Adaptability of Lavandula sp. in Dingxi arid area of Gansu

In order to extend the cultivating area of Lavandula sp. in Northwest China, seeds of the perfume plant were introduced to Dingxi district of Gansu province from Beijing Botanical Garden, and its adaptabilities were studied from 2008 to 2009. The results showed that Lavandula sp. had a lower germination rate （19.2%） and a higher survival rate （97.4%）. Height was 13.5 cm and 44.1 cm in the first and second year, respectively, and all plants flowered in the second year. Therefore, this is a rapid growth, early flowering and early bearing seed plant in Dingxi. Survival rates of 2monthseedlings and 1yearold plants were 83.3% and 99.8% after transplantation. The seedlings can safely overwinter through the winter of the planting year, and tolerate to the drought for more than one month. Thereby, the plant has strong resistance to cold and drought. This study implies that Lavandula sp. adapts to Dingxis climate and soil condition, so there is a potential to introduce and culture in some area with irrigation system. However, large scale cultivation in the area needs some further study.