Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:58 pm
The numerous, intensely fragrant flowers of the lavender are welcome food for numerous butterflies, bees and bumblebees. Due to its characteristic flower shape, the relatively small-flowered lavender is often referred to as butterfly lavender. This variety of lavender differs from its sisters, sometimes considerably, in terms of location and care.
Contents
Optimal for pot and balcony planting.
The butterfly lavender grows on average only between 25 and 40 centimeters high and is therefore the perfect candidate for a pot culture. Also in – sufficiently deep and with a drainage provided – balcony boxes (54,00€ at Amazon*) can be kept the pretty flowering tiny. This variety of lavender also needs a lot of sun and must not stand too wet, otherwise the roots begin to rot. This is especially important when cultivating in a balcony box, because here, by its very nature, excess water can not drain away. Therefore, you should put the butterfly lavender there either alone or with other plants similar in care. Plants with high nutrient and water requirements, on the other hand, are unsuitable for association.
Butterfly lavender is not hardy
Unlike true lavender, which is often planted in gardens, butterfly lavender has difficulty tolerating temperature drops and especially winter cold. The plant is not hardy and should therefore not be overwintered outdoors at all, but rather indoors at relatively cool but frost-free temperatures, if possible. In case of very bad weather – sudden cold snaps or heavy downpours in summer – you can put it indoors for a short time.
Butterfly lavender has different needs
Of all the lavender varieties, crested or butterfly lavender has the longest flowering period. This variety begins to bloom as early as May, given the right weather conditions, and keeps doing so until August. However, if possible, you should not put the butterfly lavender outside until there are definitely no more cold snaps – especially night frosts – to be expected. Cut off wilted flowers early to encourage the plant to bloom a second time. In terms of nutrient supply, there is a big difference from the other lavender varieties: While these should be supplied with lime once a year if possible, butterfly lavender should not be in soil containing lime under any circumstances. Therefore, you should also not water it with tap water, as this also contains more or less lime depending on the region.
Tips & Tricks
With lavender, you can be quite stingy with fertilizer; because the more the plants are fertilized, the less they bloom. Sometimes you can read care tips advising to fertilize lavender every two weeks. Please do not heed these tips.