Lavandula x allardii

There are a few dozen species of Lavandula: many of them are well known, such as L. lanata or L. stoechas, and others that are not. This is the case, for example, of our protagonist: the Lavandula x allardii.

This is not found in nature since It is a cross between two varieties made by humans: Lavandula broadleaf on the one hand, and lavandula dentata for another.

How is the Lavandula x allardii?

It is a plant that, when you see it, and even more so if you do it in winter, there may not be anything that particularly attracts your attention, because it could certainly be confused with any other species of lavender. Why? Because it is also an evergreen shrub (or false shrub), which It reaches an approximate height of one meter, and has a rounded and compact shape..

Its leaves are very small, about a centimeter long, elongated, and glaucous green. And as for its flowers, these when they sprout can attract attention more easily than others Lavandula, since they are a little bigger. In fact, It is said that this hybrid is the one that produces the largest of the entire genus. They sprout during spring and summer, and are lilac-lavender in color.

The entire plant is aromatic.

What are the care of the Lavandula x allardii?

It is a very interesting plant, which you can have in pots or in the ground, and which you will not have to take care of too much. But on this website we like to inform you well about all the care you have to give your plants, and this time it was not going to be different. Aim:

Location

As soon as you buy it and as soon as you get home, you have to put it outside. But not only that, but it is also very, very important that you put it in a sunny exposure. Although it can tolerate a little shade, as long as it is very light and for a short time, it is preferable that it gives it sun throughout the day so that its stems do not etiolate (that is, they do not lengthen excessively in the direction of sunlight).

Soil or substrate

• Flower pot: if you are going to have it in a pot or planter, it is recommended that you put a good quality substrate, such as those sold by some brands such as Westland, Boom Nutrients, Flower or others. Also, you must choose one with holes in its base.
• Garden: If you intend to put it in your garden, the soil must be neutral or alkaline, clayey, and with good drainage.

Irrigation

When do you water lavender? The truth is that It has to be done very occasionally if it is planted in the ground. Being native to the Mediterranean region, it is more than prepared to withstand long periods of drought, even if it coincides with summer.

Things change a bit if it is in a pot. As the amount of soil that you have is limited, and also the material with which the container is made may absorb a lot of heat and this contributes to the said soil drying out even faster (which is what happens with pots plastic), you will need to water an average of twice a week during the warmest time of the year.

But if you have doubts, the best thing you can do is take a wooden or plastic stick, and see if the earth is wet or dry.

Subscriber

The subscriber It is highly recommended if you have your Lavandula x allardii potted. As it has "little" soil (compared to what it would have if it were planted in the ground), it can quickly run out of nutrients, since the roots take advantage of them from the first day they come into contact with it.

Therefore, we have to pay it during the spring and until the beginning of autumn. In this way, you will be able to take advantage of those months in which the temperatures are pleasant to grow as much as possible with the extra help of that compost or fertilizer that we will be throwing out. But what is the best product for her?

Well, since it is a plant that attracts many beneficial insects (butterflies, bees, etc.), I recommend that you use natural fertilizers such as guano -without mixing with fertilizers-, algae fertilizer, or worm humus for example. But if you prefer, from time to time you could apply a fertilizer for green plants (for sale here) or universal (for sale here) following the instructions for use.

Transplant

Transplant it will be done in spring, or at the latest in early summer. And in any case, the plant must have roots coming out of the holes in the pot, or at least have been in it for more than two or three years.

Rusticity

It easily withstands frosts of up to -7ºC.

How about the Lavandula x allardii?