I have these spaces in the backyard with shrubs and some bushes. Im going to clear those and solarize the soil. I want to fill all that space with lavender plants but also want to mix the lavender with some plants that give off a vanilla smell. Is there any like this?? Any type of orchid or something? If so is it better to plant as seed or but the actual plants?? Thank you!
I can think of two that have a vanilla scent: Stanhopea Oculata and Max Ruffecens. I'm sure others will be along shortly with more suggestions for you. WELCOME to Gardenstew. :-D
Not sure about lavender and orchids growing together. Lavender prefers a temperate climate needing hotter, dryer growing conditions. Orchids are tropical and need warmer but humid conditions. You might do some research into the following plants that have a vanilla scent to see if they will grow in your area... Aloysia virgata Azara microphylla 'Variegata' Clematis armandii 'Apple Blossom' Clematis montana 'Elizabeth' Clematis montana 'Mayleen' Clematis montana var. rubens Clematis recta Clematis x triternata 'Rubromarginata' Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' Escallonia x exoniensis Heliotropium arborescens 'Alba' Iris unguicularis Ocimum basilicum 'Blue Spice' Petasites fragrans (winter heliotrope) Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers' Sarcococca ruscifolia Tulbaghia natalensis
Depends on what the definition of 'great weather' is. Weather has to be the type of weather conditions the plants require for growth. Lavender needs low humidity, low rainfall, hot and full sun. An orchid would die pretty quickly in that weather, it needs a tropical environment. That's why with the possible exception of south Florida they are usually grown as houseplants. Find a local garden center (other than one of the big box stores) and ask someone there about growing Orchids out doors in your area. There may be some species that will do well, they may not be vanilla scented though.
Well they dont really have to be orchids. It doesnt matter. As long as it smells like vanilla and could grow next to my lavender outside, im cool with it. Im just trying to get that lavender/vanilla smell in this certain area