Fringed Lavender
lavandula dentata
Also known as: ["French Lavender","Gibbous Lavender"]
Overview
A fragrant, evergreen shrub with soft, gray-green leaves and lavender flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Lavandula |
| Botanical Name: | Lavandula dentata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: raised garden bed or container in a sunny, sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering to remove spent blooms.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; avoid cutting into old wood as it may not resprout.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moving from shade. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense summer sun; place outdoors in spring/summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, slightly alkaline soil with good aeration
pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 6.7–7.4).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer; fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken from non-flowering shoots.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems by one-third to one-half; remove dead or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and promote flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune before new growth; remove dead wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Potted plants benefit from fresh soil and root pruning.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; prune roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and increased susceptibility to root rot due to cold, damp conditions.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants indoors; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicLavandula dentata is slightly toxic to cats due to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate in its essential oils. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, though severe toxicity is uncommon.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicLavandula dentata can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in large quantities. The essential oils in lavender may lead to mild toxicity symptoms, though severe poisoning is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLavandula dentata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is commonly used in aromatherapy and culinary applications due to its pleasant fragrance and flavor. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingestion or topical use.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Lavandula dentata be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, especially in cooler months.
Q: Does Lavandula dentata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its fragrant flowers.
Q: Can Lavandula dentata be grown indoors?
A: While possible, it thrives best in outdoor conditions with full sun and good air circulation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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