The “lemon lavender plant” refers to specific lavender cultivars known for their distinct lemon or citrus notes within their aromatic profile. These varieties combine the classic calming qualities of lavender with a refreshing, uplifting citrus aroma. They offer both visual beauty and a fragrant presence in any garden.
Understanding Lemon Lavender
A “lemon lavender plant” is a type of lavender whose foliage and flowers emit a noticeable lemon or citrus-like fragrance alongside the traditional lavender scent. While all Lavandula species are aromatic, certain cultivars have a terpene profile emphasizing lemony undertones. These plants share general lavender characteristics, often displaying narrow, grayish-green leaves and spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers.
Examples include Lavandula viridis, known for its powerfully scented leaves and sometimes green bracts and white flowers. Lavandula pedunculata can also have a strong citrus undertone. Some Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) cultivars, like ‘Munstead’, may possess subtle lemon notes. These varieties are primarily distinguished by their unique aromatic compounds, offering a fresh, bright scent that complements herbaceous and floral notes.
Growing and Caring for Lemon Lavender
Cultivating a healthy lemon lavender plant involves understanding its specific needs, especially regarding its environment and ongoing care. Providing the right conditions from the start ensures vigorous growth and abundant, fragrant blooms.
Site Selection and Soil
Lemon lavender thrives in full sunlight for at least six to eight hours daily, which promotes strong growth and maximizes aromatic oil production. The soil must be well-draining, as lavender is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Ideal soil is sandy or loamy with a slightly alkaline pH, between 6.5 and 7.5. To improve drainage in heavy clay soils, incorporate sand, grit, or compost. Raised beds or containers are also excellent options to ensure proper drainage.
Light and Water Requirements
Full sun exposure helps lemon lavender develop its characteristic scent and produce prolific blooms. Inadequate light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. Once established, lemon lavender plants are drought-tolerant.
Watering should be deep but infrequent, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering causes plant decline. During the first growing season, regular watering helps establish roots, but mature plants require less frequent irrigation.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning maintains shape, promotes bushier growth, and encourages abundant flowering. The best time to prune is after the main flush of blooms fades, in late spring or early summer. A second, lighter pruning can be done in late summer or early autumn to remove spent flower stalks and maintain the plant’s form.
Avoid cutting into old, woody stems without leaves, as this hinders new growth. Deadheading, removing spent flowers, redirects the plant’s energy into producing more blooms rather than setting seed. This practice also keeps the plant tidy and encourages a prolonged flowering period.
Pests and Diseases
Lemon lavender is generally resilient. Common pests include aphids and whiteflies, which can be dislodged with a strong water spray or treated with insecticidal soap if infestations are severe. Good air circulation around plants helps deter these insects.
Fungal diseases, such as root rot, are common problems resulting from excessive moisture or poor drainage. Proper site selection and careful watering practices are effective preventative measures. Adequate spacing between plants also promotes airflow, reducing fungal issues.
Harvesting and Using Lemon Lavender
Harvest when flower buds have just begun to open, in the morning after dew has dried but before the sun is too strong. This timing captures the highest concentration of essential oils. Cut flower stalks with a portion of the stem attached, gathering them into small bundles.
Hang bundles upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area to dry for several weeks. Once dried, strip the fragrant flowers and leaves from stems for various uses. Culinary applications include infusing teas, flavoring baked goods, and adding a twist to savory dishes like roasted chicken or salad dressings. Aromatic uses involve crafting potpourri, sachets for linens, or infusing oils for homemade soaps and candles. Fresh or dried stems can also be used in floral arrangements for visual appeal and scent.
Propagating Lemon Lavender
Propagating lemon lavender is best done through stem cuttings, which ensures new plants are genetically identical to the parent, preserving the lemon-scented characteristics.
To take cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering stems from the current year’s growth in late spring or early summer. Each cutting should be 4 to 6 inches long, taken from the stem tip. Remove leaves from the bottom two inches and optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Insert cuttings into a well-draining potting mix, such as perlite and peat moss. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place cuttings in a warm location with indirect light. Roots develop within four to six weeks, and new plants can be transplanted once a robust root system is established.