planting bare root lavender Lavender 'Vera' 'Common English' (bare root plant) – Little Red General Store

Key Characteristics

• Origin: 'Vera' lavender, botanically known as *Lavandula angustifolia* 'Vera', is considered an heirloom or "true" English lavender. It is thought to be one of the original species lavenders and has been cultivated for a long time, possibly for centuries. Its origins are in the Mediterranean region.
• Patent Status: As an older, well-established cultivar of *Lavandula angustifolia*, 'Vera' lavender is not patented. It can be freely propagated and sold.
• Flower Production: 'Vera' is highly prized for its intensely fragrant, slender spikes of lavender-blue flowers. The flowers are particularly rich in essential oils, making it a favorite for aromatherapy, potpourri, and culinary uses. It typically blooms in mid-summer, with the potential for a second, smaller flush of blooms later in the season if deadheaded.
• Plant Size and Appearance: 'Vera' is a compact, bushy evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 1.5-2 feet (45-60 cm) and a spread of 2-2.5 feet (60-75 cm). It has narrow, silvery-gray to gray-green leaves that are also highly aromatic.
• Flowering Time: 'Vera' typically blooms in mid-summer. It may produce a second, smaller bloom later in the season if the spent flowers are removed (deadheading).
• Hardiness: 'Vera' is known for its excellent cold hardiness among English lavenders, generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 10 (some sources specify 4-9 or 5-9). It is a perennial in these zones, retaining its foliage through mild winters.
• Pollination: The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable plant for pollinator gardens.
• Growing Conditions:
  • Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) for optimal growth, abundant flowering, and the strongest fragrance.
  • Soil: Thrives in well-drained, even poor, soil. It prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.7-7.3). Good drainage is crucial, especially in winter, as lavender is susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions. Sandy or gravelly soil is ideal.
  • Watering: Once established, 'Vera' lavender is quite drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially during the winter months.
  • Fertilizing: Generally does not require rich soil or heavy fertilization. In fact, overly fertile soil can reduce the intensity of its fragrance and lead to leggy growth. A light application of compost in the spring is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Some recommend a yearly application of dolomite lime.
  • Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. For hedges, space plants about 18 inches apart.
  • Pruning: Prune annually after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage more blooms in the following year. Cut back the flower stalks and about one-third of the plant's foliage, being careful not to cut into the old wood.
  • Propagation: Can be propagated by seeds (though germination can be slow and sometimes erratic, often benefiting from a period of cold stratification), cuttings (semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer are usually successful), or layering.
• Uses: 'Vera' lavender is highly versatile:
  • Aromatherapy: Its essential oil is prized for its calming and relaxing properties.
  • Culinary: The flowers and leaves can be used sparingly to add a floral note to baked goods, beverages, and savory dishes.
  • Crafts: Excellent for drying and using in potpourri, sachets, wreaths, and other crafts due to its strong, long-lasting fragrance and beautiful flower spikes.
  • Ornamental: Its silvery foliage and purple flowers make it an attractive addition to herb gardens, borders, rock gardens, and containers. It's also effective as an edging plant.
  • Attracting Pollinators: The flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
  • Cut Flowers: The flower spikes are excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements. Harvest for drying when just a few buds have opened for the best color and fragrance retention.
  • Medicinal: Traditionally used for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and sleep-aid properties. (Consult a healthcare professional for medicinal use).
  • Pest Repellent: Lavender is known to repel some insects, such as moths and mosquitoes. It is also considered deer and rabbit resistant.
• Wildlife Value: Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, contributing to pollinator gardens. It is also deer and rabbit resistant.
• Ornamental Value: The silvery-gray foliage provides year-round interest, and the abundant purple flowers create a beautiful display in summer. Its compact and tidy growth habit makes it a desirable garden plant.
• Potential Issues: Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained, overly wet soils. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal diseases. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, leggy growth and reduced fragrance.