Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’

Description

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ is a beautiful evergreen lavender grown for its fragrant golden variegated foliage and striking sky-blue flower spikes. It is perfect for edging borders, lining pathways, planting in gravel gardens, or growing in patio containers where its colour and scent can be fully appreciated.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ in spring when the soil is workable and beginning to warm. This allows the roots to establish before active growth begins.
• Early Autumn: Early autumn is also an excellent time to plant, giving the root system time to settle before dormancy.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ thrives in full sun, where it develops the strongest foliage colour and produces abundant flowers.
• Soil: Free-draining soil is essential. Improve heavier soils with horticultural grit or coarse sand to prevent waterlogging around the roots.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball to encourage healthy root growth.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix grit and a small amount of compost into the excavated soil while ensuring excellent drainage is maintained.
3. Planting: Position Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil, then backfill gently and firm lightly.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage rapid root establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water regularly while the plant establishes, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Established Plants: Once established, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ is drought tolerant and only requires occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a light dressing of a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy foliage and flowering.
• Mid-Season: Avoid excessive feeding, as overly rich soil can reduce flowering and produce soft growth.

Pruning

• After Flowering: Trim off faded flower spikes and lightly shape the plant after flowering to maintain a compact habit.
• Seasonal Care: Avoid cutting into old woody stems, as these may not produce new growth.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a light gravel mulch around the base to suppress weeds while keeping the crown dry.
• Later in the Year: Avoid heavy organic mulches that retain excess moisture around the plant.

Supporting the Plant

• Natural Habit: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ naturally forms a compact, rounded mound and does not require staking.

Final Tips

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ is a low-maintenance, fragrant perennial that provides colourful foliage, attractive flowers, and valuable nectar for bees. With full sun, free-draining soil, and light annual pruning, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Platinum Blonde’ will thrive and remain an eye-catching feature for many years.