The theme of our article (“Lavender: planting and care in the Moscow Region”) is of interest not only to those who are just starting to communicate with the world of flowers. Even experienced gardeners need information in order to behave properly in the process of communicating with a particular plant. Before planting lavender, it is necessary to carefully study all the features of this procedure, as well as the basic requirements for flower care. As a result, the whole process will be completed successfully, and you will receive a reward in the form of a beautiful flower bed for the envy of everyone around.
general description
As for such a species as narrow-leaved lavender, planting and caring for this flower in the Moscow Region do not differ from these processes in other regions of Russia. The principle of action is the same. But first, let's dwell on the general characteristics of the plant. Lavender has gained a strong place both in the field of landscape design and in the light industry in the manufacture of perfume water, fresheners, gel, etc. The plant came to us from the Mediterranean and totals about 30 varieties. Plants such as mint, rosemary, thyme are its direct relatives. A gentle pleasant aroma will not leave anyone indifferent, and purple flowers delight the eye of everyone who sees them. The plant itself has a narrow trunk with narrow greenish-gray leaves. The buds are collected in an inflorescence that blooms from June to August. It is interesting that even when dry, the flowers retain the ability to aromatize, and they are very appreciated for this ability.
Different types
Whether lavender is growing in the Moscow Region or in another region, it everywhere needs proper care. Convenient is the fact that all varieties of plants require the same set of measures. Despite the large number of species, only a few varieties of lavender are found in our gardens:
- "English lavender." The bush with narrow leaves, which grows up to a meter in diameter, tolerates the winter season, has an unpretentious character, and blooms in mid-summer.
- "French lavender." In this species, the leaves have a bright shade and a wide shape. The buds are also several tones lighter than other species, and the smell is particularly sharp.
- "Dutch lavender." This plant is very similar to the previous two, but can reach two meters in height.
- Toothed Lavender. Silver leaflets and buds with a lilac hue distinguish it from relatives, moreover, it mainly grows indoors, and does not really take root on the open ground.
Lavender: planting and care in the open ground
Many of us have heard a song about this mountain flower. He loves mountains, which means that he absolutely can’t tolerate high humidity. The peculiarity of its roots gives the flower the ability to absorb moisture deep from the ground. When choosing a place to plant your lavender, consider this point, as well as the fact that she prefers loose soil and plenty of sun. A shadow is also suitable, but you will not be able to see the full force of flowering plants. If it so happened that your garden has very wet land and the plot is in a lowland, make a small hill and plant a flower there. As for the quality of the soil, then avoid planting lavender in the area with high acidity, and if there is no other way, then take care to neutralize the soil with a lime solution.
Before planting, you need to add compost to the soil to loosen the soil and add fertility. It is recommended to plant a flower near the borders, where they will look very good. Plant the bushes so that the distance between them is the same as the height of an adult plant. In this case, such a flowerbed looks well-groomed, and it will be easier for you to look after each of them.
Breeding
Information about how lavender is grown (planting and care in the Moscow region), a photo and description of the plant are needed in order to ensure proper care for it. One of the important points is reproduction. The fact is that the plant does not like transplants, and if you had to resort to such a process, then you need to do this together with a huge lump of soil. This is done only if you need to definitely move the bush. If you just want to propagate the plant, then there are several options:
- Division of the bush. In the presence of an adult plant, in the spring, it is necessary to pour the uterine bush to separate the layering. Then, with the advent of autumn, they can be completely separated and planted in other places.
- The use of cuttings. Also in the spring, you need to cut the cuttings about ten centimeters long and place them in the ground under the film, creating the effect of a greenhouse. Regularly watering and aerating, we wait until autumn, when the cuttings can already be planted in the chosen place on the flowerbed.
- Using layering. With the advent of spring, bend the lavender shoot and sprinkle it with earth in one place. When autumn comes, roots will already grow in this place, and it can be separated and transplanted to a permanent place.
- Sowing seeds. This method can only be used by an experienced gardener. A couple of months before the intended planting, the seeds are placed in a container with sand, which is constantly moistened, and put it in a cool place. The temperature of the content should be from two degrees of heat to four degrees of frost. In early spring, seeds are sown in open ground. After planting, the ground is well trampled and watered abundantly. But this method is suitable only for a mild climate, as in the suburbs. But in regions with a harsher climate, such a breeding option is doomed to failure, and the seeds will most likely not sprout.
