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.

Similarly, Is lavender an invasive plant?

Although lavender (Lavandula sp.) does not currently appear on any invasive species lists, I urge you to read When is a Guest a Pest? and plant any non-native species responsibly.

Additionally, Is English lavender native to California? This California native perennial often hugs the ground, spreading widely, it threads its silvery foliage decoratively among other plants. Bright lavender, yellow centered aster-like flowers give a summer long season of bloom. Provide full sun to light shade, some summer water and reasonable drainage.

What plants are indigenous to Southern California?


All plants in this guide are native to Southern California and available at these nurseries.

  • ANNUALS. Clarkia unguiculata. …
  • GROUNDCOVERS. Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’ …
  • GRASSES. Carex pansa. …
  • PERENNIALS. Achillea ‘Moonshine’ …
  • SHRUBS. Arctostaphylos den. ‘ …
  • SUCCULENTS. Dudleya brittonii. …
  • TREES. Chilopsis linearis. …
  • VINES.

Does lavender spread when planted?

Lavender is a small shrub that usually grows 20 to 24 inches tall and wide. The height includes the flower stalks, so when not in bloom, the foliage may be only a foot tall. The plant does not spread as thyme, oregano, and other herbs tend to.

How do you keep lavender from spreading?

Lavenders can spread by seed dispersal but the rate of germination is low and almost negligible. You can prevent lavender from spreading by trimming off seed bearing flower heads in late summer.

Is lavender a good border plant?

Lavender, an herb with many culinary uses, also makes a stunning addition to borders and perennial gardens, providing sweeping drifts of color from early summer into fall. With its silvery-green foliage, upright flower spikes and compact shrub-like form, lavender is ideal for creating informal hedges.

Does lavender grow wild in California?

While freezing temperatures, rain and humidity make many varieties of lavender tricky to grow in most of the country, we in Los Angeles can grow all of them. … Lavender comes from the Mediterranean, making Southern California a home away from home.

Which lavender is best for Southern California?

Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is one of the best choices for locations with hot, humid summers.

Whats the difference between English and French lavender?

The difference between French and English lavender is that English lavender is cold hardy and lives much longer (up to 15 years) whereas French Lavender does not tolerate cold, only lives for 5 years but flowers for much longer.

What are the 7 most important native plants in LA?

  • Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) …
  • Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) …
  • Chaparral yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei) …
  • Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) …
  • Common buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) …
  • Elderberry (Sambucus cerulea) …
  • Purple needle grass (Stipa pulchra)

How many native plants are there in California?

Why We Care About Native Plants

California hosts approximately 6,500 species, subspecies, and varieties of plants that occur naturally in the state, and many of these are found nowhere else in the world.

What is the most common plant in California?

Some taxa satisfy only one criterion. Goldfields, Lasthenia californica, often has a very large number of individual plants, but is not found on most trails.



The Most Common Plants of Southern California.

Latin Name
Epilobium canum ssp.


canum
Common Name
California fuchsia
#muns 6
#floras 10
#trails 6

How quickly does lavender spread?

Seeds may take two weeks or more to germinate and several months to reach transplantable size, or about 3 inches tall. Once transplanted into the garden, lavender grows several inches per year, flowering in the second or third year after transplant.

Does lavender expand?

Growth Habit: Lavender grows into a round, bushy shrub in warmer climates. It’s a lower-growing perennial in colder climates. In humid climates, allow space for adequate airflow to prevent fungus or powdery mildew.

How do lavender plants reproduce?

It can be done by the propagation of seeds or by cuttings depending on the species of the plant. The fine lavender (lavandula angustifolia) reproduces only by seedlings. … Either they collect the seeds from the whole plantation, or they choose from the best plants for reproduction, hoping to have the best qualities.

How do I make lavender more compact?

Left to their own devices, lavender can become woody and ungainly, so to keep plants compact and attractive, it’s best to trim them annually in late summer, just after flowering has finished. Remove any spent flower stalks and about 2.5cm (1in) of leaf growth.

How do you get lavender to stand up?

If the lavender is in a pot,you can move the plant to a more open, sunnier location or turn the lavender around every so often so that the plant sees as much light as possible and grows into a more even mound shape which should encourage the plant to flower more evenly.

Why has my lavender splayed?

“If left unpruned, plants become too tall, woody and gappy, splay open and finally collapse,” she explains. “For plant health and longevity, it’s best to maintain a compact, rounded shape, or for a lavender hedge, a nice undulating ‘caterpillar’.

Can lavender be used as a border?

One of the best ways to create low borders for your gardens and landscaping is growing lavender hedges.

What is the best lavender for borders?

English Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

As the hardiest of all the Lavenders, this variety is the best equipped to handle our varied British weather and has a compact habit, making it the perfect choice for border hedging.

Where is the best place to plant lavender?

When & Where to Plant Lavender

Light: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade may help them thrive. Soil: Lavender grows best in low to moderately-fertile soils, so don’t amend the soil with organic matter before planting.

What are the purple flowers in California?

The flowering jacaranda, which in June showers its purple blossoms on the passerby, has come as an ambassador from the Amazon to proclaim the magnificence of that court,” Lannie Haynes Martin wrote of Southern California in 1912.

Does lavender grow well in northern California?

It’s rugged, easy to grow, drought-tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, unbothered by most diseases, and ignored by slugs, snails, voles, and gophers. To top it off, it is as charming and lovely as a plant can be.

How long does lavender bloom in California?

The plants generally flower for three to four weeks. If you harvest the flower spikes quickly, most varieties, including ‘Royal Purple’ and ‘Nana Alba,’ will bloom a second time.