The purple plant that looks like lavender is typically referred to as a “weed lavender” or “everlasting lavender”. It is also sometimes referred to as a “lavender cotton” due to its similarities to the plant Lavandula angustifolia.
Weed lavender, also known as Helichrysum petiolare and immortelle, features small, purple flowers that appear in clusters and emit a sweet scent. The plant, which originates from South Africa, can be found in parts of the United States, including California, Texas and the Carolinas.
It typically grows in dry, sunny locations and thrives in sandy, well-drained soils. Weed lavender is an attractive plant that adds color and an appealing fragrance to gardens and is commonly used in landscaping.
Is lavender and wisteria the same?
No, lavender and wisteria are not the same. Lavender is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, found in temperate climates around the world. It is most commonly seen as a herb used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Lavender has a sweet, aromatic fragrance and the blooms are either blue, purple, lilac, or white with yellow or green markings. Wisteria is a genus of flowering plants native to the eastern regions of Asia, with a twining, woody vine-like form.
Wisteria has fragrant, drooping flowers that bloom in the springtime and can come in colors such as pink, white, purple, and deep blue. The flowers of wisteria can be highly fragrant, and the leaves are pinnate in shape.
What is that purple plant called?
The purple plant that you are likely referring to is likely an African Violet. African violets are a popular houseplant because they are so easy to take care of. They can bloom throughout the year and require minimal care.
The vibrant purple colored African Violet blooms come in shades from deep purple to lavender, pink and also have variegated varieties. To care for an African Violet, you need to provide it with bright, indirect sunlight, maintain consistent temperatures of 65°F–75°F, water it from the bottom, and fertilize it every two to four weeks.
African Violets also need high humidity, so misting them or using a humidifier is recommended. With the right care, African Violets can be beautiful and long lasting flowers that add color and beauty to your home or office.
How do you take care of a Lavander plant?
Taking care of a Lavender plant is not difficult. Here are some tips to keep your Lavender healthy and flowering:
1. Choose an appropriate location: Lavender thrives in warm, sunny, and well-drained areas. Be sure to place it in a spot that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Soil preparation: Lavender prefers light, sandy, and slightly alkaline soil. If the soil is too heavy or acidic, mix in plenty of sand and perlite.
3. Watering: Lavender likes its soil to be consistently moist, but not overly wet. Aim to water the plant every 7 to 10 days. Make sure the soil is allowed to dry out in between waterings. Avoid wetting the foliage and flowers during the growing season.
4. Fertilizing: You can give your Lavender a light feeding of fertilizer once a month during the spring or summer months. Use an organic fertilizer or a general-purpose fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
5. Pruning: Pruning is an essential step in keeping your Lavender healthy and tidy. Cut off dead, dehydrated, and discolored stems at their base. Early spring is the ideal time for thorough pruning.
6. Winter care: Lavender does not like cold and wet weather. When the temperature drops, provide the plant with a dry, cool place and mulch heavily to protect its shallow root system.
What is the name of a vine with purple flowers?
One of the most popular flowering vines with purple flowers is Clematis, also known as leather-flower, traveler’s joy and vase vine. It’s a member of the Ranunculaceae family and is available in over 300 varieties that can be trailing, climbing, compact and deciduous.
The plant has a combination of large and small flowers and many have multi-colored shades, such as white, blue, pink, lavender and purple. The flowers typically bloom in late spring through to fall and thrive in full sun to partial shade.
In order to maintain a healthy looking vine, it’s important to prune it regularly and help maintain vigor.
Should lavender be cut back every year?
The simple answer is that it depends on the type of lavender you have. There are two main types of lavender, English lavender and French lavender, and each type requires different pruning and maintenance regimens.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) should be cut back every year in late winter or very early spring, before the growth spurt begins. This will keep the plant healthy and improve flower production.
When pruning, all flowered stalks and dead wood should be removed and the overall shape of the shrub should be maintained. This type of lavender should also be given a light trimming in the summer, just after flowering has occurred.
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) does not need to be cut back every year. This type of lavender is much hardier and does not require as much maintenance. Trimming can be done when needed, such as when the shrub is becoming overcrowded or is getting too large.
Overall, it is best to research the type of lavender you have and its specific requirements. While English lavender should be cut back every year, French lavender may not need as much trimming. Knowing which to use and when to prune can help your lavender stay healthy and beautiful.
Can I leave lavender in the ground over winter?
Yes, lavender is a hardy perennial and can survive cold winter temperatures if well looked after. To ensure a long lasting healthy lavender bush you should prepare it for the winter by trimming back any dead flowers or parts of the plant.
Right before the first frost of the season, you should give it a deep watering. This will help protect the roots from freezing. Mulching should also be done around the plant once the ground has frozen over to help retain moisture and provide insulation.
Additionally, the more growing area a lavender bush has, the better it will cope with winter temperatures. Taking the necessary steps to prepare the lavender for winter will help it continue to thrive.
Is lavender safe for dogs?
Yes, lavender is generally considered safe for dogs when used properly and in the right amounts. In aromatherapy, lavender has been used for centuries to soothe restlessness, anxiety, and other issues, and it is still widely used for this purpose today.
