Lavender (Lavandula) Plant

On this webpage: Learn about the Lavender plant, its history, how to grow Lavender, the species to choose and why, how to prune Lavender, culinary uses, medicinal qualities, and 15 Types of Lavender.

What is a Lavender Plant?

The Lavender plant is a culinary herb, an attractive floral plant, is known for it’s fragrance and oil, and is used medicinally. Lavandula is another common name for it. Lavender is native to Europe, East Africa, Southwest Asia, and India. Lavender is one of the most valuable herbs used since time immemorial.

The plant produces purple colored flowers. However, a few varieties have violet blue, rose, pale pink, white, and yellow colored flowers. They flower from spring to fall, depending on the species. They are a perennial plant and depending on your pant zone, are an evergreen. They need full sun and a well-draining soil for their best performance. They are very drought tolerance and are resistant to deer, rabbit and pests! Pollinators thrive on Lavender plants!!

Lavenders are a perfect candidate for hedging, bordering and rock gardens. However, they grow well in containers also. Almost all varieties are valued for its essential oils. It is widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning chemicals, air refreshers, insect repellents, aroma therapy and more. It’s in the Mint family. Some of the most common and widely cultivated Lavender varieties are below.

Our list of 400 edible plants. MANY are herbs!

History of Lavender

Lavender has been used for 3,000 years.

Egyptians used Lavender for cosmetics, fragrance and the mummification process.
Ancient Greeks used it for fragrance. Theophrastus, the father of botany, described the healing qualities of scents. The ancient Greeks called Lavender nardus, after the Syrian city of Naarda.
Romans believed in its antiseptic and medicinal properties. They also used it to deter insects and for fragrance. The name, Lavender can trace it’s roots to lavandārius, from lavanda (things to be washed). During the
Victorian era, people of England used Lavender to perfume clothing and bed linens, as bathing was not a daily routine. Lavender oil production became an industry. It was also used to repel inspects, treat lice, as a perfume and a potpourri, in furniture polish and soap and as a cure-all in household medicine cupboards (Cache Creek Lavender). The English exported the oil around the world.
Lavender was introduced to US in early 1600s.

More about the History of Lavender from Cache Creek Lavender Farm.

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How to Grow Lavender

Grow Lavender plants in full sun, and well draining alkaline soil.

Site selection and Soil

Lavender site selection. They require a sunny location. Give Lavender as much sun as possible. They do not grow well in shade. Secondly, plant them on a slope or raised bed if you’re in climate with regular rainfall.
When to plant. Plant after the threat of frost has passed. It’s best to plant in spring, before hot summer or cold winter weather. For fall planting, use more established plants to ensure winter survival. Established plants include well-rooted plants from a 1-gallon pot or larger.
Well draining soil.
1. In climates with regular rainfall, Lavender plants will need well-draining soil. They are adapted to hot, dry, rocky or sandy soil.
  Create a soil mix of sand, gravel and loam. Loam is nature’s mix of sand, silt and clay. Further, create “pore space” in your soil. “An ideal soil is … 45% mineral (sand, silt, and clay), 5% organic matter, and 50% pore space.” Therefore, perlite can be used, as well as sand and gravel.
  Some course organic material is helpful but a high-level of organic soil is detrimental. Excessive organic material will retain too much water overwinter (ie, with snow on the ground). 5% course organic matter, according to experts!
2. In climates with little rainfall, Lavender plants will likely thrive. Well-draining soil is less important in dry conditions. The plant is adapted to dry climates. Finally, they tolerate poor to moderately fertile soil. So amending the soil is not a priority.
Alkaline soil. Lavender plants’ native habitat includes limestone substrate. It is designed to grow in alkaline soil. So, while most plants tolerate a wide range of soil pH, Lavender plants do NOT grow well in acid soil.
Usually, soils are not very acidic or very alkaline, unless you live in an environment of limestone substrate (alkaline) or with old mature conifers (acidic), for example.
There are low-dollar soil testers and lime is used to increase alkaline levels for plants. We used Lime for our “alkaline leaning” Truffle Oak.

As an Amazon Associate, HEPPY earns from qualifying purchases (paid link). These are products WE use: Coarse Perlite | Fast Acting Lime | Ph Meter

Lavender plant care

Do not overwater or overfertilize Lavender plants. They are native to dry climates.

Watering Lavender. Little or no water is required once they are established. Lavender are VERY drought resistant plants. Many are native in the HOT Mediterranean!
1. Do not overwater Lavender plants. They do NOT like “wet feet.” Lavender plants will get root rot if they are overwatered, grown in high organic soil or soil that’s not well-draining.
Fertilizing Lavender plants. Little fertilizer is needed. Potash fertilizer will encourage more flowering and improved flower color. How can I identify potash fertilizer? All fertilizers are identified by 3 numbers (for example, 10-10-10). Potash fertilizer is the last number (for example, 10-10-60).
Pest control. Lavender plants are generally pest and disease free.
Root rot. Moist or wet climates pose the greatest risk for root rot. Pythium, Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia are fungi or fungi-like microorganisms in the soil. Affected branches and plants must be removed and destroyed.
Pruning. Prune Lavender plants annually if you want a compact appearance. Otherwise they sprawl and grow woody. Pruning also promotes a longer-lived plant. However, certain varieties are pruned differently. Lavender varieties and how to prune them is below!