Watering mode
Do not forget about the features of watering, which requires lavender. Planting and caring for this plant in the garden does not require significant efforts, but you need to know what this miracle of flora wants from you. Lavender should be watered only when the ground under the bush is completely dry. She prefers dry soil rather than waterlogging. If you notice that the leaves of the plant began to turn yellow, this means that you water it too often, and the root system begins to rot. A very important care factor is loosening the earth. Lavender needs air, so every time after watering or rain you need to fluff up the soil so that oxygen can freely get to the roots. To facilitate the work, you can apply mulching using peat or humus.
Fertilizer application
We can’t but mention the use of fertilizers, discussing the theme “Lavender: planting and care”. A photo of the plant during the flowering period suggests that such a luxurious look requires additional help in the form of top dressing. Of course, lavender can do without additional support, taking from the earth what is available, but if you want to see the flower in all its glory, then do not be lazy to apply nitrogen fertilizer in early spring. This will give the flower the power to grow a lot of greenery. Further fertilizers are used only during the flowering period.
Bush formation
This procedure is optional. Even if you do not take part in the formation of the bush, it will still grow and bloom. If you want to have more bushes and fluffier, you will need to resort to circumcision. To do this, first wait until the flowering period has ended and all the flowers have dried. Before the cold season begins, you need to cut a couple of centimeters each twig. Do not prune anymore, otherwise the whole bush may die during the winter.
Possible problems
There are also difficulties arising when growing such a flower as lavender. Planting and care in the suburbs, gardeners' feedback on these processes - all suggests that the flower is perfectly taking root in the region and does not create any special difficulties in care. He tolerates cold well and rarely becomes the victim of an attack of disease or pests. But still there are times when the plant begins to suffer from some kind of ailment. In case of incorrect watering, rot will attack the lavender. The worst thing is that it cannot be cured, but you only need to destroy the flower, and quickly, until it has infected nearby plants. All bushes affected by rot need to be burned away from the flowerbed. Lavender can also attract an insect such as a rainbow beetle. But it is rare and in small quantities, so it is easily assembled by hand.
How lavender prepares for winter
Planting and care in the suburbs of this plant includes preparation for the winter period. We have already said that the flower is resistant to frost. It can tolerate temperatures up to twenty-five degrees below zero, and this quality is very valuable for such beauty. But we still do not recommend taking risks, and recommends covering the bushes for the winter. The ideal shelter will be the branches of conifers. They pass air well and prevent the snow from filling the bushes. For this purpose, foliage fallen from trees or grapes will not work, since under them the flower will sing and, most likely, die. If you live in a region with gentle winters, then you do not need to cover the bushes.
Plant harmony
Sometimes people think about what lavender is combined with. Planting and care in the suburbs of this flower often entail the need to plant another flower. This is mainly done for landscaping. Planting a plant along a border, path or hedge allows its combination with flowers such as rose, hydrangea or sage. Given the color scheme of lavender, it is recommended to use orange or red rose buds, and in the company with hydrangea the flower will look perfect on an alpine hill. Lavender looks very profitable in a cache-pot. If you plant just one lavender over a large area, you can enjoy the view only of its beautiful purple bushes. It is with such a purple carpet with a wonderful aroma that you can surprise your guests, and they will be able to see in all its glory how lavender can bloom. Planting and care in the suburbs for this flower is not too complicated.
Scopes of a plant
As already mentioned, the flower has an incredible aroma, which makes it attractive in this area. Firstly, it is used to add to tea, drinks, spices for meat and vegetable dishes. Secondly, they make magnificent essential oil from lavender, and it is used both in cosmetology and in medicine. From a medical point of view, the flower has a calming effect, eliminates insomnia, and relieves fatigue. For cosmetics, there are no limits to the use of this fragrance. We observe its presence in soap, gels, perfumes, eau de toilette, fresheners and much more. This smell has won the hearts of both the female and male half of the world's population.