Planting & repotting: Aromatic plants

LAVENDER is a genus of plants in the Lamiaceae family. These dicotyledonous shrubs, with flowers most often mauve or violet arranged in spikes, most of which are very fragrant species, are widely used in all branches of perfumery, in particular lavandin (Lavandula ×intermedia). They grow mainly on dry and sunny calcareous soils, with the exception of Lavandula stoechas, which prefers siliceous soils. All lavenders are honey plants, that is to say, highly sought after by bees. There are 28 species of lavender and their cultivation is very simple. They fit in just as well on balconies and terraces in pots as in the open ground in gardens, in rockeries.

ROSEMARY is a perennial plant with evergreen foliage that blooms from February to April with pretty light blue flowers. It reaches a height of 1.5 meters at maturity. Its leaves are edible and renowned for their nutritional values and their perfumes used in essential oils and infusions among others. This rustic plant likes the sun and ordinary to poor soils with calcareous acidity. ROSEMARY is planted in spring.

THYME is a hardy and easy-to-grow aromatic plant that thrives in poor, light or even stony, well-drained soils. If your soil is rather damp and clayey, grow it in a pot. Plant in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). In open ground: choose a very sunny location and space the plants 30 cm apart. Water very moderately, mainly in summer, as THYME does not like excess moisture. Annual pruning will keep it looking nice, rounded and stocky.

LEMON VERBENA is a lemon-scented shrub, is not very hardy because it was born in Peru and Chile. But growing in pots, to be protected in winter, suits it well: it develops quickly, reaching almost 1 m in height in the year. This deciduous perennial likes exposure to the sun and requires relatively simple maintenance. It grows quickly. It likes sandy soils rich in humus and compost. You can grow it in pots, in planters or in open ground (be careful of the cold because VERBENA does not tolerate low temperatures)

SAGE OFFICINALIS blooms from May to July with pretty purple flowers. This aromatic perennial shrub with semi-evergreen foliage will reach a height of 60 cm at maturity. Its leaves are used in cooking as an infusion (but be careful not to overdo it). Very hardy, it requires exposure to full sun or partial shade and ordinary, drained, heavy soil accepted with neutral to calcareous acidity. It is used in flowerbeds or vegetable gardens and is planted in spring and autumn.

The Pépinière des Aspres de Grasse also offers you a wide range of various aromatic plants such as: wild garlic, jam, lemongrass, fennel, isope, couscous, peppermint, mint, saffron, verbena, basil, lemon balm, coriander, chives, savory, oregano, chamomile ...