July 2010
Lavender LAVANDULA dentata var. dentata
By Gerald Schofield

There are 25 or more different species of lavenders, widely distributed between the Canary Islands, the entire Mediterranean region and parts of south west Asia and India. They are usually found growing in rocky or well drained soils in exposed, sunny habitats. They have become firm favourites as garden plants worldwide, with numerous cultivars and hybrids having been developed over the long period that the plants have been in cultivation. This months’ Plant Profile features LAVANDULA dentata var. dentata; it has distinctive green foliage with prominently-toothed leaf margins and produces pale lavender-blue flowers on terminal, unbranched flower spikes. Each inflorescence is topped with attractive darker purple coloured bracts that lend prominence to the neat little sub-shrubs, which are of compact growth habit. They can attain a mature height of about a metre and frequently spread even wider than their height. The foliage has strong aromatic properties, similar to those of eucalyptus, whilst the flowers have a slight to moderate lavender scent to them. One of the most important attributes of this excellent plant is that it blooms continuously for long periods of the year and is probably more floriferous than any other lavender grown locally. For best results plant L. dentata var. dentata in well drained soil, in a sunny position. It usually thrives in relatively poor or impoverished soils, but will always respond positively to regular applications of a well balanced garden fertiliser through the growing season. Remove spent flower spikes on an ongoing basis. Plants can be pruned lightly from time to time in order to maintain a neat habit. The plant has a relatively short lifespan, but it can be prolonged through regular and judicious pruning. Garden uses are numerous, ranging from low, formal clipped hedges to individual potted specimens to en masse planting in large gardens. It is classified as proper herbs and is as much at home in herb and kitchen gardens as it is in old English country gardens and formal Tuscan landscapes. It is also a fantastic subject for filling up empty spaces in all sorts of strange spots around the garden. One thing for certain is that it will produce an abundance of aromatic blooms for months on end. The pretty little flowers are much sought after for use in posies and potpourris. Whilst there seems to be much confusion about the correct botanical names and common names accorded to all lavenders, this toothed lavender (which is still often called ‘French lavender’) remains a firm favourite, excelling in gardens around the country. Sadly it is not the most cold and frost hardy of all the lavenders and may be damaged in certain harsh winter climates, nevertheless it remains one of my favourite garden plants of all time. LAVANDULA dentata var. dentata at a glance • Has distinctive toothed foliage with strong aromatic properties. • Produces an abundance of pale lavender-blue flowers through most of the year.
• Thrives in a wide range of climates
around the country.