What are the best lavender plants for Colorado gardens?
Here are five of the best lavender plants for Colorado gardens: Poppy is a hardy perennial that grows in many parts of the United States. It’s an excellent choice for a summer border or naturalized garden, and it can be used as a groundcover, cut flower, or dried herb.
Did you know there is a lavender farm in Colorado?
Sage Farms is located at 3555 E. Rd. in Palisade and is open to the public May through September, with their U-Pick Lavender fields beginning in mid-June. For more information on this family farm and their various offerings, please visit their website. Have you ever been to this enchanting lavender farm in Colorado?
Does lavender have pests in Colorado?
Lavender has no major pests in Colorado but can develop root rot if drainage is Figure 1: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’. Prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties and beautiful color, lavender has been one of the most popular herbs for centuries. Lavender’s versatility has made it a valued plant for households across the world.
What is a Colorado native perennial?
Quick Facts… A Colorado native perennial is defined as a plant existing in Colorado prior to European settlement. Native plant gardens create wildlife habitat for a variety of birds, mammals and insects. Landscaping with native plants makes a significant contribution to biodiversity that otherwise would be lost to development.
What type of lavender grows well in Colorado?
Where does lavender come from?
What type of soil do lavender plants prefer?
How to cut lavender stems?
How to root lavender from cuttings?
What zone is lavender best for?
What is the name of the tall white lavandin?
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Does lavender grow wild in Colorado?
Two types of lavenders grow well in Colorado. The first is Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender. It is hardy to Zone 5 and often blooms twice in one season. There are hundreds of varieties of English lavender available depending on the color and size of plant desired.
Where are lavender native to?
Mediterranean regionLavender is indigenous to the mountainous areas of the countries bordering the western European part of the Mediterranean region. When early travelers brought it back, the plant spread fairly rapidly to other parts of the world, and by the sixteenth-century lavender was already a much-loved plant in English gardens.
What type of lavender grows in Colorado?
Hardy lavender varieties thrive in Colorado's USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 7. Lavender grows best in full sun and slightly alkaline soils, which makes it a perfect plant for Colorado. Lavender comes in a variety of colors including white, pink, blue, violet and all shades of purple.
Does lavender grow in the Rocky Mountains?
Lavender blooms in every color except orange. It grows in the misty mountains of Hawaii, across the rolling hills of France, in the temperate landscape of California – and in the high desert and Rocky Mountains of Colorado. This versatile plant can call so many places home.
Is lavender an invasive plant?
No, lavender is not considered on official invasive species. Although the plant is non-native in North America, it does not currently pose a threat to indigenous species nor threaten human health and safety.
Can lavender become invasive?
Lavender is not invasive in gardens at all. Lavenders grow very slowly and the chances of them overgrowing your garden are, well, slim to none! Plus when the plants do actually grow and spread, they stay within their growing range and are not likely to surpass it.
What state grows the most lavender?
So, it might not be a surprise that Oregon is among the top U.S. producers of lavender. The fragrant purple flower adapts well to the state's moderate temperatures, sandy, well-drained soils and dry summers.
Can lavender grow at high altitudes?
Lavender can also thrive in high altitudes (up to 5000 feet or 1500 meters) and inclined fields.
Will deer eat lavender?
Generally, deer stay away from aromatic herbs and other plants like Rosemary, Lavender, Salvia, etc. However, if they do decide to take a bite of your plant, it is typically the flowers and not the foliage.
Are there lavender fields in Colorado?
As the first commercial lavender farm in South Central Colorado and higher than 99% of US commercial farms, Colorado Mountain Lavender experiences extreme weather changes, cold winter temperatures, and HIGH UV for some of the toughest lavender plants around.
Is lavender an annual in Colorado?
Lavender is a terrific mid-season summer perennial in our Colorado climate. Loves the sun, the heat and a little opportunity to dry out in between irrigation applications. Enjoy the flowers and share with the pollinators. And/or harvest the flowers to create scented crafts.
Are bees attracted to lavender?
While both bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and honey bees (Apis mellifera) are attracted to lavender (Lavandula spp.), the plant is more popular among bumblebees.
Where does lavender grow best?
Lavenders thrive in the arid West, but are best grown as annuals or container plants in the South, as they do not thrive in areas of high humidity (with the exception of Lavandula dentata and L. stoechas). Most are hardy from Zones 5 to 9; Spanish Lavender (L. stoechas) is only hardy in Zones 7 to 9.
Is lavender native to UK?
The Romans are believed to have introduced lavender to England, but there is no evidence of live lavender plants in any part of the UK until the 13th Century, so there are no native lavenders to the UK.
