Canary Island Lavender, Lavandula canariensis, is a distinctive plant native to the Canary Islands. It offers a unique aesthetic for gardeners, providing an alternative to more common lavender varieties.
Understanding Canary Island Lavender
Canary Island Lavender (Lavandula canariensis) is native to the volcanic Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Unlike many familiar lavender varieties, this species has a shrub-like, spreading growth habit, reaching 50 to 90 cm in height and width. Its foliage is a distinguishing feature, with fresh green-grey leaves that are finely divided, pinnate, and possess a delicate, fern-like appearance.
The flowers are brilliant blue-lilac or violet, appearing in long, narrow, spike-like clusters on tall, bare stalks that emerge above the foliage. These blooms can appear continuously in mild climates, offering an extended period of color. While some gardeners report a mild fragrance, Lavandula canariensis lacks the strong aroma associated with other lavender varieties. It is valued more for its visual appeal.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Canary Island Lavender thrives in full sun exposure. It prefers well-draining soil and will not tolerate waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. It prefers sandy or gritty, well-draining soil, tolerating a range of pH levels but often preferring slightly alkaline to neutral. Incorporating sand into loamy soil can improve drainage.
Once established, Lavandula canariensis is drought-tolerant, requiring infrequent deep watering. During its first year, weekly watering helps establish the plant, but thereafter, watering is needed only when the top few inches of soil feel dry. This lavender is suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, indicating its preference for moderate temperatures and sensitivity to frost. In areas prone to freezing temperatures, growing it in containers allows for overwintering indoors or in a sheltered, frost-free environment.
Routine Care and Maintenance
Canary Island Lavender is low-maintenance. Fertilizing needs are minimal; the plant prefers nutrient-poor soil. If growth appears poor, a light application of a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) once a year in spring can be beneficial. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers or even harm the plant.
Pruning maintains its shape, encourages new growth, and prevents the plant from becoming leggy and woody. Prune after the main flowering season, in late summer or early fall. Remove spent flower stalks and trim back about one-third of the plant, focusing on maintaining a tidy, mounded form. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems, as new growth does not readily emerge from them.
Lavandula canariensis resists most pests and diseases, with root rot being the primary concern, preventable through proper watering and well-draining soil. Occasional issues like rosemary beetle or cuckoo spit are minor.
Propagation Methods
Propagating Canary Island Lavender is achieved through stem cuttings. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings are taken in spring or early summer. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4 to 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting, exposing the nodes where roots will form.
Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can increase success rates, but is not always necessary. Plant the prepared cuttings in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of sand and perlite or a specialized potting mix. Maintain consistent moisture in the rooting medium and place the cuttings in a bright location with indirect light until roots develop, which can take several weeks. While propagation from seed is possible, it is less common due to challenges with germination consistency and potential variation from the parent plant.