Spotlight: Lavender
One of the best parts of summer time is the blooming lavender all around. Their fragrant, calming leaves and beautiful shades of purple flowers are sure to bring peace and beauty anywhere you find them. Today we are going to share all about the types of lavender, where they come from, how to grow them and much more! Let’s get started —
a bit about their background
These perennial shrubs, known as lavender, can be found growing wild in Mediterranean countries. Not only can you spot them in the wild, they are also common plants grown in herb gardens and aesthetic landscapes all around the world. Lavender is said to have been a popular herb back in ancient Greece and Rome for bath time (sounds like we can still relate to them on that one!). In fact, “lavender” comes from the Latin word “lavare” which means to wash! Most bloom around spring into summertime, but their evergreen beauty can be enjoyed year round.
types of lavender
With about 50 species, you are bound to find a favorite! Most are identified by their upright stems that showcase a scale of purple-tipped florals and herbaceous, iconic scent. Here’s a list of some popular ones:
French Lavender, Lavandula stoechas — This can be found growing wild in Spain. Unlike most types, this one is not as aromatic and it can provide plenty of blooms throughout the year!
English Lavender, Lavandula augustifolia — The most common type of lavender. You can identify it by its grayish-green color and strong aroma. English Lavender is popularly known to be the species that is grown in the fields of Provence, France!
Spanish Lavender, Lavandula stoechas — Another favorite, this lavender has a distinctive cone shape with white flowers protruding from the top. Because of the white bloom, you will get deep purple colors accompanied by silver accents. Operates well planted in bulk.
Portuguese Lavender, Lavandula latifolia — Even more fragrant than the popular English Lavender and even more pale in color. These lilac stems bloom constantly late spring into late summer.
how to care for them
If you’re like us, you’ll want to enjoy some lavender in your own outdoor living space. We’ll teach you how to care for them so you can enjoy them as long as possible this season! Because it’s native to the Mediterranean where the soil leans more rocky and sandy, trying to replicate this foundation will make it the happiest. However, it’s also okay growing solo in its own pot with a solid high quality soil with bits of gravel thrown in. Once it’s well established, lavender is pretty low maintenance.
Light: most require full sun, but in hotter climates, allow it some shade in the afternoon
Soil: well-drained and lightly fertilized
Water: drought-tolerant, it only requires watering when top 2 inches are dry
Space: it’s best to plant lavender in a space that allows it to extend about 3 feet
Pruning: prune about 1-2 inches every year after they bloom
Zone: 5 to 9
interesting facts
Lavender is commonly harvested to use for their essential oils! Because of their fragrant properties, you can find them being used in baths, gathered in bouquets on kitchen counters, and in oils.
You can use lavender to flavor coffee (we’ve linked an awesome recipe here!) and you can also utilize it as a spice—commonly found in herbs de Provence blend—to season food.
Lavender originates from the mint family! Makes sense, right?
This perennial draws in pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while shooing away other unwanted friends such as deer. If there is a plant that needs extra protection from smaller pests, plant some lavender! They are great protectors.
Use lavender for edging purposes, you can’t go wrong with this option!
