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Lavender
Lavandula species
Generally, the Lavenders are not well suited to the humid tropical and subtropical regions of Queensland, yet many gardeners in the region like to try growing these classic cottage garden plants.
The grey leaves and Mediterranean origin are an indication of the type of conditions these plants prefer. Increase your chances of success by providing good drainage and supplementation with lime or dolomite.
Of the many types to choose from, some varieties are likely to perform better than others. Forms of "French" lavender (L. dentata) are usually advised for the subtropics and are perhaps the best type for beginners.
Unfortunately French lavender is inferior in perfume to "English" lavender (L. angustifolia, also known as L. vera, L. officinalis or "true" lavender) which are very difficult to grow in Queensland, yet sometimes seen for sale in garden centres.
The naming of the lavenders is quite confusing and is only likely to become worse as more species, hybrids and botanically unidentified trademarked lines are brought onto the market. Those interested in investigating the lavenders further should check out the links at the bottom of this page.
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Where to buy lavender plants
Herb Nurseries are also places to look for lavender plants. your local garden centre may also sell a few varieties,
Provided they will grow in your region, general garden centres might have have lavender plants for sale (be sure to look in the punnet section as well as the larger potted perennials). Garden centres are the most likely to stock varieties bred for landscaping use. Herb nurseries and cottage garden specialists are also places to look for lavenders.
Sometimes lavender farms that operate as tourist attractions might have nurseries attached that will sell you plants. If you operate a lavender farm or nursery specialising in lavender (including mail-order and online nurseries) or lavender farm in Qld, please get in touch about advertising.
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Links
NB: some species or cultivars referred to in links may be may be unavailable in Australia
Lavender University of California, Davis (PDF)
The Iberian Lavenders by Joan Head (Extract from The Mediterranean Garden No 42, October 2005) The Mediterranean Garden Society
Lavender Encyclopedia of Stanford Trees, Shrubs & Vines (PDF)
Growing and Marketing Lavender Looks at the Lavandula (formerly known as Spica) group ( L. angustifolia, L. x intermedia, L. latifolia) Washington State University (PDF)
A Taste of Provence describes the installation of a lavender garden at the US National Arboretum
May be misspelled Lavander
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