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HERB NEWS FOR MAY

© Connie Krochmal

NEW VARIETIES OF HERBS

'Hazel' lavender has been introduced by Monrovia. It should be available at local garden centers and nurseries. This classic plant features dense, finely textured, gray-green foliage. Unlike some lavender varieties, it retains the older leaves as it ages so the stems do not look bare. The striking reddish-purple blossoms initially bloom in the spring with a rebloom in the fall. This Mediterranean plant must have a dry, well-drained spot. Otherwise it is very adaptable.

'Thumbelina Leigh' lavender is a miniature English lavender. This wonderfully fragrant plant has masses of bright violet-blue blooms on very compact heads. Because the plant is so petite, it will be a great addition to a mixed border or hedge.

'Little Giant' purple coneflower is a knockout. It features fragrant, five-inch-wide blooms with double rows of petals. The stems, about 16 inches long, make a great cut flower. This perennial will bloom from July through September. The plant has an upright growth habit, and spreads to about a foot. The plant will bloom the first year.

Jelitto Seeds, a wholesale firm, is introducing 'Rosetta' mullein. This very tough, adaptable perennial will tolerate a wide range of growing conditions from cold to hot. Like most mulleins, 'Rosetta' features a tight rosette of richly textured, dark green, oval leaves. The abundant, 14-inch-tall flower spikes begin appearing in mid or late spring. Cup-shaped flowers surround the flower stalks. Under good growing conditions, the plants can self-sow.

THE GOOD AND THE BAD

A pinch of cinnamon can help diabetics reduce their blood sugar and the cardiovascular diseases associated with the disease. Less than one-half teaspoon per day lowered blood sugar by 18-29%, total cholesterol by 12-26%, the bad (LDL) cholesterol by 7-27%, and triglycerides by 23-30%. This small dose is sufficient to do the trick, so larger quantities are unnecessary.

If you drink alcohol and are susceptible to liver disease, you might want to develop a liking for turmeric, an ingredient often used in curry spice mixes. It contains a natural ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties. Tests show that it can prevent alcoholic liver disease.

Herbal oils are now being used for a new garden spray. Monterey Phyta-Guard EC contains rosemary and clove oils. This can be used for fungal and insect problems.

Now the bad news. FDA has banned the further production of herbal products that contain ephedra. This herb has been associated with a number of deaths, including that of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler. It has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. The plant is often used in weight-control products. Products containing caffeine are a safer substitute for most former users of ephedra.

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