As a rule of thumb, only use pure, therapeutic-grade lavender oil around your pet, in extremely small amounts. Most dogs have no problem with lavender, but there is the potential that your pet could have an allergic reaction or develop skin irritation.
So, it is important to use lavender products with caution and to be aware of possible side effects. If applied directly to a dog’s skin or fur, even a small amount of lavender oil can have an irritating effect.
To be safe, the best choice is to dilute lavender oil with another carrier, like jojoba oil. When used properly, lavender can give your pet a calming effect, with none of the risks associated with other calming products.
Does lavender grow better in pots or ground?
Whether lavender grows better in pots or the ground really depends on the variety of lavender you choose and the environment it’s growing in. In most cases, lavender is best grown in the ground. Most lavender varieties prefer a well-drained soil and plenty of sun, which is something you can find in most outdoor garden areas.
Additionally, lavender needs about 8 hours of sunlight for optimal growth.
If lavender is planted in pots, the soil should be well-draining and the pot should be at least 8 inches deep. Make sure the pot is big enough overall to give the lavender roots plenty of room to grow.
If you decide to plant in containers, you will also need to water frequently and fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
No matter where you choose to plant lavender, it’s important to make sure the area gets plenty of sunlight and the soil stays well-drained. With the proper care and environment, lavender can thrive in either a pot or the ground.
Does lavender attract bees?
Yes, lavender does attract bees. Bees have poor vision and rely heavily on their sense of smell to find sources of nectar and pollen. The aroma of lavender is especially attractive to bees because it contains fragrant oils and other compounds like linalool, linalyl acetate, and terpenes that produce a sweet smell.
Therefore, planting lavender in your garden can be a great way to attract bees and other beneficial insects like butterflies. However, it is important to note that not all bees will be attracted to lavender all of the time because they can also be driven by other factors such as weather conditions, available food sources, and bloom cycles.
Additionally, some bees may avoid lavender plants due to their perceptions of risk associated with the scent, and in some cases, undesirable pollen availability. Over time, with experience and various environmental influences, bee behavior around lavender will become more predictable.
Therefore, the best way to ensure the most bee activity around lavender is to ensure ample blooming and provide an abundance of other available resources in your garden or landscape.
What happens if you don’t Deadhead lavender?
If you don’t deadhead lavender, it won’t be able to produce healthy flowers and could become prone to diseases and pests. Deadheading entails removing spent blooms and yellowing foliage, which not only improves aesthetics but also encourages additional flowering from the same plant.
Additionally, deadheading lavender helps to prevent the formation of seed heads, which is beneficial as the plant’s energy is then diverted toward growing healthy foliage. If a plant is left to produce seeds, it could weaken the overall plant, reducing vigor and health.
However, if you don’t want your lavender to produce seeds, then it’s important to practice deadheading. Otherwise, the plant could become thin or fall into a state of dormancy and may not bloom as expected.
How many years does lavender last?
The amount of time that lavender can last will vary depending on the conditions that it is grown in and how it is cared for. In optimal conditions, lavender can be perennially productive for up to 10-15 years.
In areas with high heat and direct sunlight, lavender should be grown in partial shade and more frequently pruned in order to maximize lifespan and productivity. Proper irrigation is important, as lavender prefers an evenly moist soil, but not too damp.
Mulching and applying a thick layer of organic matter in the spring and fall can help regulate moisture and add nutrients to the soil. Regular deadheading of blooms will also help promote new growth and prolong the life of the plant.
With adequate care and maintenance, lavender can easily last up to 10 or more years.
What month do you prune lavender?
The best time to prune lavender plants is during late spring or early summer (around May or June). This will generally allow the plant enough time to establish new growth before the winter. Pruning back the spent flowers and stems after flowering has finished can help to control the size and shape of your lavender plants.
Depending on the variety, the stems of the lavender can reach up to 3 feet or taller in height. Pruning back the stems halfway to their original size will promote air circulation, reduce competition among the plants and help to encourage new growth.
When pruning lavender, take time to inspect your plants for any damaged or dead leaves, flowers or stems, and gently snip them with a pair of pruning shears. A light trim of the lavender plants every year will help to keep them healthy and encourage more consistent blooms.
Is Lavander a indoor plant?
Yes, lavender is an indoor plant. When grown indoors, lavender needs plenty of sunshine and a well-aerated soil mix. Lavender plants do well in temperature ranges from 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They need good air circulation to help reduce the risk of diseases and other problems.
Additionally, lavender does not need much water, as it prefers moisture levels that are on the drier side. Pay attention to water needs and give the.
plant a good amount of light throughout the year. With minimal effort and patience, you can enjoy the beautiful aroma and unique flowers of a lavender plant in your own home.
How often should you water a lavender plant?
Lavender plants require a moderate amount of water. Watering frequency depends on the season and soil type, but a good rule of thumb is to water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. In warmer months, it is best to water lavenders regularly and deeply to maintain moist soil.
During the cooler months, reduce watering frequency and provide only enough water to keep the soil from completely drying out. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of lavender death, so it’s important to monitor the soil and be careful not to give too much water.
Additionally, the amount of water and frequency of watering can adjust depending on the type of lavender and climate where the plant is planted. For example, some lavenders such as French Lavender can survive and thrive with drought-like conditions, whereas in colder climates and for certain varieties, it is important to maintain moist soil.