Planted for their blooming in late winter into spring the fields of flowers are so showy. Breeding over many years since Lavenders were first used in landscapes and then the selection of superior forms like the Platinums gave us top varieties for gardens. In many parts of the world the flower heads are harvested for their oils, perfumery uses and soaps and used as floral arrangements and harvested for dried bunches for sales in the dry floral industry.
All lavenders are used in herb gardens, for planting as borders or widespread swathes of colour when in bloom. They need full sun and a free flow of fresh air around the plants. Make sure that the plants are planted at least 50cm apart if in rows but spaced more if planted in-masse. When in flower bunches can be picked for use fresh or tied in bunches which are then hung upside down under a shed to dry for later use.
After flowering plants should be pruned to remove spent flowers and old stems attached. It is appropriate to take a half to a third of the plant away at this time to rejuvenate the plant. Make sure that you fertilise the plants at this time and water the area to get the fertiliser to the plant roots. It is important that in most cases the plants are not over watered, they prefer to be somewhat dry during the growing cycle. Most do well in soils that are not over fertile. Well drained beds are a must and whilst mulch should be used make sure it is not too close to the plant stems which can cause rotting off. Lavenders are easy care garden plants having very few pests or diseases as long as the basic criteria are right from day one.
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ is bred from one of the many sub-forms of angustifolia. It was selected because of its dominant variegated foliage, the cream margins stand out particularly in cooler climates. Flower spikes are in the typical Lavender style and shape.
Lavendula X intermedia ‘Pure Platinum’ is selected from breeding progeny of Intermedia. Intermedia is the result of breeding L. angustifolia with L. latifolia (Both are native to Mediterranean regions). Flowers are the typical spikes appearing in late winter into spring.