Are lavender plants good for Australia?
Our lavenders are so popular with you! Lavenders need a light, free-draining soil to do well, not too much humidity, and a dry winter. All types are excellent plants for hot dry Australian climates - except in the tropical top end where it's a bit too humid for their soft foliage.
What is the scientific name of lavender?
Chaetostachys Benth. Sabaudia Buscal. & Muschl. Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to India.
Which plants are native to Australia?
Australian native plant selection. 1 1. Australian daisy (Brachyscome) 2 2. Banksia (Banksias) 3 3. Bird's nest fern (Asplenium australasicum) 4 4. Bottlebrush (Callistemon) 5 5. Flame pea (Chorizema) More items
What is the difference between English lavender and Lavandin?
The lavandins are widely cultivated for commercial use, since their flowers tend to be bigger than those of English lavender and the plants tend to be easier to harvest, but lavandin oil is regarded by some to be of a lower quality than that of English lavender, with a perfume less sweet.
Is lavender native to Australia?
Topped lavender (Lavandula stoechas) While this might be a fragrant, Australian cottage garden classic, it's actually native to Europe and the Mediterranean. If it escapes your garden, it can spread and take over the natural environment.
Does Australia grow lavender?
Lavender is produced in regions of Tasmania and Victoria, in southern and western New South Wales, south east Queensland, south east South Australia and the Margaret River region of Western Australia. Undulating countryside is favoured for lavender production as it can lower the risk of waterlogging.May 24, 2017
What is the best lavender to grow in Australia?
English lavender doesn't tolerate humidity, while Spanish, hybrid, and Italian lavender can grow in mild humid climates. In Australia, that means lavender grows best in Zones 4 to 6!Jun 8, 2021
Is lavender a native species?
Lavender is not native to California—it originated in the Mediterranean. However, it does grow well in California because the climate is similar to the Mediterranean.
What is Grosso lavender?
Lavandula 'Grosso' is a classic French hybrid Lavender grown for its fragrant dark blue flower spikes and vigorous growth habit. With nice wide gray-green foliage, 'Grosso' is a large grower and blooms heavily providing an ample harvest of flowers for lavender wands, sachets, and culinary use.
Why is my lavender dying Australia?
In most parts of Australia it benefits from added lime at planting and again, when established, in autumn or spring. In areas where lavender has died or is dying due to poor drainage or flooding, but where dry conditions are the norm, consider replanting it into raised beds as is done on lavender farms.
Which lavender smells the most?
LavandinThe most fragrant Lavender plants are the Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia). Several cultivars of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are also prized for their delightful scent. Lavandula x intermedia, also called Lavandin, is a hybrid cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia.
How do you look after lavender plants in Australia?
Lavenders appreciate full sun. Grow them in shade and they grow out towards the sunlight, and they like a well-drained soil. They don't like wet feet. They don't need a lot of fertiliser but some dolomitic lime in spring and autumn helps, and add some potassium to intensify the colour and strengthen the stems.Mar 8, 2008
What is the strongest smelling lavender?
Commonly grown in the lavender fields of France, 'Grosso' lavandin plants are the most fragrant of all lavenders. Its strongly scented purple flowers are often used in making perfumes and sachets.Jul 12, 2021
How do I identify English lavender?
Simply use your nose and eyes to identify lavender plants. Identify English lavender (L. angustifolia) by its sweeter fragrance with less of a camphor odor. You can also identify English lavender by its bloom period, which begins in early summer.Sep 21, 2017
What is the origin of lavender?
The origin of Lavender is believed to be from the Mediterranean, Middle East and India. Its history goes back some 2500 years. Lavender is a flowering plant of the mint family known for its beauty, its sweet floral fragrance and its multiple uses.Sep 29, 2016
How many lavender species are there?
Currently there are over 45 different species with over 450 varieties. More lavender species/varieties have yet to be classified. Lavender belongs to the genus Lavandula. In Northern latitudes the two most common species are angustifolia and x intermedia (also called lavandin).
Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Tas
To get the obvious out of the way first, let’s venture northeast from Launceston to arrive at the rural town of Nabowla. Population 112. Here you’ll find Bridestowe Lavender Estate, which is renowned for its seemingly endless fields of lavender flowers that bloom each year between December and January.
