Lavender's Main Distribution Areas and Detailed Growing Habits

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Native to the Mediterranean coast, various parts of Europe and the islands of Oceania, it was later widely planted in the United Kingdom and Yugoslavia. Its leaf shape and flower color are elegant and refined, and its blue-purple inflorescences are long and graceful, making it a new perennial cold-hardy flower for the garden.

Other Names for Lavender

Lingxiangcao, Xiangcao, Huangxiangcao

Lavender's Growing Habits

Lavender's Temperature Requirements

Lavender has very strong adaptability. Mature plants tolerate both low and high temperatures, and during the harvest season they can withstand high temperatures of around 40°C. In the Huanglong area of Shaanxi, lavender plants overwinter safely outdoors at -21°C; in Xinjiang, with soil mounding and snow cover, they can tolerate low temperatures of -37°C, and seedlings can tolerate low temperatures of -10°C. During lavender's growth and development the following year, when the average temperature is around 8°C, it begins to sprout, which takes 10-15d; when the average temperature is 12-15°C, the plant's branches begin to turn green and elongate, which takes 20d; when the average temperature is 16-18°C, it begins to form buds, which takes 25-30d; when the average temperature is 20-22°C, it begins to bloom; when the average temperature is 26-32°C, it is the seed-setting stage.

Lavender's Water Requirements

Lavender is a plant that prefers dry conditions and does not store much water; an annual rainfall of 600-800mm is relatively suitable. During the green-up stage and the bud stage, the plant grows quickly and needs more water; during the flowering stage it needs less water; during the seed-setting stage the water amount should be moderate; during the winter dormant period, winter irrigation or snow cover is needed. Therefore, the ideal rainfall distribution throughout the year is abundant in spring, moderate in summer, and sufficient snow in winter.

Lavender's Sunlight Requirements

Lavender is a long-day plant and requires sufficient sunlight during its growth and development period, requiring more than 2000h of sunshine hours throughout the year. In a damp, shaded environment, the plant grows slowly or ages quickly and develops poorly.

Lavender's Soil Requirements

Lavender has a relatively well-developed root system and prefers deep, loose, well-aerated fertile soil rich in silicon and calcium. Strongly acidic or alkaline soil with heavy clay, poor drainage, or a high groundwater table is not suitable for planting.

Lavender's Flower Language

In European tradition, lavender seems naturally connected with love; a large number of love legends and folk customs involve lavender, and "Lavender Represents True Love" is the most representative lyric poem of the Elizabethan era. Lavender's flower language is "waiting for love," just as depicted in the TV drama "Lavender": lavender signifies a reserved declaration of love, a firm promise, and, after enduring hardships, finally being able to join hands with the one you love. Lavender is regarded by people as one of the important tools for driving away impure things and for incense.