What Plant Is Lavender? Get to Know This Herbaceous Plant

Other Names for Lavender

Lingxiangcao, Xiangcao, Huangxiangcao

Growth Habits of Lavender

Lavender's Temperature Requirements

Lavender is highly adaptable. 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 the Xinjiang region, with soil mounding and snow cover, they can withstand low temperatures of -37°C, and seedlings can tolerate low temperatures of -10°C. During the growth and development process the following year, when the average temperature is around 8°C, lavender begins to sprout, which takes 10-15d; when the average temperature is 12-15°C, the plant branches begin to turn green and elongate, which takes 20d; when the average temperature is 16-18°C, budding begins, which takes 25-30d; when the average temperature is 20-22°C, flowering begins; 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 greening and budding stages, the plant grows relatively 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 its growth and development period requires sufficient sunlight, with an annual sunshine duration requirement of more than 2000h. In a damp and shady environment, the plant grows slowly or ages relatively 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. Soil that is strongly acidic or alkaline, heavy in clay, poorly drained, or in plots with a high groundwater level is not suitable for planting.

Lavender Flower Language

In European tradition, lavender seems to be naturally related to love, and a large number of love legends or folk customs involve lavender. "Lavender Represents True Love" is the most representative lyric poem of the Elizabethan era. The flower language of lavender is "waiting for love," just as portrayed in the TV drama "Lavender": lavender means a subtle declaration of love, a firm promise, and after enduring hardships, finally being able to hold hands with the one you love. Lavender is considered by people to be one of the important tools for driving away unclean things and for incense.