Violet-blue flower ears, silvery-gray leaves and an intense fragrance make Lavandula angustifolia one of the most beautiful summer flowering plants. The small shrub, native to the Mediterranean regions, has varieties with flowers of various shades of blue and purple, but also pink and white. Only by planting various specimens of lavender next to each other, we can expect interesting color effects on the discount. The plant that loves sunbathing can also be boldly combined into charming compositions with other spice herbs, such as thyme, maroon, rosemary and sage, as well as perennial ornamental plants, shrubs and perennials.
Lavender in compositions
The combinations of lavender, e.g. the blue 'Munstead' variety, with white and pink flowering small bush or bedding roses are exceptionally attractive. We will get a charming picture by planting lavender at the foot of a high-growing rose. However, a distance of about 50 cm should be kept between the tree and the lavender so that the plants do not interfere with each other and compete for access to the sun. In addition, roses need a solid fertilization, and we feed lavender very modestly, because it likes a rather barren soil, poor in nutrients. Flower perennials and lavender can create attractive arrangements distinguished by a beautiful play of colors. The flower bed in shades of pink, purple and white flowers, such as Nepeta catnip, Salvia nemorosa sage, Geranium geranium and Gypsophila, delights with its romantic aura. On the other hand, the yellow inflorescences of Oenothera's evening primrose, Verbascum mullein and Achillea yarrow combine in a strongly contrasted group with the blue ears of lavender.
Lavender for pots
Lavender also looks very nice in pots. Varieties of compact habit, such as dark blue 'Dwarf Blue' or light pink 'Loddon Pink', are particularly suitable for such cultivation. It is not difficult to admire the dark purple inflorescences of Lavandula stoechas, a little known here, crowned with spectacular crowns of pink-violet flowers. Unfortunately, this beautiful species is not very resistant to frost.
Lavender care
Regular cutting of the shoots - preferably in spring - gives the lavender a beautiful shape and promotes more profuse flowering. Cut the shoots to about half the length. However, you should not cut the shoots in places where they are already heavily woody, because lavender does not like it and can get very seriously ill. The shrub feels best in permeable, sandy soil with a small admixture of clay and humus, and its position should be sunny from morning to evening.
