender in about two weeks.
Uses
Dried lavender has many uses. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourris. Lavender is also used extensively as herbal filler inside sachets used to freshen linens. Dried and sealed in pouches, place lavender flowers among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance and to deter moths.
I don’t know much about using lavender in a recipe (do you need a food grade lavender or can any lavender work?) but that might be something I will try next.
If you would like to see a post on making lavender pillows, click here.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Damon J Bolling says
Thank you for this! I have always been partial to lavender, but was unsure about its temperament. Problem solved! I don’t know about anyone else, but I am (for whatever reason) a mosquito magnet. I have tried every natural repellent under the sun: and lavender seems to work best (for me!) I will make sure that we have plenty planter in our backyard post-remodel.
Mary Crozier says
I, too, am a mosquito magnet. The only things that work for me are the battery operated fan-like repellents by Off that clip onto your belt or clothing. I really don’t like putting any Deet on my skin. We never used to have mosquitos in Phoenix….and then the unkept pools during the recession caused an infestation. Good luck~
Rachel Harper says
Mary
I love Lavender and I’d love to share a link to this post on my Sunday, Dirt Road Adventures. I feel my readers would enjoy your post. Thanks so much for sharing your information with us.
Mary Crozier says
Rachel, Thank you very much for sharing this! Really appreciate it and I’m glad you liked it.
Renae says
Oh, how I love lavender! I’m thinking that I need to jump in the car and run to the nursery to get lavender.
Blessings to you.
Mary Crozier says
Renae, I am so surprised there are so many different varieties. It is one of my favorite too!
Chas Greener says
I love lavender! It’s one of my favorites and I have a whole garden dedicated to it. Thanks for all your tips and tricks in this post.
Mary Crozier says
Chas, I would love to see your lavender garden. I really want to keep learning more about it as there are so many varieties.
franki Parde says
Well, Virginia, this year, is behind the eight ball…my tree peonies are still tight buds. Our lavender (we’re zone 7a) looks “really healthy” …so far…franki
Mary Crozier says
Franki, at least you can grow peonies. When I lived back east the peonies would always bloom in June. Funny how different things grow in different zones!
Karin Taylor says
The next time you get back to Connecticut, you should check out Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth. They have fields of lavender and a lovely gift shop.
Mary Crozier says
Karin,
That sounds just lovely. I was unaware of a lavender farm in Connecticut!