We are want to create a Mediterranean style in our garden in Columbia and love the look of lavender plants. We have a sunny bed in the front of the house, with good sunny southern exposure, good sandy soil, and good drainage. I'm thinking of using them either as a border or a plant just behind a lower border along two sweeping beds at the front of the house. I see several varietites of lavender including the Lavandula Augustafolia (aka English Lavender) and the Lavandula Stoechas (aka Spanish Lavender), and many others. Some seem to be denser and smaller than others. I'm wondering what kind of experience Carolina midlands gardeners have had with various types of Lavender and welcome your advice.
--Don
Which Lavender is best for midlands
when i lived in lexington, french lavendar did best for me
I just found this site, which warns of difficulties growing lavender in humid southeastern climates and claims Spanish Lavender is proven most successful. http://www.purplehazelavender.com/growing-humid.html
The same site offers a tremendous variety of lavender plants, all in 3 inch pots for $4.00 each. Not bad, but Washington state is a long ways away and I wish there were a local supplier with knowledge of local growing habits.
I may just call around to local nurseries and see what they have.
thanks,
Don
well, if you're interested in the french, i got it at Wingard's nursery in Lexington
just figured out that french and spanish lavendar is the same thing! lol http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1704/
Yes, I've found lots of confusion in the "nationality" of different lavenders, but apparently the Spanish and French are overlapping categories at least. I'm seeing this "silver frost" variety (see picture) that looks attractive and appears to be good for humid climates: http://phlavender.stores.yahoo.net/silverfrost.html I might go out to Wingards, which I've not visited yet, and see what they have also.
I am not seeing lavender in the yards around Columbia; I gather that some of you are having success in the part of SC? I can't wait until the spring!
