Lavanda in ghiveci - Lavandula angustifolia 'Essence Purple'

Lavandula angustifolia 'Essence Purple' is a variety of English lavender valued for its deep violet flowers and strong scent. It is a hardy perennial plant, drought-resistant, growing in compact bushes and producing highly fragrant flowers, suitable both for ornamental gardens and for use in floral arrangements or aromatherapy products.

Description:

• Leaves: The leaves are small, narrow, silver-green in color, with a velvety texture.
• Flowers: The flowers are grouped in long spikes and are a deep violet, with a sweet scent typical of lavender. Flowers usually appear at the beginning of summer and can last until the end of the warm season.
• Size: The plant forms compact bushes, growing up to about 30-45 cm in height and spreading about 60 cm wide.

Care:

1. Light: 'Essence Purple' lavender prefers sunny locations with full sun, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive and bloom abundantly.
2. Soil: The plant requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or rocky, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid wet soils as they can cause root rot.
3. Watering: Being drought-resistant, lavender needs moderate watering. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent water accumulation around the roots.
4. Pruning: Regular pruning is recommended, usually at the end of summer, to maintain a compact shape and encourage future growth and flowering.
5. Cold resistance: Lavandula angustifolia 'Essence Purple' withstands low temperatures, tolerating winters down to -15°C.

Uses:

• Ornamental: It is ideal for borders, rock gardens, and garden arrangements due to its elegant appearance and pleasant scent.
• Aromatherapy: Dried flowers are used in scented sachets, cosmetic products, or for essential oils.
• Pollinator attractor: It attracts butterflies and bees, contributing to garden biodiversity.

'Essence Purple' lavender is one of the most valued lavender varieties due to its intense color and strong fragrance, making it an excellent choice both for gardens and practical uses at home and in cosmetics.