Herbicos Lavender Farm, NSW
Imagine driving less than 90 minutes out of Sydney to find 25 hectares of picture-perfect lavender fields to run through. Well, a visit to Herbicos is the ticket to your daydreams. It’s home to one of New South Wales’ largest naturally grown lavender farms and yes, it is within reach for Sydneysiders.
Yanchep Lavender Farm, WA
Yanchep, a coastal suburb of Perth, is better known for being home to Yanchep National Park: a beautiful slice of native bush with koala colonies, wild kangaroos, and fascinating Aboriginal lifestyle and cultural programs. Veer inland a touch and you’ll also encounter 25 acres of pristine lavender fields.
Warratina Lavender Farm, Vic
The Yarra Valley is well known for its food and drink offering, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit the region – including the picture-perfect Warratina Lavender Farm.
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, VIC
With 100 acres of manicured gardens to explore, the only problem you’ll encounter at Lavandula will be finding the time to explore it all. It’s the kind of place that is just bursting with photo opportunities – rambling vines, manicured gardens, sweet little picnic spots and, of course, plenty of blissful lavender.
Emu Bay Lavender Farm, SA
Taking a short break on Kangaroo Island is one of the best ways to revitalise the tourism businesses that are still recovering from the impact of the 2019/20 bushfires and ongoing pandemic.
Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm, Qld
The Queensland Scenic Rim serves as the perfect backdrop to the purple perfection of Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm. The property houses a cellar door and an upscale restaurant and gift shop that overlooks a six-hectare vineyard and a field full of lavender.
1. English lavender
English lavender (lavandula angustifolia), also known as ‘true lavender’, is one of the most common types of lavender. Despite its name, though, it’s actually native to the Mediterranean. It has blue-purple flowers, but also violet-blue and white-pink depending on the cultivar.
2. French lavender
French lavender (lavandula dentata) is a more delicate variety, with a light lavender blue colour. It’s also called fringed lavender due to the shape of its flowers. French lavender isn’t as fragrant as other lavenders, but its flower heads are very colourful.
3. Spanish lavender
Spanish lavender (lavandula stoechas) is also called Butterfly Lavender, and is native to the Mediterranean and North Africa. Its silver leaves are very aromatic, making it a good choice for essential oils or potpourri. Its deep purple flowers steal the show wherever they’re planted.
4. Portuguese lavender
Portuguese lavender (lavandula latifola) has simpler and more sophisticated flowers. Also known as spike lavender, it has pale lilac flowers on long stems. Its scent is stronger but more pungent than English lavender.
5. Italian lavender
This is an offshoot of Spanish lavender, called lavandula stoechas avonview. This evergreen shrub produces large, dense spikes of blue-purple flowers in spring. Its flower heads have a deep aroma.
6. Lavandin
This is a popular type of hybrid lavender that marries the cold tolerance of English lavender with the heat tolerance of Portuguese lavender. Lavandula x intermedia has highly fragrant flowers that range from dark purple to white. It blooms from mid to late summer.
Growing Lavender
It’s very straightforward to grow lavender — plant it somewhere with full sun, at least six hours a day. They’ll also tolerate partial shade if needed. Lavender needs good air circulation, but make sure to keep the flower heads out of strong winds.
How many Grevilleas are there in Australia?
Getty. Grown all over Australia, grevilleas are low-maintenance shrubs that produce abundant flowers. There are over 350 grevillea species and they come in a range of sizes, from ground covers and shrubs to tall trees, which are perfect screening plants.
What is the most popular creeper in Australia?
Pandorea. Getty. Perhaps the most popular of all the Australian native climbers and creepers, Pandorea is low-maintenance and hardy. The bower creeper (P.jasminoides) produces glorious trumpet-like flowers from spring to summer in a range of colours from white (‘Lady Di’) to a vivid pink (‘Rosea’).
What color are banksias?
Flowering in shades of greenish white, yellow, orange and red, the banksia spans ground covers, low-growing shrubs and low-branching trees. Attracting bees and birds to the garden, banksias need full sun and well-drained, sandy soils.
What is a desert pea?
