Articles
UTILISATION OF LAVANDULA PINNATA L. F. AS AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT
Article number
1097_12
Pages
107 – 115
Language
English
Abstract
Lavandula pinnata L. f. or Pinnate Lavender is an endemic from Madeira and Canary Islands, a small, grey-tomentose shrub, with pinnate leaves and blue-violet flowers.
Studies were done on propagation methods and adaptation of this plant to pot and garden cultivation.
If seeds are viable, germination occurs rapidly, within 2-3 weeks, with percentages of 66%-100%. Recently harvested seeds (<6 months) needed a pre-soaking in water for 12 or 24 hours to germinate.
Stored seeds remained viable for at least 4 years, and did not require pre-soaking in water to germinate.
Pinnate lavender is also easily propagated by tip cuttings with 4-6 leaf nodes; rooting percentages of 91-100% can be achieved in less than 8 weeks, without rooting hormones.
Studies of adaptation to pot and garden were carried out.
In garden, under full sunlight, L. pinnata branched rapidly, resulting in a compact shrub 40-48 cm wide and 30-35 cm tall within 5 months after planting.
Flowers are present throughout the year, though more abundant from March to May. L. pinnata is a fragrant plant that attracts bees and butterflies; it tolerates salt sprays and requires little maintenance. L. pinnata can also be used as a pot plant, but the pot should be taller than wide, with a size ≥10 cm in diameter, in order to avoid root restraint.
To obtain more compact plants with their typical grey-green leaves, they must be kept under less than 70% of shade.
Pruning accelerated the production of more branched and compact plants.
Studies were done on propagation methods and adaptation of this plant to pot and garden cultivation.
If seeds are viable, germination occurs rapidly, within 2-3 weeks, with percentages of 66%-100%. Recently harvested seeds (<6 months) needed a pre-soaking in water for 12 or 24 hours to germinate.
Stored seeds remained viable for at least 4 years, and did not require pre-soaking in water to germinate.
Pinnate lavender is also easily propagated by tip cuttings with 4-6 leaf nodes; rooting percentages of 91-100% can be achieved in less than 8 weeks, without rooting hormones.
Studies of adaptation to pot and garden were carried out.
In garden, under full sunlight, L. pinnata branched rapidly, resulting in a compact shrub 40-48 cm wide and 30-35 cm tall within 5 months after planting.
Flowers are present throughout the year, though more abundant from March to May. L. pinnata is a fragrant plant that attracts bees and butterflies; it tolerates salt sprays and requires little maintenance. L. pinnata can also be used as a pot plant, but the pot should be taller than wide, with a size ≥10 cm in diameter, in order to avoid root restraint.
To obtain more compact plants with their typical grey-green leaves, they must be kept under less than 70% of shade.
Pruning accelerated the production of more branched and compact plants.
Publication
Authors
M.J.O. Dragovic
Keywords
endemic, Macaronesia, new ornamental, domestication, propagation, pot plant, garden plant
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