What is Lavender?
In essence, lavender is a small aromatic evergreen shrub in the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region. This ancient herb is known for its incredible sweet and herbal fragrance, which is robust and floral, soothing and invigorating, - always a perfect balance. Not to mention the beautiful spreads of flowers ranging from satin white to deep indigo that appear from the soft, silvery green foliage between late spring and throughout the summer. It has been cultivated for centuries, due to its various spread of medicinal and antimicrobial properties, pleasant aroma, and culinary purposes.
A Brief History
Ancient Times: In Ancient Egypt (c. 3000 BCE) lavender was used in mummification and as a perfume in burial rituals. Traces of lavender were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, suggesting its importance in Egyptian ceremonial practices. In Ancient Greece (c. 8th–1st century BCE): Greek physicians like Dioscorides praised lavender for its healing properties, particularly as a remedy for headaches, digestive issues, and sore throats. The Romans popularized lavender's use across Europe. They used it in baths for its cleansing and calming properties, incorporated it into oils and salves for healing wounds, and used it as a natural insect repellent. The Latin word lavare, meaning "to wash," is the root of the name "lavender."
Middle Ages: In Europe, lavender was prized for its medicinal properties and practical uses. It served as a natural insect repellent and was commonly used to freshen linens, a testament to its pleasant aroma and antibacterial qualities.
17th and 18th Centuries: Lavender flourished in England, where it became a popular ornamental plant. During this period, lavender water—an early form of perfume—was created to scent clothing and linens, adding a touch of luxury to everyday life.
19th and 20th Centuries: Lavender crossed borders, finding its way to the United States and Australia. Its adaptability allowed it to thrive in these new regions, where it became a staple crop and ornamental favorite.
Modern Day: Lavender is now a global phenomenon, featured in a wide array of products, including perfumes, soaps, lotions, and even culinary creations. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless beauty, soothing properties, and versatility, making it a beloved plant in gardens and industries alike.
Types Of Lavender
Lavender itself can also be split into groups based upon its location of origin. Below are the five major categories of lavender with a brief description of their distinguishing characteristics. Differences include plant size, cold tolerance, spike and leaf structure, bloom time and frequency, flower color, scent, and more. The categories below are as listed.
English lavender (lavandula angustifolia)
French Lavender (lavendula dentata)
Spanish lavender (lavandula stoechas)
Lavandin or Hybrid lavender (lavandula x intermedia)
Portuguese lavender ( lavendula latifolia)
There are over 45 species and 450 varieties of lavender that fit into these groups!
English Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Appearance: Compact, with silvery-green foliage and spikes of purple flowers.
Fragrance: Sweet, floral aroma; considered the most fragrant of all lavender types.
Best Uses: Essential oils, perfumes, culinary applications (e.g., teas, desserts).
Growing Conditions: Prefers cooler climates; thrives in well-drained, alkaline soil.
Notable Varieties: 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead' are popular cultivars. English varieties are known as "true" or "common" lavenders.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas)
Appearance: Uniquely shaped flowers with showy "pineapple-shaped" blooms and colorful bracts.
Fragrance: Strong, with a resinous and herbal aroma.
Best Uses: Ornamental gardens and landscaping; attracts pollinators.
Growing Conditions: Requires hot, sunny conditions; thrives in sandy, well-drained soil.
Notable Varieties: 'Otto Quast' and 'Silver Anouk.'
French Lavender (Lavandula Dentata)
Appearance: Serrated (toothed) leaves and flower spikes with distinctive "rabbit ear" bracts.
Fragrance: Camphor-like scent, less sweet than English lavender.
Best Uses: Ornamental purposes and potpourri; less common for culinary use.
Growing Conditions: Thrives in hot, dry climates; more tolerant of humidity.
Notable Varieties: 'Grey French' and 'Royal Crown.'
Lavandin (Lavandula x Intermedia)
Appearance: A hybrid between English and Portuguese lavender; larger plants with longer flower spikes.
Fragrance: Intense, with a slightly sharper aroma than English lavender due to a higher camphor content.
Best Uses: Essential oils, sachets, and cleaning products; high oil yield.
Growing Conditions: Drought-tolerant; prefers full sun and dry, well-drained soil.
Notable Varieties: 'Grosso,' 'Phenomenal,' and 'Provence.'
Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula Latifolia)
Appearance: Tall spikes of violet flowers with narrow, greenish-grey leaves.
Fragrance: Strong camphor scent, less sweet than other types.
Best Uses: Medicinal oils, cleaning products, and aromatherapy.
Growing Conditions: Heat-loving; thrives in sunny, dry environments, especially in low altitude.
Notable Features: Often used in hybridization to create Lavandin varieties. Low altitude blooms can be blue/grey in color.
Why Grow Lavender?
1. Lavender is Low Maintenance
Thrives in poor, well-drained soil and requires minimal watering once established.
Naturally resistant to pests and diseases, making it easy to grow organically.
2. Versatility in Uses
Culinary: Adds a floral twist to teas, baked goods, and even savory dishes.
Health & Wellness: Known for its calming properties, lavender is often used in aromatherapy and skincare products.
Crafting: Dried lavender is perfect for sachets, wreaths, and potpourri.
3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Lavender is drought-tolerant, requiring less water than many other crops.
It supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.
4. Adds Beauty to Any Space
Known for its vibrant purple flowers and aromatic scent, lavender enhances gardens, landscapes, and patios.
Varieties can range in color anywhere from a pure white to a deep indigo.
5. Economic Potential for Farmers
Lavender products, such as essential oils, dried bundles, and lavender-based cosmetics, are highly marketable and profitable.
Lavender agritourism (e.g., U-pick fields or lavender festivals) can attract visitors and generate additional revenue.
6. Improves Mental and Physical Well-Being
Lavender’s scent has calming effects, helping reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Studies suggest it can improve sleep quality and alleviate mild anxiety or headaches.
7. Long Blooming Season and Perennial Growth
Lavender blooms throughout summer and can last for years, making it a cost-effective and rewarding plant for long-term growth.
8. Useful To Your Garden
Lavender is a natural pest repellent, and is not considered edible to most animals.
Lavender's natural oils make it resistant to many common garden diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments and keeping your garden healthier.
Lavender is more than just a beautiful and fragrant plant—it’s a versatile addition to any garden, offering a wide range of benefits. From its rich history of medicinal and ornamental use to its modern day body care, natural wellness and culinary presence, there’s a lavender variety for every garden, whether you have a small patch of grass or acres of land. Beyond its beauty, lavender supports pollinators, improves mental well-being, and offers countless ways to enjoy its fragrance and flavor.
By growing lavender in your garden, you’re not just adding a lovely touch of color and scent—you’re also creating a sustainable, low-maintenance space that provides a range of benefits for both you and the environment. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden’s aesthetic, create homemade products, or enjoy the therapeutic qualities of lavender, this hardy plant is a fantastic choice that will reward you year after year.
Click here to buy lavender plants: Please note our presale is only available from January-June, and plants are farm pick up only.
Lavender Farm School
For our aspiring (and experienced!) farmers - meet our fully immersive 6 week course, Lavender Farm School. Launching 2025. Click Here to be put on the launch list.
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