A few lavender questions

16 years ago

I have two big Munsteads and I LOVE them! Fragrant year round, especially when it rains or if humid. They grow really well here.

Which lavender/dula,etc. has the strongest, best fragrance?

And which is best suited to my area? Z7b. Full sun. Alkaline, but not too alkaline (or so I'm guessing, I REALLY need to test), cold sometimes dry but often cold wet in the winter, really wet in the spring and it changes between really hot and dry in the summer and really hot and humid in the summer. Never very constant. Makes a lot of things hard to grow...

Oh, and are you supposed to harvest by using the flower stalks and cutting them off while in flower? Or in bud?

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Comments (4)

Embothrium
16 years ago
What is your area?
ms_minnamouse
Original Author
16 years ago
Maryland.
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mare2
16 years ago
We're known for variable weather in the Midwest, and I prefer the Intermedia types, especially 'Provence.' The angustifolia ones just don't do as well long-term for me. They tend to go all floppy and die after about 3 years. 'Provence' and 'Grosso' get bigger and bluer than 'Munstead' but stay a nice shape. Great fragrances, too. They are less hardy than 'Munstead,' but that shouldn't be a problem in your area. All lavenders need well-drained soil, but I also hear 'Provence' takes heavy soils better than some of the others, and we have clay.

I cut them while in flower, but I'm sure someone will correct me if there's a better way!

If you can get them small and cheap, I recommend experimenting--to me that's part of the fun. Good luck!
'Mare
charlottelily
16 years ago
I love 'Munstead' too. I'm also quite happy with a variety I planted last year - l. augustifolia 'Thumbelina Leigh.Â It has a really nice small compact habit, and stays green & fluffy even in winter here in my area. Great for tight spots or containers.