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English Czech Lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia krajova)
One of the most common, northern hardy/cold tolerant lavenders grown at Beach Lane Lavender Farm. This variety of English Lavender is a large cultivar from Northern Europe. It has a high essential oil content and is long lived, plus it has the best cold tolerance of any of our lavenders.
For a garden plant with a fragrant appeal, English lavender is an excellent choice. Scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia, English lavender emits a pleasant aroma from both its lavender-colored flowers which appear in July and from its attractive grey-green foliage.
- Lavender reaches a maximum of four feet in height and width though it generally grows to about two feet high and slightly wider. It can be used in an herb garden, mixed shrub planting, or in a perennial border. Its pleasant grey foliage is semi-evergreen. Provide it with well-drained, almost dry soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline soil reaction. Moist/wet soils will probably kill the plant. Full sun with wind protection will allow this plant to achieve its best appearance.
- Caring for lavender is quite simple. If the soil is even slightly fertile, additional fertilization is not required. This plant thrives in dry, well-drained soil, making watering infrequent. Few pests or diseases trouble this hardy plant. The only care required is to cut back the previous year's flower stalks in April to encourage vigorous growth and maximum flowering. Prune again in mid to late summer to remove faded flower stalks.
- Propagation of this plant is a simple affair. Cuttings can be taken in September or August, or the plant can be carefully divided in the spring. An even simpler way to obtain more of this choice plant is to sow seed in the spring directly where it is to be grown. Plants will grow ten to twelve inches wide within two years of sowing.
- The flowers of English Lavender make an excellent choice for dried arrangements since the fragrance will linger for months. Simply cut the flowers when in full bloom and hang in a cool, dark place until dry. The dried blooms are favorite ingredients for sachets and potpourri.
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