Among the aromatic plants, the lavandula dentata has a special role. Also known as toothed lavender or curly lavender, it is a very resistant variety capable of filling our entire garden with its pleasant aroma.
If you are considering growing it, pay close attention to the care it needs to be healthy and beautiful.
Origin and natural habitat of Lavandula dentata
When you add new plants to your garden, it is important to keep in mind their place of origin and natural habitat, because this will give you many clues about the care they need.
Lavandula dentata is a species native to the mediterranean region, where it grows from North Africa to Southern Europe. In fact, we can see it growing wild in different corners of Spain, France and Italy, as well as in Morocco.
In its natural habitat this plant is adapted to hot and dry climatic conditionsIt prefers to live in sunny places and well-drained soils, especially calcareous soils. For this reason, it is common to find them in coastal areas and in low and medium mountainous areas.
This plant plays an important role in Mediterranean ecosystems, as its flowers provide food for pollinating insects and its leaves offer shelter to small animals. In addition, its roots help prevent soil erosion.
Physical characteristics of this plant
In order to identify whether we are in the presence of this plant or another similar variety, we must pay attention to these physical features:
- Door. Lavandula dentata grows as a medium-sized evergreen shrub. Its height usually ranges from 30 to 45 centimetres.
- Leaves. This is their most distinctive feature. They are elongated, with deeply serrated edges (hence their name). They are greyish green in colour, with a greyer tone on the underside. They also have a slightly hairy texture.
- Flowers. This is one such wild plants with purple flowers that we like so much. They are grouped in dense, very showy spikes and stand out for their pleasant aroma.
- Stems. They are woody at the base and herbaceous above. They have a square section that is characteristic of many plants in the Labiatae family.
Beyond its ornamental value, this plant is also used in aromatherapy, because the essential oils extracted from it have relaxing and calming properties.
It is also believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, which is why it is often used in infusions and cosmetic products.
In addition, its leaves and flowers can be used to flavour sweet and savoury dishes.
What care does Lavandula dentata need?
Although this is a fairly resistant plant with a good capacity for adaptation, we will achieve better results in its cultivation if we give it the care it really needs.
location and light
He loves the sun, and needs to receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom abundantly and give off its characteristic aroma.
Of course, we must be careful protect it from strong winds, because these can damage the stems and flowers. So, if you live in a very windy area, look for a sheltered place.
Although it can withstand moderate frost, in areas with very cold winters it is advisable to protect it with a plant cover during the harshest weeks of the winter season.
Land
It is essential that the substrate we use for this plant has a good drainage, since the roots of the toothed lavender are especially sensitive to excess moisture.
Although it does not hurt to have a quality substrate that is rich in nutrients, the truth is that this plant can adapt to poor and sandy soils, even calcareous ones.
Irrigation
One of the characteristics of this plant is that it is particularly resistant to drought. Therefore, we should always water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
If we overwater, the only thing we will end up with is rotting of the roots. So it is best to water only occasionally and thoroughly.
Pruning Lavandula dentata
This plant can grow very quickly, which makes regular pruning advisable. after flowering to encourage the appearance of new flowers and maintain a compact shape.
Every two or three years you have to apply a more drastic pruning to rejuvenate the plant and remove any old or diseased branches. Although the plant may look a little “ugly” at first, it will grow back strongly in a few weeks.
You can take advantage of pruning to obtain cuttings and thus multiply your plant. Put them in water for a few days or plant them directly in the ground. You should get good results if you carry out this operation between late spring and early summer.
Fertilization
In this case we can do without it completely, because this type of lavender can thrive even in the poorest soils.
However, if you think it needs more food, you can add some organic compost to the substrate during the spring.
Plagues and diseases
They are not common in this plant, but don't think that it is totally safe because of this. If you overwater them, they are likely to appear. mushrooms.
On the contrary, if you expose your plant to prolonged drought, there is a greater risk that it will be attacked by Aphids and red spiders and it will be seriously damaged, because it will be weakened by the lack of water.
Taking into account these guidelines that we have seen, you now have enough knowledge to take care of your plant and make it as beautiful and healthy as it deserves.
Did you ever imagine that caring for Lavandula dentata would be so simple? Now that you know, you have no excuse not to give it a leading role in your garden or enjoy its beauty in a pot on your balcony.