Is lavender poisonous to dogs?
Lavender contains a small amount of a compound called linalool, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Linalool is found in such small concentrations, however, that toxicity is rarely an issue. Problems arise only if a dog ingests a very large quantity of lavender.
What climate does lavender grow in?
Lavender grows very well in arid climates like the Mediterranean, which is why lavender flourishes in our neck of the woods, in Sequim on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, which has very similar growing conditions. It prefers low humidity, sandy, well-drained soil, and is very drought tolerant.
Growing Lavender in Colorado - Extension
Table 1: Cultivars that perform well in Colorado. Name Height Width Zone Flower color/comments Lavandula angustifolia Betty Blue 24" 24" 5 Dark purple
Munstead Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead', Monrovia Plant
Munstead Lavender, 05731, 057311, 057312, 05731P40, 05731RP, 05731P18, 05731UT, Purple, Slowly reaches 12 to 18 in. tall and wide., A rugged yet beautiful compact evergreen shrub with mounding, aromatic, gray foliage and an abundance of fragrant, rich lav
Here is the BEST Time to Plant Lavender in Colorado (2022)
Depending on the type of lavender, it takes roughly 15-20 days to grow lavender from seed indoors and then transplant them to your garden. For a specific date that you should start lavender seeds indoors you should:. Find the last average frost date HERE; And then subtract 20 days from it
Garden In A Box - Resource Central
Low-Water Gardening Made Easy. Garden In A Box offers professionally designed, waterwise garden kits tailor-made for Colorado yards. We make it easy to get that professional look by including plant-by-number maps, seasonal maintenance suggestions, and watering recommendations to help your low-water garden thrive year after year.
What is the purpose of pruning lavender?
The purpose of pruning is to maintain the shape of the plant, while harvesting is the act of removing the flower buds for another use . Harvest lavender stems for the colorful buds by cutting the flowers before the buds have opened.
Is it the same as harvesting lavender?
Harvest lavender buds for crafts and recipes. If you time it right, pruning and harvesting can be the same thing, but they can also be very different. The purpose of pruning is to maintain the shape of the plant, while harvesting is the act of removing the flower buds for another use.
Why is lavender important?
Through thousands of years of human attention, lavender has been selected for a variety of characteristics that enhance its value in the garden. Variations in plant size, leaves and flower color make lavender equally useful for an edging plant or the back of a flower border.
What types of lavender are smaller plants?
Dwarfs for edging include Nana Alba. This variety grows to one foot and has gray foliage and white flowers. Munstead, the most popular compact lavender, dependably develops lavender blue flowers a month earlier than other varieties.
What zone is Hidcote in?
If mulched, Hidcote does well in hardiness zone four of the foothills growing zone. Pink-flowered Jean Davis is another mid-sized border plant. Taller varieties also have their place in the garden. Twickel Purple, the hardy English lavender, is superior for its gray leaves and dark violet flowers on extra long spikes.
Where is Provence grown?
Provence is a two-foot tall, light purple-blooming plant grown in the lavender fields of the French region that bears its name. Any type of lavender works well in containers, and will produce a refreshing fragrance indoors. Be sure to provide at least four to five hours of sun and keep soil lightly moist, not soggy.
Who sponsors Planttalk Colorado?
Planttalk Colorado™ is sponsored by Colorado State University Extension, Denver Botanic gardens, and the Green Industries of Colorado. For additional information on gardening, see Plant Select ® and Extension Publications.
Can I grow lavender inside?
Any type of lavender works well in containers, and will produce a refreshing fragrance indoors. Be sure to provide at least four to five hours of sun and keep soil lightly moist, not soggy.
Why are Native Plant Communities in Colorado different from other parts of the country?
Native plant communities in Colorado vary due to differences in exposure, elevation, rainfall, soils and temperature extremes. These plant communities make Colorado visually distinct from other parts of the country.
Why are native plants important in Colorado?
Native plant gardens create wildlife habitat for a variety of birds, mammals and insects. Landscaping with native plants makes a significant contribution to biodiversity that otherwise would be lost to development. Native plant communities in Colorado vary due to differences in exposure, elevation, rainfall, soils and temperature extremes.
Why Grow Native Herbaceous Perennials?
They are naturally adapted to Colorado’s climates, soils and environmental conditions. When they are correctly sited, they make ideal plants for a sustainable landscape. Native herbaceous perennials require less external inputs such as watering, fertilizing and other cultural factors when the planting site mimics the plant’s native habitat.
How to establish a native herbaceous plant?
