Yellow Lavender (Lavandula viridis), also known by many names including Canary Island Lavender, Green Lavender, and Lemon Lavender, is a unique and fragrant herb that offers a distinct twist on the traditional lavender plant. Unlike its purple cousins, Lavandula viridis produces light greenish-yellow flowers, adding an unexpected and refreshing splash of color to your garden. With its citrus-like aroma and subtle elegance, Yellow Lavender is perfect for gardeners looking to diversify their herb collection with a fragrant, ornamental, and hardy plant. The seeds in this packet offer the opportunity to cultivate this exotic, Mediterranean native in your own garden, whether for culinary use, essential oils, or ornamental purposes.

Key Features:

• Distinct Yellow Flowers: Unlike the more common purple lavender varieties, Yellow Lavender produces beautiful greenish-yellow flowers that are visually striking and highly fragrant.
• Citrus-Scented: The flowers and leaves of this lavender release a lovely lemony aroma, making it a great addition to herb gardens or spaces where the fragrance can be appreciated.
• Versatile Uses: Yellow Lavender can be used in a variety of ways, including for its soothing scent in sachets, teas, or homemade potpourri. Its leaves can also be used in culinary dishes for a citrusy twist.
• Attractive to Pollinators: The fragrant flowers of this plant are beloved by pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems.
• Hardy and Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Yellow Lavender is relatively drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor, well-draining soils, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardening.

Growing Information:

• Light: Yellow Lavender thrives in full sun and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It will not perform well in shaded or overly moist areas.
• Soil: Well-draining, slightly sandy or gravelly soil is essential. Yellow Lavender is tolerant of poor soils, as long as they do not stay too wet. It grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.0-8.0.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
  • Press the seeds lightly into the soil as they need light for germination, and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
  • Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
  • Germination typically takes 14-28 days when kept at temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
• Watering: Water the seeds consistently during germination. Once established, Yellow Lavender is drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Be careful not to overwater, as the plant does not like soggy roots.
• Maintenance: Prune Yellow Lavender after blooming to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Regularly remove dead flowers to prevent the plant from self-seeding and ensure a tidy appearance.

Benefits:

• Fragrant Flowers: Yellow Lavender’s lemon-scented flowers make it ideal for use in aromatherapy, homemade potpourri, and sachets. It also makes an excellent addition to scented herb gardens.
• Culinary Uses: While not as common as purple lavender varieties, Yellow Lavender can be used in cooking. Its citrus-like flavor pairs well with meats, fruits, and desserts, adding a unique twist to your dishes.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The beautiful, fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to improve biodiversity in your garden.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, this lavender variety can survive in dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The pale yellowish-green flowers provide an elegant contrast to other plants in the garden, making Yellow Lavender an attractive addition to borders, rock gardens, and herb collections.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 7-10. Yellow Lavender prefers temperate Mediterranean climates but can be grown in other regions with appropriate care during the winter months, such as bringing plants indoors during cold weather or protecting them with mulch.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Yellow Lavender is perfect for herb gardens, where it can be harvested for both its culinary and fragrant uses. Plant it alongside other herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage for a well-rounded herb garden.
• Pollinator Gardens: This lavender variety is excellent for pollinator gardens, as its flowers attract bees and butterflies. Plant it in sunny, sheltered spots where pollinators can thrive.
• Edible Landscaping: Incorporate Yellow Lavender into your edible landscape. Its leaves can be used in a variety of dishes, and its aromatic flowers provide both fragrance and beauty.
• Container Gardening: If you have limited space, Yellow Lavender grows well in containers. Place it in a sunny location on a patio, balcony, or windowsill for easy access to fresh herbs.

Conclusion: Yellow Lavender (Lavandula viridis) is a striking and versatile plant that adds both fragrance and beauty to any garden. With its unique lemon-scented flowers, it’s a perfect choice for culinary, aromatic, or ornamental purposes. Whether you’re growing it in a dedicated herb garden, container, or pollinator-friendly space, this lavender variety is easy to care for, drought-tolerant, and beneficial to local wildlife. The 20 seeds in this packet offer the opportunity to grow a plant that’s both functional and visually stunning, enhancing your garden with its sweet, citrus-like fragrance and lovely, soft flowers.