The topped lavender grows bushy and can reach a height of up to 100 cm. Coming from the central area, this plant prefers to grow on lime-free soil. She loves the sun and feels most comfortable near the sea, on sandy ground and at the foot of mountains. The lavender belongs to the mint family and has the botanical name “Lavandula stoechas”.
Water and fertilize
Coppy lavender has a long flowering period, during which countless small flowers spread their strong lavender scent. If the flower formation is impaired, sparing fertilization usually helps. Too many nutrients have a negative effect on the flowering pleasure, which is why major fertilization work is usually superfluous. As a rule, fertilization is carried out once a year, in spring, using manure, compost and potash fertilizer. Cupped lavender doesn’t like too much water. This plant originally comes from barren areas with little rainfall and therefore copes much better with drought than with wetness. It is sufficient if you only water poppy lavender when the drought persists. In general, it is advisable to water the plants in the morning, as they dry off better during the day. If you want to use poppy lavender for oil production, you should consider that high humidity reduces oil formation. Potted lavender should be watered regularly, making sure that the soil does not stay wet, only moist.
The right location
A location in full sun with a well-drained and absolutely lime-free soil is ideal for planting poppy lavender. This plant should be kept rather dry. Watering therefore only has to take place when the upper layer of soil is dry. Waterlogging is to be avoided at all costs. The poppy lavender usually needs winter protection. In mild regions, however, it can also remain outdoors under certain circumstances.
sowing
Sowing can be done at any time of the year. Schopflavender is a light germ. In addition to water and warmth, its seeds also need light to germinate and are therefore only lightly pressed into the potting soil. After they have been distributed in pots or bowls on moist soil, the potting soil must be sprayed with water. Germination takes about three to four weeks. The months of June and July are very suitable for outdoor sowing. Other important tips for
cultivation:
- It is essential to use potting soil or coconut fiber, as these are poor in nutrients.
- Moisten the seeds evenly during the germination period.
- Cover the cultivation vessel with air-permeable foil.
- Ventilate the pot briefly every three days.
Coppy lavender as a potted plant
If you want to use potted lavender as a potted plant, you have to consider a few things. The flower pot should be spacious and have a perforated base so that the water can drain off freely. The bottom of the pot should now be covered with a drainage layer made of gravel, alternatively with potsherds or hydro granules. Only now put fresh potting soil into the pot and place the root balls in it, making sure that the height is correct. Fill the planting hole with soil and then press it down firmly. Immediately after planting, the potted lavender should be watered and placed in a sunny place.
Cut the lavender
Schopflavender bushes can reach heights of up to one meter. The optimal time for the annual pruning is in February or March. In spring, before budding has started, you should cut back half to two-thirds of the potted lavender shrub. The strong pruning has a positive effect on growth and is used for rejuvenation. Regular pruning is very important so that the plant does not become lignified or bare. The topped lavender blooms particularly vigorously on its new shoots if they have been cut back in spring. When pruning, make sure that you do not cut into the wood, otherwise the coppy lavender can no longer sprout.
The right winter care
Proper winter care is just as important with potted lavender as regular pruning. This plant only remains winterproof up to a temperature of around -5 degrees. It is ideal if the coppice lavender can spend the winter in a cool place protected from frost. Unheated garages, bright cellars, barns or greenhouses are well suited for this. From February onwards, the Schopflavender can leave its winter quarters again and enjoy the ever stronger sun. However, it must be protected from night frost. A good measure against it is a bubble wrap or jute. If the poppy lavender is brought out later, care should be taken to protect it from the often underestimated spring sun to avoid burns.
Multiplication
In general, lavender species can be propagated quite easily by cuttings, cuttings and seeds. Good times for this are late summer and early spring. Propagation in spring is so beneficial because the lavender is pruned at this point anyway. In addition, the young plants do not have to overwinter. Anyone who has a greenhouse should choose late summer propagation, as the young plants are transplanted into the bed as early as spring.
In order to propagate lavender species by cuttings, the following steps are required:
- Cut some branches of lavender from the mother plant with secateurs for propagation.
- Prepare cuttings. To do this, cut the shoots to around ten centimeters and remove the shoot tips. Remove all leaves from the lower part of the shoot, which will later be stuck into the earth.
- Cuttings are now placed in the growing container. Fill the seed tray with a mixture of sand and potting soil and moisten the substrate well. Put the cuttings into the soil up to the leaf base and spray them with water. The growing vessels are covered with a foil or hood and placed in the garden in a bright and warm (not too sunny) place.
- Rooted cuttings are transplanted into pots. As soon as the first roots have formed, the cuttings should be moved one by one into pots. Otherwise they would press too hard.
- As soon as the grown young lavender sprout, the new shoots should be shortened repeatedly so that the plants remain nice and compact and can branch well. Plants propagated in late summer can be moved to the bed as early as spring. In the case of spring multiplication, it is therefore necessary to wait until early summer.
Diseases and pests
Pests are rare in poppy lavender. This is related to the plant’s essential oils, which the pests do not like. Illnesses can occur, especially as a result of improper care. Too much moisture can cause the roots to rot and also cause mold to grow. Dark spots on the branches are an indication of a fungal disease. In this case, you should remove affected branches and try to save the plant.
application
The topped lavender (Lavandula Stoechas) is well represented in this country, but not quite as widespread as the lavender. A tea can be brewed from the fragrant blossoms of the Schopflavender, which has an antispasmodic effect and strengthens the nerves. When dried, the flowers are excellent repellants for insects. For this purpose, they can be placed loosely in a decorative bowl or sewn into scented bags. The essential oils of the Schopflavender are very suitable for massages against rheumatism or for circulatory disorders. This plant also has a culinary application. Young leaf tips are often used as a seasoning for fish and meat. The slightly bitter taste is reminiscent of rosemary. No wonder that dried poppy lavender flowers are part of the Provence herb mix. The lavender flowers can also be used in small doses to garnish dishes. In summary, the poppy lavender has the following therapeutic properties:
- reassuring
- disinfectant
- insect repellent
- antispasmodic.
Schopflavender also helps with illnesses or ailments such as asthma, circulatory disorders, nervousness.
Lavender Kew Red®
As with other types of lavender, there are also very pretty potted lavender hybrids. One of them is Lavender Kew Red® – a new breed with red flower heads that are feathered in white. It grows very dense and compact and is therefore ideal for planting in a tub. Whether in the garden, on the balcony or on the terrace – the aromatic scent and the appealing look make this poppy lavender a real treat in summer. Kew Red® flowers from July to September and reaches a height of around 30 centimeters.
Conclusion
Schopflavender is a popular type of lavender, which convinces with a strong aroma and a beautiful look. Proper care includes the choice of an optimal location, regular pruning and species-appropriate wintering. Cupped lavender has a wide range of uses. It has valuable therapeutic properties. It is also used for culinary purposes. Its dried flowers are excellent repellants for insects.
