The Beauty and Uses of Red Lavender Plants
With its rich red-violet flowers and delightfully aromatic fragrance, red lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has captivated gardeners for centuries. Sometimes called English lavender or true lavender, this herb is celebrated for its ornamental looks and versatility.
Red lavender plants not only lend color and texture to the garden, but have a long history of therapeutic uses. The ancient Egyptians used lavender for mummification and perfumes. Today, the essential oil from the fragrant flowers continues to be popular in aromatherapy and natural beauty products.
Characteristics of Red Lavender
Red lavender is an evergreen woody perennial shrub that grows 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. The gray-green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the vibrant red-violet flower spikes that bloom from early to late summer.
Compared to other lavender varieties, red lavender flowers later in the season - usually late June through August. It also has a particularly intense scent that is floral, herbaceous, and slightly camphorous.
Growing Conditions for Thriving Red Lavender
Lavenders thrive best in full sun and well-drained soil. Like rosemary and other Mediterranean herbs, lavenders are adapted to hot, sunny climates and coarse soils. The following growing conditions will help red lavender plants flourish:
- Full sun - at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Sandy, rocky soil with a pH between 6 and 8
- Good drainage - lavenders are prone to root rot in heavy, moist soils
- Moderate water - about 1 inch per week
- Good air circulation
How to Plant and Care for Red Lavender
You can plant red lavender from containers in spring or fall. Give each plant about 2 to 3 feet of space to allow for good airflow. Water newly planted lavenders, then allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.
Prune plants after the first bloom by cutting back flowers and removing 2 to 3 inches of stem and foliage. This tidy up encourages bushy new growth.
Mulch around lavender plants to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Apply a general purpose fertilizer in early spring. Take care not to overfertilize, which can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Uses for Red Lavender Plants
Historically called elf leaf, lavender has been used for centuries to repel insects, freshen linens, soothe minor cuts and burns, aid sleep, and more thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Today red lavender continues to be a versatile plant with the following uses:
Landscape Plant
With its compact form and vivid floral display, red lavender makes a beautiful flowering hedge or border. It also looks lovely in herb gardens, knot gardens, rock gardens, and containers. For best results, plant with other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
Dried Flowers
Cut and dry the fragrant red lavender flowers to use in potpourris, sachets, wreaths, and bouquets. The dried buds retain their scent beautifully. You can also add them to baked goods, herbal teas, and libations.
Crafting
The vibrant purple-red color of lavender flowers makes them perfect for floral crafts. Use the blooms to dye or decorate stationery, soaps, candles, pottery, and textiles. Extract the color by infusing olive or grapeseed oil with the petals.
Culinary Herb
Use red lavender flowers and leaves to infuse a subtle lemon-floral flavor into foods and beverages. Common culinary uses include flavored sugars, syrups, honey, vinegar, desserts, and lavender lemonade. Use dried or fresh blooms sparingly to prevent soapy flavors.
Essential Oil
The essential oil distilled from red lavender flowers has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties. Its commonly used in aromatherapy, massage oils, bath products, perfumes, and cleaning products. Research also indicates it may help relieve anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, and pain when used aromatically or topically.
Repel Insects and Rodents
Plant red lavender around outdoor living spaces and in the garden to help repel mosquitoes, midges, and mice. Its pungent odor confuses their sense of smell. You can also use dried sachets in storage areas to deter moths and other pantry pests.
Health Benefits and Uses of Red Lavender
For centuries, traditional healing practices have utilized red lavender as a potent medicinal plant. Ongoing research continues to uncover therapeutic properties that may help relieve the following conditions:
Anxiety and Depression
Several studies indicate lavenders calming scent significantly reduces anxiety and emotional stress when inhaled or applied topically. Its sedative effect on the nervous system may also help treat depression and improve mood.
Insomnia
The relaxing aroma of lavender has been shown to increase slow-wave sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. For best results, place fresh flowers or sachets on your pillow or add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser by your bed.
Pain Relief
Early research points to topical lavender oil helping to alleviate pain from migraines, injuries, arthritis, and menstrual cramps thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions.
Skin Irritations
Applied topically, red lavender essential oil may aid wound healing and soothe minor skin irritations like sunburn, rashes, bug bites, eczema, and acne breakouts.
Hair and Scalp Health
Lavender is a frequent ingredient in hair products like rinses, oils, shampoos, and conditioners. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce dandruff, itchy scalp, hair loss, and other scalp conditions.
Digestive Aid
Early evidence suggests sipping lavender tea may relieve digestive issues like upset stomach, intestinal gas pain, and colic by relaxing intestinal muscles. Its also used to improve appetite.
Safety and Side Effects
When used appropriately, red lavender is generally considered safe. However, certain individuals may experience undesirable side effects. Use the following precautions when using lavender:
- Pregnant women should avoid ingesting lavender
- Some people may experience headaches or allergic reactions from topical use
- Essential oil is for external use only
- Infants and young children should not ingest lavender due to hormone effects
Talk to your doctor before using red lavender supplements, essential oil, or hydrosol to treat any ongoing health condition.
The Rich History and Benefits of Red Lavender Plants
With its ornamental appeal and pleasant aroma, its no wonder red lavender has been a cherished garden plant for over 2,500 years. Today, the red-violet blooms continue to add beauty and fragrance to gardens and dried flower arrangements.
But red lavender is more than just a pretty flowering shrub. Ongoing research is confirming many of the traditional medicinal uses of this versatile herb. From calming anxiety to easing headaches, lavender may enhance health and well-being in numerous ways.
By incorporating red lavender plants into your garden, home, and self-care routine, you can experience the age-old benefits of this botanical wonder for yourself.
FAQs
What are some common uses for red lavender plants in cooking or crafting?
Culinary uses for red lavender include infusing sugars, honey, syrups, vinegars, desserts, and beverages like lavender lemonade. Crafting uses include potpourri, sachets, wreaths, dyed stationery, soaps, candles, and textiles.
When is the best time to prune red lavender plants?
The best time to prune red lavender is right after the first bloom, usually mid summer. Cut back flowers and remove 2-3 inches of stem and foliage to encourage bushy regrowth.
How often should you water established red lavender plants?
Red lavender plants prefer drier growing conditions. Water them about 1 inch per week or when the top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater as they are prone to root rot.
Does red lavender require any fertilizer?
Applying a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring will help promote growth. Take care not to overfertilize lavender, as this can lead to excess foliage and fewer flowers.
What companion plants grow well with red lavender?
Good companion plants for red lavender include other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, and oregano. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment