Lavandula dentata

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Lavandula dentata
Light:Full Sun
Moisture:Xeric Mesic
Hardiness:9
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Evergreen
Height:3'
Width:3'
Blooms:Mid Summer-Late Summer
Native to:
Shelter
Medicinal Rating:
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Lavandula dentata

Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed[1]. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Usually very east, a high percentage will root within a few weeks[2]. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Cuttings 7cm with a heel succeed at almost any time of the year[3].

Layering.

Cultivation: Succeeds in almost any soil so long as it is well-drained and not too acid[4]. When grown in rich soils the plants tend to produce more leaves but less essential oils[1]. Requires a warm sheltered position, protected from strong winds[5]. Grows well in a hot dry position[6]. When growing for maximum essential oil content, the plant must be given a very warm sunny position and will do best in a light sandy soil, the fragrance being especially pronounced in a chalky soil[7].

This species is hardy to about -10°c[8]. Another report says that it is only hardy to about -5c[4]. Plants strongly dislike winter wet and normally require winter protection when grown outdoors in Britain[3][9].

Plants are not very long-lived and soon become straggly unless pruned. Any trimming of the plant is best done in spring and should not be done in the autumn since this can encourage new growth that will not be very cold-hardy[4].

The plant has a rich aromatic scent which is only slightly like lavender[10].

A good bee plant, also attracting butterflies and moths[11].

Range: Europe - W. Mediterranean to W. Asia.

Habitat: Arid regions, thickets, open woods, rocks on clay and siliceous soils[12].

Medicinal: The flowering plant, and the essential oil, are vulnerary. The plant is used in the treatment of catarrh[13].

Usage: The plant, and especially the flowers, has a rosemary-like scent and is used in pot-pourri[14].

The flowering stems, once the flowers have been removed for use in pot-pourri etc, can be tied in small bundles and burnt as incense sticks[7].

Pollinators: Bees, lepidoptera

Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure

In Leaf: Evergreen

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Also Known As: Stoechas dentata.

Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
  2. Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  5. Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
  6. Taylor, Jane. The Milder Garden. Dent, 1990.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
  8. Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Shrubs. Pan Books, 1989.
  9. Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
  10. Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
  11. Carter, David. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan, 1982.
  12. Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press, 1987.
  13. Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
  14. Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.