The floral emblem of South Australia, Sturt’s Desert Pea showcases clusters of brilliant red flowers with a black pea-like spot. It can be tricky to grow at home and requires full sun and good drainage.
What is the Australian native tree?
Eucalypts (as well as the new sub-group of Corymbia) are the quintessential Australian native tree. Easily adaptable, they will often grow in very different areas from where they are native. Always choose compact garden-friendly shade plants like the hardy peppermint gum (Eucalyptus nicholii) or the lemon-scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora).
How tall is the Christmas bush in NSW?
Growing up to 5 metres high, the NSW Christmas bush is best known for providing gorgeous sprays of red star-shaped flowers in mid-December. A sunny position in the garden ensures plenty of flowers in time for Christmas. It’s low maintenance, preferring soil with good drainage.
What kind of soil do Cycads like?
They are best grown in well-drained sandy soil. Larger cycads are happiest in full sun, while smaller ones prefer shade. Young plants need regular watering.
What is Australia known for?
Australia’s well known for its iconic wildlife, like the koala and kangaroo. But did you know that Australia is also home to some of the most unique plants, trees and shrubs too? There is so much native Australian flora just waiting to be appreciated.
What are gum trees?
Gum trees are quintessentially Australian and are home to some of our most iconic wildlife - like the koala! There are over 700 different species of eucalyptus and the flowers they produce have lots of nectar that attract a wide range of native bee species, including stingless bees and resin bees, as well as large colourful birds.
What is a bottlebrush shrub?
The iconic bottlebrush is a shrub, known for its cylindrical red brush-shaped flowers. They’re great for those who might not have the best green thumb, as they’re hardy plants and require little maintenance.
What color are savannas?
They’re often red in colour, but in the wild their flowers can also range from green to pink, yellow and black. They’re packed full of nectar, making them a high-energy food source for lots of native birds, insects and mammals.
What color are spider flowers?
This versatile plant has hundreds of different species with unique foliage. Their flowers come in a variety of shades like red, orange, pink , green, cream and yellow.
How big do roses bloom?
Each stem supports a flower that can bloom up to 60 mm in diameter and they can bloom in a range of colours, including pink, yellow and white! These heat tolerant plants do well in pots and perform best in full sun, but can tolerate a bit of shade.
Why are acacias important to bees?
Growing any type of acacia species (there are over 1,350 species in the world, with close to 1,000 found in Australia) will help provide shelter, food and habitats for Australian birds… and because they’re also a great source of pollen, they’re a popular choice for attracting native bees.
What is the best grass to plant in a garden?
Here are five you should steer clear of planting: 1. Fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) This plant is popular for landscaping but unfortunately it’s an environmental disaster. It produces a heap of seeds that spread easily, and once it’s escaped from your garden it can spread quickly to cover the landscape.
Where is Gazania native to?
Gazania (Gazania spp.) Like a lot of weeds in SA, this colourful ground cover is native to South Africa. Gazania seems to love our similar climate and flowers most of the year, but this means it competes with native species and agricultural crops, such as grape vines.
Where does the pear cactus come from?
5. Pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) This fruit-producing plant is from Mexico and is grown in backyards as well as market gardens. The problem is, it can grow quickly to mammoth sizes and is particularly difficult to get rid of.
Where is the Australian cottage garden native to?
While this might be a fragrant, Australian cottage garden classic, it’s actually native to Europe and the Mediterranean. If it escapes your garden, it can spread and take over the natural environment.
Is Cenchrus advena a declared plant?
It’s also a declared plant in South Australia, which means it’s not allowed to be sold or traded. The good news is there is now a similar plant for you to opt for instead that doesn't produce seeds – Cenchrus advena. This has many cultivars such as ‘Moulin Rouge’, ‘Cherry Sparkler’ and ‘Purple Splash’. Or for native alternatives, check out our ...
Do cactus pads fall off?
The cactus pads that fall off immediately grow into new plants and any dumped material will grow to create new infestations. Make sure if you have it in your garden you harvest the fruit, otherwise foxes might feed on it and birds and other animals might spread its seeds into bushland.
Does fountain grass hurt kangaroos?
This is where it can cause major problems. Fountain grass has low nutritional value for native wild life such as kangaroos and farm animals if it gets into paddocks, and in a bushfire it burns at high temperatures, which increases the risk of damage to nearby property.
