Lavender is a beloved flower known for its light purple color and pleasant aroma. However, there are many different shades and varieties of lavender. One unique type is called dusty lavender. Keep reading to learn more about what dusty lavender is and what makes it stand out.
What is Dusty Lavender?
Dusty lavender refers to a specific variety of lavender that has soft purple flowers with hints of pink or gray. It gets its name from the slightly dusty overtone to the petals rather than being a solid, vivid purple.
Some people may refer to this as dusty miller lavender or silver lavender. The soft, muted color of the blooms resembles a dusty or weathered look, almost like the flowers have been lightly coated in pale powder. This gives them an antique, vintage vibe.
The exact lavender species that are classified as dusty lavender can vary. But some of the most common types include:
- Lavandula angustifolia – English Lavender
- Lavandula stoechas – Spanish Lavender
- Lavandula dentata – French Lavender
- Lavandula multifida – Fernleaf Lavender
These lavender species have naturally lighter blooms than more vibrant varieties. Through selective breeding, cultivators have enhanced the soft muted tones to create more defined dusty lavender strains.
Appearance and Characteristics
So what does dusty lavender look like exactly? Here are some of the defining characteristics:
- Bloom color ranges from pale lilac to dusky purple, sometimes with grayish pink undertones.
- The buds, petals, and even leaves may be coated in fine silvery-white hairs, adding to the dusty look.
- Flowers have a delicate, feathery appearance compared to deeper purple varieties.
- Plants tend to be compact and low growing, reaching 1-2 feet tall at maturity.
- Foliage is slender and gray-green in color.
The soft, muted color palette and velvety texture sets dusty lavender apart from the bold vivid purple more commonly associated with lavender. It has a more subtle, romantic beauty.
Growing Conditions
Dusty lavender varieties are relatively hardy and adaptable plants. Here are the ideal growing conditions:
- Full sun – At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Well-drained soil – Lavender hates wet feet so drainage is key.
- Neutral to alkaline soil pH – Ideally between 6.7 and 7.3.
- Moderate temperatures – Does best in zones 5-9.
- Regular watering – About 1 inch per week, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
- Good air circulation – Stagnant air increases risk of fungal disease.
With the right environment, dusty lavender will thrive both in the ground and in containers. Make sure it has unrestricted airflow and lots of sun exposure.
Uses for Dusty Lavender
Like traditional lavender, the dusty varieties are highly versatile plants. Here are some popular uses:
- Landscaping – Dusty lavender makes an excellent border plant, edging walkways and flower beds with soft color.
- Containers – It works beautifully in outdoor pots and window boxes, either on its own or paired with other pastels.
- Dried flowers – Cut fresh blooms to dry for floral arrangements, wreaths, potpourri, sachets, and crafts.
- Fragrance – The delicate scent is perfect for perfumes, soaps, sachets, and aromatherapy.
- Cooking – Use fresh or dried buds to add flavor to baked goods, jellies, syrups, and beverages.
- Tea – Brew the fragrant flowers to make relaxing herbal tea.
No matter how you want to use it, dusty lavender’s soft colors and texture add something special. It works in formal and cottage style gardens alike.
Popular Varieties
There are many cultivars of dusty lavender to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Lavandula angustifolia ‘Alba’ | Pure white flowers on compact plants. |
| Lavandula angustifolia ‘Bowles Early’ | One of the first to bloom, pretty pale purple. |
| Lavandula angustifolia ‘Jean Davis’ | Sturdy dusty purple plumes, lightly scented. |
| Lavandula stoechas ‘Icelandic’ | Bright but frosty looking white blooms. |
| Lavandula stoechas ‘Tiara’ | Deep lavender buds open to large purple flags. |
| Lavandula multifida ‘Fernleaf’ | Feathery and finely cut silvery foliage. |
There are also great dwarf varieties like ‘Thumbelina Leigh’ and ‘Blue Cushion’ that work nicely in rock gardens and containers.
How to Plant Dusty Lavender
It’s easy to add this charming lavender to your yard. Follow these tips for planting dusty lavender:
- Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Amend soil with compost if needed.
- Choose a high quality nursery plant or take cuttings from an existing plant.
- Prepare hole 2 times as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Carefully remove from pot, loosen roots, place in hole, and backfill with soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting. Top dress with mulch to retain moisture.
- Allow 1-3 feet between plants depending on mature size.
- Water when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Prune lightly after flowering to promote bushy growth.
Proper planting and care will keep your dusty lavender thriving for years of beauty.
Common Pests and Diseases
Dusty lavender is relatively hardy, but it can still fall victim to some common problems, especially with poor growing conditions. Potential issues to watch for include:
- Root rot – Caused by overwatering, leads to blackened roots and yellowing leaves.
- Woolly lavender aphid – Sucks plant fluids and coats plants in white fluff.
- Thrips – Small insects that rasp and distort leaves.
- Botrytis – A fungal disease that causes spots, discoloration, and dieback.
- Rabbits and deer – Hungry wildlife may nibble on plants.
Promptly treating any issues can help keep your dusty lavender looking its best. Prevent problems by providing good growing conditions and monitoring regularly for pests.
Overwintering Tips
One challenge of growing dusty lavender is getting it safely through harsh winters. Here are some tips to overwinter it successfully:
- Plant in a protected spot, sheltered from wind and cold.
- Mulch around the base to insulate roots from freezing.
- Prune back any dead growth in early spring to allow new growth.
- Hold off fertilizing until after the last frost to avoid winter damage.
- Water sparingly over winter, avoiding excess moisture on roots.
- Cover plants with evergreen boughs or row cover for extra protection if needed.
Taking some simple precautions will help ensure your dusty lavender returns healthy each spring.
Benefits of Dusty Lavender
Beyond its ornamental appeal, dusty lavender offers many benefits:
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators to the garden.
- Spreads rapidly to form a full bushy plant within 2-3 years.
- Very drought tolerant and needs little water once established.
- Deer resistant since they don’t prefer the strong aroma.
- Versatile for crafting, baking, perfumes, sachets and more.
- Relaxing scent has a calming effect.
- Essential oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The delicate, dreamy look and pleasantry fragrance of dusty lavender make it a charming addition to any yard or garden.
FAQs
What is the difference between regular and dusty lavender?
Dusty lavender refers to the soft, muted blooms in pale purple, pink, and gray hues rather than the bold vivid purple more typical of lavender. It also tends to have grayish foliage.
Is dusty lavender rare?
It’s not rare, but it is less common than varieties with deeper purple flowers. Specialty growers produce many types of dusty lavender for gardens.
Is dusty lavender scented?
Yes, dusty lavender varieties do produce the characteristic lavender fragrance, although some types may be less pungently scented than others.
How big do dusty lavender plants get?
It depends on the variety, but dusty lavender is generally compact, reaching 1-2 feet high and 1-3 feet wide at maturity.
Is dusty lavender edible?
Yes, like traditional lavender, the flowers and leaves of dusty lavender can be used safely for culinary purposes such as teas, baked goods, and syrups.
Conclusion
With its soft, dreamy color palette, dusty lavender offers a delicate take on a garden classic. The muted blooms in shades of purple, gray, and pink give beds, borders, and containers a vintage flair. This hardy, compact plant is easy to grow and has a multitude of uses from landscaping to cooking. Give dusty lavender a try forcharming, romantic style.
