Do you know What is fern leaf lavender? Lavender has feathery silver-green foliage that is fragrant and sprawling. Their leaves are ideal for bringing texture to mixed perennial beds and herb gardens. This plant attracts butterflies and bees but also keep them away from some plants as they harm them. In this article, you can know everything about the Fern leaf Lavender, its growth and care tips, and also its edibility!
Lavandula multifida, also known as fern leaf lavender, is a highly aromatic, fast-growing, everblooming plant with straight stems clad in dissected fern-like gray-green leaves that grows to 24″ tall. It is native to the Canary Islands and the warm climates of the northwestern Mediterranean. It appears to be a perennial but is a sub-shrub because it develops woody stems over time in areas where it is winter hardy.
Deeply lobed, lacy, silver-green leaves (to 1.5″ long) are usually divided into narrow segments twice pinnately. Blue-violet flowers bloom just like weeping trees in dense showy terminal spikes, tall stems rising above the foliage. Flowers bloom all year in warm winter locations. When plants are grown as annuals, they bloom primarily in the summer.
How to grow and care for Fern leaf lavender?
- Climate considerations are the first step in proper Fern leaf lavender care. Lavender is native to the hot, dry Mediterranean, and it grows best in zones 8 through 10.
- It prefers the sun and dry conditions, but this variety can withstand more moisture than others.
- This plant will not survive in winter temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius).
- If you live somewhere colder, you can still grow it as an annual or in a container that you bring indoors for the winter.
- Assure that the soil has good drainage and some organic matter. Only water the lavender when there is a drought or when it is establishing itself.
- Remove spent flowers to promote more blooming, and prune the shrubs in the spring.
Problems with fern leaf lavender
- Leaf spots and root rot are potential problems.
- Plants may not survive the winter if soils are not well-drained and/or temperatures fall below 20°F without the protection of snow cover.
Uses of Fern leaf lavender
- Adding leaves to food dishes as a flavoring
- Oil from stems and leaves has antiseptic properties (externally)
- Applications to wounds, bruises, and insect bite
- Adding dried flowers to clothing drawers as insect repellants, and (4) potpourris.
- They attract pollinators and most importantly don’t repel bees
Harvesting of Fern leaf lavender
Both the fragrant leaves and flowers of fern leaf lavender can be harvested and used. Clip the stems low on the shrub for leaves and blooms at any time of year. The leaves have a piney aroma and fragrance compared to other lavenders.
Lavender leaves and flowers can be used to make tea, which can then be used to make the popular drink Lavender Lemonade. Meat and fish dishes are also flavored with leaves and flowers.
Is lavender a Fern?
Fern lavender (Lavandula multifida) is a variety that grows well in your area and is known for its foliage that resembles fern leaves.
It grows numerous spikes from its compact shape and thrives in a sunny location with protection from cold winds. Dried, aromatic lavender can be used for a variety of things.
How do I prune my Fern leaf lavender?
Make sure the soil is well-drained and contains some organic matter. Only water the lavender when there is a drought or when it is just getting started.
To encourage more blooming, remove the spent flowers and prune the shrubs in the spring, just as the new leaves begin to grow.
Is lavender poisonous?
When inhaled during aromatherapy or ingested in small amounts, lavender oil is usually not poisonous to adults.
Even if a small amount is swallowed, it can cause a reaction in children. The main side effects are caused by skin allergy symptoms.
Remove spent blooms to encourage the formation of new ones. However, towards the end of the flowering season, you can leave them in place as food for seed-eating birds such as goldfinches.
Does lavender stay green in winter?
Lavender is a Mediterranean perennial plant with a strong scent. Its grey-to-green foliage remains evergreen throughout the year in warmer climates.
It will thrive well if you keep the plant warm in winters as well, and the herb thrives in even the harshest of garden conditions.
Wrapping up the context
In this guide, you come to know that Lavender has feathery silver-green foliage that is fragrant and sprawling. Their leaves are ideal for bringing texture to mixed perennial beds and herb gardens. This plant attracts butterflies and bees. In this article, you can know everything about the Fern leaf Lavender, its growth and care tips, and also its credibility! Lavandula multifida, also known as fern leaf lavender, is a highly aromatic, fast-growing, everblooming plant with straight stems clad in dissected fern-like gray-green leaves that grows to 24″ tall.
Thanks for reading!
FAQs
1. What happens if you don’t prune lavender?
Long-lasting lavender plants benefit from annual pruning. They develop a large, lanky, woody base that can split open without it, which is unsightly and shortens the plant’s lifespan.
2. Which lavender is hardy?
The English lavender species (Lavandula angustifolia) is the hardiest of all lavender species, surviving frosts, snow, wind, and deer and rabbit attacks. English lavenders can be grown in a temperate climate and are hardy to zone
3. How do you prevent lavender from going hardy or woody?
Lavender should be planted in well-drained, rocky soil on a slope (if possible) to ensure proper drainage. Fertilize them lightly the first year after they’ve been planted. After that, stop fertilizing regularly. Lightly prune lavender to keep its rounded shape.
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