What is the plant that grows lavender?
Commercially, the plant is grown mainly for the production of lavender essential oil of lavender. English lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia) yields an oil with sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. Lavandula × intermedia, also known as lavandin or Dutch lavender, yields a similar essential oil, but with higher levels of terpenes including camphor, which add a sharper overtone to the fragrance.
What is lavender used for in cooking?
Chefs note to reduce by two-thirds the dry amount in recipes which call for fresh lavender buds. Lavender buds can amplify both sweet and savory flavors in dishes, and are sometimes paired with sheep's-milk and goat's-milk cheeses. Lavender flowers are occasionally blended with black, green, or herbal teas.
What is the difference between lavender and rosemary?
Use of buds. For most cooking applications the dried buds, which are also referred to as flowers, are used. Lavender greens have a more subtle flavor when compared to rosemary. The potency of the lavender flowers increases with drying which necessitates more sparing use to avoid a heavy, soapy aftertaste.
What is the first major clade?
The first major clade corresponds to subgenus Lavandula, and the second Fabricia. The Sabaudia group is less clearly defined. Within the Lavandula clade, the subclades correspond to the existing sections, but place Dentatae separately from Stoechas, not within it.
How long does lavender stay in sugar?
Lavender buds are put into sugar for two weeks to allow the essential oils and fragrance to transfer; then the sugar itself is used in baking. Lavender can be used in breads where recipes call for rosemary. Lavender can be used decoratively in dishes or spirits, or as a decorative and aromatic in a glass of champagne.
How long does it take for English lavender to grow?
English Lavender has a long germination process (14–28 days) and matures within 100–110 days. All types need little or no fertilizer and good air circulation. In areas of high humidity, root rot due to fungus infection can be a problem. Organic mulches can trap moisture around the plants' bases, encouraging root rot.
Where is Lavandula multifida native to?
– is native to a wide range including Morocco, southern Portugal and Spain, norther Algeria, Tunisia, Tripolitania, Calabria and Sicily, with isolated populations in the Nile valley. Lavandula canariensis Mill., from the Canaries.
What are some interesting facts about Australian animals?
Useful Facts about Australian Animals 1 What is a marsupial? Marsupials are ‘pouched’ animals meaning that they carry their young in a pouch. Examples include kangaroos, wallabies, possums and wombats. 2 Egg laying mammals are incredibly rare in the animal world, in fact Australia and New Guinea are the only places in the world where you’ll find the platypus and the echidna (the only egg laying mammals that exist). 3 Many animals in this list are endemic to Australia, meaning they are found only here, i.e. they’re native to Australia.
What is the name of the animal that resembles an anteater?
They’re native Australian animals (to Western Australia), marsupials and really quite odd looking creatures, although very cute. The numbat resembles an anteater and is in fact known as the banded anteater.
How big is a Goanna?
A Goanna is a type of monitor lizard which varies in size from just 20cm long to 2 metres! Depending on what source you use there are thought to be either 20 or 30 species of monitor lizard, 15 or 25 of which can be found in Australia.
How long do clams live?
If you plan on doing some underwater exploration of the Great Barrier Reef during your trip to Australia then you’re quite likely to come across a giant clam or two. Giant clams can weigh up to a whopping 200kg and can live for 100 years. They start their lives male but become hermaphrodites (can produce both sperm and eggs).
What is the largest flying bird in Australia?
Brolga. The Brolga used to be known as the “Native Australian Crane”. As well as being the largest flying bird in Australia it’s also known for it’s mating dance. You can find Brolga’s in many parts of tropical Australia, especially Queensland. In fact it’s the official bird emblem of Queensland.
Why did the cane toad come to Australia?
Also not native to Australia, the cane toad was introduced to Australia in an attempt to control the beetle populations which were destroying sugar cane crops (a major crop for Australia’s economy). The cane toad spread rapidly through Australia and is also spreading disease.
How long do echidna eggs stay in pouch?
After laying a single egg 22 days after mating, the female echidna deposits the egg directly into her pouch where it remains for up to 2 months. Baby echidnas are called puggles which is just the best name for a baby animal! Male echidnas have a four headed penis! Moving on…
