Mint Julep Lavender, a captivating herb, offers a unique blend of visual appeal and aromatic charm to any garden. Valued for its versatility, it serves both ornamental and practical purposes, enhancing aesthetics with its refreshing fragrance and attractive foliage.
Understanding Mint Julep Lavender
Mint Julep Lavender is often referred to by its botanical name, Lavandula x allardii ‘Meerlo’. It is a hybrid cross between French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifoila). This particular cultivar is known for its compact, dense, and rounded growth habit, typically reaching a height of 2 to 3 feet and a similar width.
Its most striking feature is the variegated foliage, showcasing green leaves with creamy-yellow edges, sometimes appearing as light gray-green with light yellow to cream variegation. The slightly serrated leaves emit a strong, soothing lavender aroma, especially when brushed. While delicate, pale blue to light purple flowers appear primarily in mid to late summer, the highly fragrant foliage remains a year-round highlight.
Planting and Growing Mint Julep Lavender
Successful planting begins with selecting the right location. Mint Julep Lavender thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and flowering. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun is preferred for optimal development.
Soil composition is important. Mint Julep Lavender prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, ideally slightly alkaline. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, provided they are not waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like mushroom compost or small gravel improves drainage and aeration.
Proper spacing allows for adequate air circulation, which benefits lavender. Initial watering is crucial; after planting, water frequently to keep the soil moist until the root system establishes, which may involve daily watering for the first few weeks. After this establishment period, the plant becomes more drought-tolerant.
Ongoing Care and Pruning
Once established, Mint Julep Lavender is drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance. Regular watering is still necessary, especially during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Check soil moisture by hand to determine its needs.
Lavender generally thrives in nutrient-poor soil and does not require heavy fertilization. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and may even harm the plant. If fertilization is deemed necessary, a light application of a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer once a year in spring, as new growth appears, is often sufficient.
Pruning maintains Mint Julep Lavender’s shape, promotes new growth, and encourages consistent flowering. The best time to prune is typically after the main flowering period, usually mid to late summer, or in late winter to early spring. Cutting back the plant by about one-third after blooming helps maintain a compact, bushy form and prevents legginess. Avoid cutting into old, woody growth, as it may not produce new shoots.
Mint Julep Lavender is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or in containers moved indoors during winter. The plant is deer-resistant.
Uses for Mint Julep Lavender
Mint Julep Lavender serves multiple purposes in the garden and home. Its compact, rounded habit makes it suitable for borders, hedges, and rock gardens. It also works well in containers, adding fragrance and visual interest to patios or balconies. The attractive variegated foliage provides year-round appeal, even when not in bloom.
The distinctive flavor profile of Mint Julep Lavender, described as a combination of lavender, mint, and a hint of apple, makes it suitable for culinary applications. The leaves can be used to flavor salads, soups, and sauces, or to make a refreshing tea. It is also a popular ingredient for cocktails, particularly for creating unique variations of the classic Mint Julep.
Beyond culinary uses, the strong aroma of Mint Julep Lavender’s essential oils makes it valuable for aromatherapy and crafting. The dried leaves can be used in sachets or potpourri, and its fragrance can also deter pests like aphids and cabbage moths, making it a beneficial companion plant in the garden. The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to overall garden health.