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Lavender Varieties, Species and Classification

There are 40 species of plants and they belong to the genus, Lavandula. Lavender plants are classified into categories, there are hybrids and subspecies, and there’s a confusing history in the naming of these plants.

These classifications determine the best Lavender plants for culinary use, your plant zone and medicinal qualities.

angustifolia

angustifolia is a very common species in North America. Overall, Lavandula angustifolia is the best variety.

Most cold HARDY. It grows in plant zone 5!
Best for all culinary use (but NOT the hybrids such as, angustifolia x intermedia or lavandula x intermedia, etc.).
Best medicinal qualities (PFAF).
English, Hidcote and Munstead are common and recommended varieties of angustifolia. For example, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’.
- Many hybrids are derived from angustifolia. However, angustifolia and lavandula is used interchangeably.
angustifolia, latifolia and lanata are in the Lavandula class.

dentata

dentata is not a common species in North America. Only because of the French Lavender is this class well-known.

NOT cold hardy. It grows in plant zone 8 or warmer climate.
NOT best for all culinary use (use for decoration or long cook-time).
Lower medicinal qualities (PFAF).
French Lavender is the only common variety.
I see no hybrids, and only candicans as a subspecies, in the Dentatae class.

stoechas

stoechas is a less common species in North America.

Moderate cold hardiness. It grows in plant zone 7 to 8, or warmer climate.
Moderate culinary use (decoration on salads and cold desserts).
Moderate medicinal qualities (PFAF).
Spanish, White Anouk and Bandera Deep Rose are the common and recommended varieties of stoechas. For example, Lavandula stoechas ‘White Anouk’.
There are many hybrids are derived from stoechas.
pedunculata, stoechas and viridis are in the Stoechas class.

Other classifications

Pterostoechas, Subnuda, Chaetostachys, Hasikensis, Sabaudia are the other classes of Lavender plants. They consist of rare Lavender plants (rare in the nursery marketplace).

Pterostoechas include these species: buchii, canariensis, minutolii, pinnata, and rotundifolia.
Subnudae include these species: subnuda, macra, dhofarensis, and samhanensis.
Chaetostachys have these two species: bipinnata and gibsonii.
Hasikensis have these two species: hasikensis and sublepidota.
Sabaudia have these two species: atriplicifolia and erythraeae.

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Downderry Nursery in England provided the inspiration for this overview. It’s based on the research found in, The Genus Lavandula, as edited by Tim Upson and Susyn Andrews.

As an Amazon Associate, HEPPY earns from qualifying purchases (paid link): The Genus Lavandula, by Upson and Andrews

The Best Lavender Varieties, Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia are the best varieties for all culinary use and have the highest medicinal qualities. This variety is also the most cold-hardy.

Common Varieties of the Best Class

1. Lavandula angustifolia, English Lavender
2. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Buena Vista’
3. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
4. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote Superior’
5. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Lavandula Schola’ (Blue Cushion)

Common Varieties of the Best Class

6. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Kerlavangem’ Sweet Romance
7. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’
8. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Lavang 21’ Violet Intrigue
9. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Rosea’
10. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Potpourri Sky Blue’

Common Varieties of the Best Class

11. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Sharon Roberts’
12. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Royal Velvet’
13. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Twickel Purple’
14. Lavandula angustifolia ‘SuperBlue’

How to Prune Lavender

Prune Lavender plants annually if you want a compact appearance. Also, plants NOT pruned annually will develop more woody branches and the entire plant with sprawl. Finally, annual pruning promotes a longer-lived plant, which is up to 20 years!

When to Prune

Prune Lavender plants after they flower. L. angustifolia and L. x intermedia species are pruned after the first flowering. However, several varieties flower from spring to fall, such as Lavandula dentata. When to prune Lavender plants flowering all season? At minimum, dead-head flower-heads to stimulate more blooms. Then, it’s your choice to prune the plant after the first flowering or, at the end of the growing season.

What to Prune

Prune the current year’s growth. The current year’s grow is thin, and with shoots and leaves (and, not woody). Peduncle it the botanical name for the long thin growth with shoots, leaves and flowers.

Do NOT prune woody branches. Woody branches will develop over time if Lavender plants are not pruned annually. The prior years’ growth thickens, and gets ‘woody.’ Generally, shoots do not grow from woody branches. Additionally, cutting woody branches will expose Lavender plants to disease.
Finally, Lavender plants will often die if cut back to the ground.

How much to Prune

Prune 1/3 to 2/3rds of the growth, depending on how compact you want your Lavender plants. Lavender plants benefit from a strong prune.

Look for new shoots on the current year’s growth. All that’s needed is a few inches of growth with shoots below your cut.

