Lavender: From the Mediterranean to the Midwest
For most of us, the fresh, aromatic perfume of lavender is instantly recognizable. We’ve come to associate its soothing smell with spa days and therapeutic relaxation, bubble baths and hand creams, and for good reason- the restorative properties of lavender have been touted for centuries, and the oil produced by the plant has been used in candles, household cleaning agents, culinary goods, and a seemingly endless array of skincare products. A member of the mint family, lavender is native to Mediterranean climates, where full sun, low humidity, and sandy soil abound. In other words, a land far, far away from the rich, fertile, often clay-heavy soils found here in the Midwest. And let’s not get started on that humidity. There are almost enough conspiring elements to make this gardener want to wash her hands of the purple-flowered plants entirely. Almost. As it happens, with a little extra work at the outset, lavender can be grown very successfully here. A number of the varieties are rather cold-hardy, and as long as plants are provided the required growing conditions- soil, adequate light, proper spacing for maximum air circulation- they won’t mind the change of scenery. Though in a few months time, when your lavender row is thriving, you may find yourself quite overcome with the urge to plant an olive grove. On a cliff overlooking the seaside. Well, almost.
Lavender For the Home Gardener
There are many, many species of lavender available to the home gardener, though some may have to be grown as annual plants in the upper Midwest region. The most cold-hardy of the bunch are called Lavandula angustifolia, and known as the true lavenders. Some of the more popular and reliable choices (all hardy to zone five) include ‘Munstead,’ an early blooming plant with purply-blue flowers and an especially strong fragrance; ‘Hidcote,’ a late spring bloomer with pale silvery foliage and deep purple flowers; and ‘Royal Velvet,’ with dark blue and purple flowers that can reach three feet in height. In addition to these, there are many lavender hybrids that will flourish in our northern climate as well. Do your daydreams tend toward the vineyard-in-the-south-of-France variety? Plant the hybrid ‘Provence,’ a rot-resistant cultivar grown widely in the region, with pretty purple flowers that are ideal for cooking.
When and How to Plant
To insure lavender is properly established before winter, it’s best to get plants in the ground in early spring. This will allow them a full growing season to prepare for when freezing temperatures set in.
Spacing plants about three feet apart will promote proper air circulation, which in turn bolsters the health of the plants. Plant lavender in full sun- eight hours a day or more- and very well drained soil. In fact, when it comes to lavender, you’ll want to toss out most of what you know about soil fertility! To survive, thrive, and produce the most oil (a.k.a. fragrance), this plant likes its soil dry and sandy, and not too fertile. Here in the Midwest, where soils tend to be rich in moisture-trapping clay, special care must be taken to provide the right growing conditions for lavender. A mixture of one-third garden soil, one-third organic matter, and one-third sand or pea gravel to a depth of about one foot should create a bed with good drainage and prevent plants from rotting. Planting in mounded rows can also aid drainage. After planting, avoid mulching with organic material like wood, as it can retain too much moisture and cause plants to rot.
