Topped lavender ‘Anouk’ is a cultivar of French lavender, from the mint family. Its appearance differentiates it from other varieties of lavender. The name ‘Anouk’ means ‘grace,’ perhaps alluding to its appearance when waving in the breeze. Topped lavender ‘Anouk’ is a popular garden plant as it is easy to maintain, fragrant, and blossoms for a long period of time.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Compact and very hardy, Lavandula stoechas ‘Anouk’ is also called French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, Bract Lavender, or Butterfly Lavender, this type of Lavender is a wonderful addition to the garden given the very distinctive look of its flowers and its highly aromatic silvery foliage.
Evergreen in warm winter climates, this Lavender typically grows in a bushy mound, up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Resembling the foliage of Rosemary, the leaves are long, pointed, and soft gray-green.
This French Lavender blooms almost continuously from mid-late spring to late summer. Flowering typically occurs as early as May (in areas with mild summers and winters) with another flush of blooms in June followed by another flush of color in late summer or fall.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Topped lavender ‘Anouk’ thrives in direct sun. This plant is native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia and Africa, so it is adapted to grow under full sun. So, if you plan to grow topped lavender ‘Anouk’ in your garden, it is best to plant it in a sunny spot.
Temperature
Topped lavender ‘Anouk’ loves warmth and prefers to grow in a sunny spot. It is a very drought-tolerant plant and doesn’t require much water to grow. However, topped lavender ‘Anouk’ requires more frequent watering during establishment and first blossoming season compared to established, mature plants.
Watering
Thriving in its native Mediterranean climate, topped lavender ‘Anouk’ is well-adapted to periods of dryness with a preference for well-drained soils and full sun exposure. This species exhibits drought tolerance, requiring minimal supplemental watering once established. It should be watered every week to maintain adequate hydration without over-saturating the soil. As an evergreen plant, topped lavender ‘Anouk’ retains its foliage year-round, making it a consistent contributor to the garden’s visual appeal while efficiently managing its water reserves even in less than ideal conditions.
Soil
Topped lavender ‘Anouk’ likes medium-rich to poor soils. If you want to grow this plant for essential oils, you can encourage their production by planting the topped lavender ‘Anouk’ in a lean soil.
Topped lavender ‘Anouk’ thrives in lean, well-drained soils that are more on the dry side. They also prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with a pH value from 6.7 to 7.3.
Fertilizing
To bolster topped lavender ‘Anouk”s growth and flowering, apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer early in the growing season. Optimal frequency is once in spring and again in late summer. Use according to package instructions, ensuring to not over-fertilize as topped lavender ‘Anouk’ is sensitive to excess nutrients. Variations in fertilizing are required; less in dormant winter periods and balanced during active growth. Always water topped lavender ‘Anouk’ after fertilizing to aid absorption and prevent root burn.
Planting Instructions
It is best to get new topped lavender ‘Anouk’ plants from developed seedlings, considering that their seeds have a lower success rate. If planting in USDA zones 1-6, the recommended time of planting is spring to early summer. If planting in warmer areas (USDA zones 7-10), you can plant your topped lavender ‘Anouk’ at the start of the autumn so the root system can establish during the winter. Mix some gravel with the planting soil rather than compost, in order to improve the soil drainage. When done, water the plant generously to compress the soil and remove any air pockets.
Pruning
Once established, topped lavender ‘Anouk’ requires minimal maintenance and pruning. As the plant gets older, the base of the stems will grow woody, so prune it back by about half of its size when the spring comes. This will promote new growth and fuller blooms. Also, topped lavender ‘Anouk’ that is not pruned from time to time tends to sprawl and create a hole in the middle of the bush. Lastly, remove the spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Use sharp tools and always disinfect them before use to avoid contamination.
Propagation
Topped lavender ‘Anouk’ is effectively propagated through cuttings, which involves selecting healthy, non-flowering stems for the best chance of rooting success. For optimal results, use a rooting hormone and place the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the environment maintains appropriate moisture and warmth to encourage root development without promoting rot. Once established, transitioning the young plants to their permanent locations should be done with care to minimize root disturbance and stress.
Transplanting
The prime time for relocating topped lavender ‘Anouk’ spans from the vitality of mid-spring to the warm embrace of late spring, offering optimal root establishment before summer. Choose a sun-kissed spot with well-draining soil to ensure topped lavender ‘Anouk’ thrives post-transplant. Keep the ambiance amiable, reminding gardeners to maintain soil consistency for a seamless transition.
III. Uses and Harvesting
You should harvest topped lavender ‘Anouk’ when nearly half of the buds are open. The harvesting process should be conducted early morning because that is the time of the day when the flowers have the highest concentration of essential oils. Cut the stem as low to the base as possible, and when you have a handful of flowers, make a bundle and secure it with a rubber band for drying.
You can use the dry topped lavender ‘Anouk’ as a moth repellent and make herb sachets for your closets. These sachets will be effective for some time as the flowers can stay fragrant for many months when packed like this.
