Schopflavender: cultivation, care & overwintering

Not all lavender is created equal. We take a close look at the type of coppice lavender and compare it with real lavender.

The genus of lavender (Lavandula) comprises around 30 different species, all of which belong to the mint family (Lamiaceae) belong. Most common and the star in cultivation is the Real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). But there are other types that are known to the famous lavender representative, especially in terms of flower color and shape Make competition and not just because of their appearance justified claim to a place in the garden to express. This definitely includes the poppy lavender (Lavandula stoechas) also called Welscher or Arabian lavender. It is particularly noticeable for its pronounced, large bracts at the tip of the inflorescences. Just like the flowers themselves, they can shine in brilliant white, classic purple tones of different luminosity or strong purple colors. An interesting play of colors can take place between the color of the flowers and the color of the bracts, which provides life and variety in every garden. We'll take a close look at the diverse range of potted lavender for you and see what its cultivation preferences are.

Schopflavender varieties: variety in purple, white and pink

The crested lavender impresses thanks to its striking, large and mostly brightly colored bracts at the tip of the spike-shaped inflorescence. Thereby it stands out impressively from the other famous species, such as the real lavender or the Speiklavender (Lavandula latifolia) within the genus Lavandula away. Different varieties of the Schopflavender in their flower colors cover a color spectrum from pure white to purple to deep purple. Even the bracts and the actual petals can differ in their colors. We will introduce you to a few varieties of French lavender and their characteristics.

• Alba: pure white bracts and petals; tolerates frost to a very limited extent only.
• Ballerina: purple flowers; initially white bracts change color from pink to purple over time.
• Kew Red: The red flower heads appearing from July to September are adorned by bracts in light pink.
• Papillion: flowers in classic purple; this variety should be emphasized because of its pronounced winter hardiness.

An overview of well-known Types and varieties of lavender You will find here. Are you also particularly interested in white lavender, so you can read everything about it in our special article.

Planting poppy lavender: location and reproduction

Even if the planting of the topped lavender hardly differs from other types of lavender, there are some differences in terms of location. The coppable lavender also has a few peculiarities with regard to its reproduction and care.

Schopflavender: location and demands

The poppy lavender prefers a sandy soil. This is where the first difference to classic lavender lies, because it thrives best on calcareous soils. The natural lavender is also more widespread in coastal regions, while the real lavender thrives in mountain regions up to 1600 m. For the potted lavender, the soil should be as permeable as possible and waterlogging should be avoided. If a substrate with such properties is available, it can of course also be grown in a pot. A 1: 4 mixture of sand and standard potting soil from specialist retailers is ideal for potting. Like most Mediterranean plants, the poppy lavender also prefers a location in full sun.

Do you also want a Mediterranean flair in your garden? How one Growing your own potted lavender can be found in our special article.

Propagate poppy lavender

Coppice lavender can easily be propagated by sowing. If you let it bloom freely, small poppy lavender seedlings will appear on their own next spring. The best time to sow outdoors is from June. The topped lavender seeds need warmth for good germination. Of course, you can also sow seeds in the warm four walls in early spring. Under no circumstances should the seeds be covered with substrate, as the coppy lavender is a light germ. If the seeds are kept evenly and well moist during germination, it will take three to four weeks for the first seedlings to sprout.

Like most herbs, the coppers can also be propagated from cuttings. To do this, young, unwooded shoots without flowers or flower buds are cut off in late spring or early summer. These are rooted in a normal cuttings substrate in a growing house for the window sill at high humidity. As with sowing, it takes about three to four weeks for the first roots to form.

Cup of lavender care: cutting, wintering and Co.

The Mediterranean poppy lavender has very low demands in terms of both water supply and fertilization. In the bed, it is completely sufficient to only water during prolonged dry periods. Fertilizer is used once in spring in the form of primarily organic long-term fertilizers such as our Plantura Organic universal fertilizer or compost and manure incorporated into the soil.

When growing in a pot, more regular watering is required. But here, too, you shouldn't overdo it - it is enough if the substrate is moist. An organic liquid fertilizer like our Plantura can be added to the watering every four to six weeks to provide nutrients Organic indoor & green plant fertilizer are given.
If the abundant flowering from June to September, which is usual for the poppy lavender, fails to bloom or is only very sparse, it may be due to insufficient nutrient supply. In this case, you can also try to stimulate flowering with plants that are grown in beds with a small amount of additional fertilizer.

Regular pruning is recommended so that the potted lavender does not become too lignified and bare. If a mere shape cut is to be made, it is best to do this in early spring when the bush sprouts. Just like with real lavender, a third to two thirds are then cut back with sharp hedge trimmers. It is also recommended to snap out the faded inflorescences or to make a summer pruning if the flowering is only sparse or even absent. Both care measures promote the flower formation in the poppy lavender.

By the way, here you can find more information on how to use the Flower formation in the poppy lavender can increase or stimulate again.

A more detailed guide to the Cutting of Coppy Lavender and other maintenance measures can be found in our special article.

Harvest, store and use poppy lavender

The topped lavender, like the real lavender, is popular because of its essential oils. These aromas are even more intense in the lavender. Tea can be made from the flowers, which has an antispasmodic and relaxing effect. For this purpose, the inflorescences are best harvested when about half of the small flowers are open. The flowers are also ideal for fragrant sachets. By steam distillation, the pure form of the potted lavender oil can be obtained from the flowers and is often used in body and massage oils. And the tips of the leaves of the crested lavender can also be used. They are well suited for refining fish and meat dishes and can simply be harvested from the plant at any time as required.

Of course, lavender can also be stored. Either the fresh flowers are placed in oil and the oils are removed from them, or the parts of the plant are preserved by drying. Most of the air drying causes some of the aromatic essential oils to evaporate.

Like you at Drying lavender The best way to proceed can be found here in our special article.