In a garden located in an area where rainfall is an unusual phenomenon, finding plants that are resistant and beautiful at the same time can be a very complicated task. However, the lavender essence
It is an excellent option to have in such climates: not only does it resist drought, but also its lilac inflorescence is truly spectacular. And as if that were not enough, it repels the annoying mosquitoes, so abundant in the hot months.
But How many types of lavender plants are there? In total, the Lavandula genus contains 60 different species, native to the Mediterranean region and some parts of Asia. We are going to present you the most popular ones, which are the easiest to get.
Types of lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
The Lavandula angustifolia it is endemic to France and Italy. Grows up to 1,3 meterswith leaves up to 6cm long, lanceolate, green in color and with a very marked central nerve on the underside. The flowers appear grouped in pedunculated inflorescences (that is, with long flower stalks), and can measure up to 9cm.
The essential oil is extracted from this species, which is used to fall asleep, to heal wounds and burns, to alleviate the symptoms of cold or sinusitis, and even to eliminate lice. But in addition, the flowers are collected to repel moths, to make plasters together with thyme and rosemary to relieve sprains, and also with them You can make infusions that will lower the fever and help us against insomnia.
toothed lavender
The toothed lavender is a woody plant native to the western Mediterranean where it grows in limestone soils that grows up to 1,3m tall. It has grayish-green linear leaves, with serrated edges up to 5cm long. The flowers appear distributed in spikes up to 5cm long, and are mauve in color.
It is used above all as an ornamental plant, but also to make perfumes or even to relieve stomach pains.
Broadleaf lavender
The Broadleaf lavender It is a shrub native to Spain, also found in England and France. Normally, when we think of lavender it seems that we can perceive the pleasant aroma that its flowers have, but the perfume of this species is rather unpleasant. Its leaves are linear, up to 10cm long, and its flowers are grouped in spike-shaped inflorescences.
Besides being used as an ornamental, it also has very interesting medicinal properties. In fact, its essential oil can be used to fight or repel bacteria, heal wounds or stings.
Lavandula stoechas
The Lavandula Stoechas It is native to the Mediterranean basin and Macaronesia. It has very different flowers from the lavender species that we have seen so far: they appear grouped in compact inflorescences in the shape of a quadrangular spike, ending in 3 violet or reddish bracts. Plant can measure up to 1m in heightand its leaves are grayish-green, with the entire edge.
It is highly appreciated both in gardening and in alternative medicine. Its flowers, in addition to being very decorative, produce a large amount of nectar; but also, it has many medicinal properties, including:
- It helps lower the fever.
- Fight cold and flu symptoms.
- Helps to heal wounds.
- It is digestive.
As you can see, a very interesting plant .
Lavandula multifida
The Lavandula multifida It is native to the African continent. It is very easy to recognize because has very divided leavesas you can see in the image, and also by the whitish hair that covers them. The flowers appear grouped in very pretty indigo inflorescences.
It grows especially near the sea, but can live on any terrain.
lavandula lanata
The lavandula lanata It is native to Spain, where it can be found in the Serranía de Ronda and the Sierras de Andalucía. It is, therefore, a plant adapted to living in a mountain climate. In fact, thanks to it it is covered by a fine and short wool (hence the name) that protects you in winter from the cold.
The spike with flowers can measure up to 20cm long, ending in flowers that are light lilac.
lavender green
Image – Maryflower.co.nz
The lavender greenor green lavender, is native to Spain, specifically from the Sierra de Aracena or the Sierra Norte of Seville. It can also be found in Madeira or in the Azores. The leaves can measure up to 10cm in length, and are lanceolate, with the entire edge. Its inflorescences measure up to 50mm, and they are cream colored.
It can be used as an ornamental plant, but also as a medicinal one. Among its magnificent properties we highlight:
- Relieves headache (tension headache).
- Serves against insomnia.
- It is exhilarating.
- It is antispasmodic.
The only downside is that it is a bit slow growing, no more than 20cm during the first year, but it is very pretty.
How are lavender plants cared for?
I did not want to finish the article without first explaining how these precious plants are cared for. Thus, in addition to knowing the main species, you will also know what do they need so they look beautiful for years and years.
As I said at the beginning, they are plants prepared to withstand droughtperhaps the least resistant is the lavandula lanatabut the rest can be perfectly in a garden where the rains fall very infrequently. I can tell you that I have 2 L. angustifoliaand although during the first year they needed regular waterings, today they take care of themselves. In my area, to give you an idea, about 350 liters of water fall a year, between spring and, above all, autumn.
The keys to having healthy lavenders are the following: too much sun (if possible throughout the day), and more or less regular waterings (2 times a week) whether it is in soil or in a pot.
As for the land, they are not demanding at all. They can grow in all types of terraineven in those calcareous that have a great tendency to compact and / or erode. However, it is worth helping them a little by mixing the soil that you have taken from the planting hole, with 20% perlite or another similar material. This way you will get your root system to adapt much faster. On the other hand, if they are potted, it is advisable to use substrates composed of peat and perlite.
It is not necessary to pay thembut if you want you can do it from spring to late summer with any universal fertilizer or, if you prefer, adding a handful of organic fertilizer such as horse manure or ground horn.
Do you dare to have some lavender plants?