There are three ways to establish a native herbaceous planting: 1) use nursery grown transplants, 2) direct seeding, or 3) using a combination of transplants and seeding. Successful establishment of native transplants requires supplemental moisture from a few months to several years after planting, but this can gradually be reduced. Seedings benefit from supplemental watering until plants are established. Weed control prior to planting seed is critical for success. Nursery grown transplants are best planted in spring or early fall. Seeds can be planted from early to late spring or preferably in late fall.
What is a Lance leaf?
Lance-shaped leaves on stout stems; showy flowers; spreads aggressively by rhizomes, esp. in moister soils; most soils.
How can native plantings help Colorado?
The need for fertilizers and pesticides can be greatly reduced or eliminated. Once established, native plantings can help conserve water. Our native plant communities make Colorado visually distinct from other parts of the country and will provide a better sense of place. Table 1.
Can native plants be grown in unamended soil?
Native plants can often be successfully grown in unamended soils. Most natives do not require nutrient rich, high organic content soil, and can often become overgrown or short lived in such soils. However, many native plants require well-drained soils.
When to Plant Lavender in Colorado
As you may have already guessed, you need to pay very close attention to your local weather in the spring. Specifically, you are going to need to watch when the last frost occurs.
When Should You Start Your Lavender Seeds Indoors?
Depending on the type of lavender, it takes roughly 15-20 days to grow lavender from seed indoors and then transplant them to your garden.
Where to go in Colorado in spring?
The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, Yampa River Botanic Park, and Denver Botanic Gardens are a few perfect spots for that.
Where to visit in Colorado?
This farm in Palisade has peach orchards you can trek through with a friendly alpaca by your side. You can also visit their alpaca wool mill and take tours of the farm. Near Durango is a ranch that’s great for a day trip where you can tour a working organic ranch with grass-fed cows, milk house, and plenty of other animals. It’s called the James Ranch and they take visitors from mid-June to late August.
Is Colorado a good place to visit in spring?
Colorado makes a great springtime destination. From the Western Slope to the open plains, the state is brimming with seasonal beauty. A great option to visit that’ll surely get you in a spring mood is any of Colorado’s beautiful botanical gardens. The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, Yampa River Botanic Park, and Denver Botanic Gardens are a few perfect spots for that. It’s also a fantastic time to see the ever-changing scenery of the mountains, such as at the stunning Maroon Bells or along the Crested Butte, both of which are often full of wildflowers.
What type of lavender grows well in Colorado?
Photo courtesy of Sequim Lavender Festival – Don Paulson. Two types of lavenders grow well in Colorado. The first is Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender. It is hardy to Zone 5 and often blooms twice in one season.
Where does lavender come from?
Lavender originated in the Mediterranean region of Europe. Today, lavender is grown around the world where the climate conditions are similar to that region. Major commercial growing areas are located in France, England, New Zealand and Australia. Here in North America, lavender is grown as a cash crop in Washington State, New Mexico and Texas.
What type of soil do lavender plants prefer?
Lavenders prefer full sun and an alkaline soil with very little organic matter. Heavy soils may need to be amended prior to planting to insure good drainage. The smaller size (one-quarter inch) bark mulch performs well as a soil amendment. Apply 1inch of this mulch and uniformly till it in to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. The use of sand or gravel as a soil amendment in clay soils may create an even greater drainage problem. See fact sheet 7.235, Choosing a Soil Amendment, for further information.
How to cut lavender stems?
Use a sickle or pruning shears to cut stems as long as possible. Form bundles of 50 to 100 stems and secure them with rubber bands (Figure 5). Rubber bands will contract when the stems dry out. Dry the harvested lavender in a cool, dark place where there is good air circulation (Figure 6).
How to root lavender from cuttings?
The best time to take cuttings from lavender plants is right after they have bloomed. Take cuttings from stems with no flower buds on them. Remove leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and insert it into well-draining sterile potting soil or horticultural vermiculite. Rooting hormones are not necessary. Be sure the cuttings are labeled as to cultivar name and date the cutting was collected. Water well and mist regularly. They should root in about three weeks. Transplant rooted cuttings into pots 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Once the plants have developed a vigorous root system they can be planted in the garden.
What zone is lavender best for?
Quick Facts…. Hardy lavender varieties thrive in Colorado’s USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 7. Lavender grows best in full sun and slightly alkaline soils, which makes it a perfect plant for Colorado. Lavender comes in a variety of colors including white, pink, blue, violet and all shades of purple.
What is the name of the tall white lavandin?
Figure 4: The tall white lavandin in the background is ‘White Grosso’ . In front of it are the English varieties ‘Goldberg’ and ‘Mitcham Grey’. Photo Courtesy of K. Kimbrough.