Culinary Lavender

All Lavender plants have a culinary use. However, Lavandula angustifolia is the best for all culinary applications. L. angustifolia has a soft, sweet, refreshing and floral scent and flavor.

Lavender can be added to ingredients while fresh or can be dried first. Start by using a little and increase quantities according to taste. Adding too much can give a bitter taste, although the flavor mellows once cooked. Use about twice as much fresh Lavender as dried (Downderry Nursery). Dried Lavender has a little more ‘punch’ than fresh.

Harvesting Lavender

Harvest the calyces (‘flower pockets’) or grains of angustifolia and used more sparingly, x intermedia. The calyces or grains are the Lavender ingredient used for flavoring and cooking.

Harvest when the flower heads are in full color, but before the flowers open. Use the grains whole or chopped or bruised to release the flavor (Downderry Nursery). Here is a demonstration of harvesting Lavender for culinary use.

It is common to prune AND harvest flowers with the stalks. Tie a small bundle together and allow it to dry. Once dry, gently shake or rub the dried stalks until the flowers (calyces) fall off. That’s the “grains” you will use in flavorings, infusions and cooking!

For Decoration

Use any variety of Lavender plants for decoration.

For Flavoring and Infusions

Mix Lavender with salt, sugar, honey, oil, or in your favorite rub for grilled meats. Add it to foods for about a month to allow the flavor to infuse.

For Cooking

Lavandula angustifolia is the best variety for all types of cooking. If you’re using a variety other than Lavandula angustifolia, consider using it in a dish that requires longer cook time. The most astringent lavenders are the x intermedia and x chaytorae varieties.

Pairing Lavender with foods

Use Lavender in virtually any dish including biscuits and breads, cakes and ice cream, lemonade and Champagne.

Or, use Lavender as you would Rosemary. Pair it with chicken, lamb and fish, and other meats.

Mix it with other herbs in a vegetarian pizza or goats cheese tartlets to produce a floral herbal flavor. Or, add about 1 teaspoon of fresh Lavender to boiled or sautéed potatoes. Use its stems as skewers to flavor barbecued food (Downderry Nursery).

Recipes

Here are recipes for Lavender foods: cookies, almond cake, brownies, teas, muffins, granola, pumpkin bread, and with fish!

As an Amazon Associate, HEPPY earns from qualifying purchases (paid link): The Lavender Cookbook, by Sharon Shipley

Lavender Benefits

HEPPY™ cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant for food or medicinally. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.

Lavender has many beneficial properties! Lavandula angustifolia has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, neurologic, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, and analgesic effects. Lavender is also used in the aromatherapy, food, cosmetics, and perfume sectors (NIH / PubMed, A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula species).

The chemical composition of oils distilled from the two most commonly used species, Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermediate, have been thoroughly studied. In studies, when the L. x intermedia and L. angustifolia were compared, the effects were usually similar. This implies that L. x intermedia possesses similar therapeutic potential as its parent species.

Lavender Aromatherapy

There are many studies about Aromatherapy. However, many studies about Aromatherapy are for patients with severe medical issues. Patients undergoing chemotherapy in a randomized, controlled trial found a “a significant difference in the lavender group” when anxiety was compared before and after chemotherapy.

Lavender Essential Oils

Again, there are many studies about Essential Oils on patients with severe medical issues. Also, there are SO many studies to review! This study on lavender oil application found that “Lavender aromatics have been shown to help babies and the elderly sleep better (Basch et al. 2004; Elisabetsky et al. 1995).”

Essential Oils and Dementia

A large number of clinical investigations found that Lavender essential oils has a propensity to change the behavior of individuals with dementia. “It has been demonstrated that even inhaling lavender oils can lessen agitation in dementia patients.” However, the application of essential oil on the epidermis provided optimal results (Heuberger et al. 2004).

100 studies on Lavender

Well over 100 studies are cited in the ONE PubMed study, A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula. It includes how much Lavender to take (dosing) and adverse affects. Review information on NIH / PubMed and

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15 Types of Lavender

Learn about common and unusual types of Lavender plants. Also, we planted several varieties in our herb garden.

Common and Unusual Types of Lavender Plants

1. English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender is also known as True Lavender or Common Lavender. It’s a native of Mediterranean region but grows well in England, hence its name.

Lavandula angustifolia is the best for culinary and medicinal use. It’s a great asset for your herbal collection owing to its aromatic leaves and flowers, and immense anti-microbial and aromatic properties. Also, Lavandula angustifolia is the most cold-hardy, and resistant to common pests and diseases. It is a drought tolerant plant that will grow well in rock gardens or herb gardens.

English Lavenders are small, evergreen perennials. The bloom color ranges from blue, purple to whitish-pink. The silver-gray leaves attract your attention even during the non-blooming months.

Plant Details

Zones: 5-8
Grow As: best as a shrub/hedge
Mature Size: 22-36 inches tall
Flower Color: blue, purple to whitish-pink
Species/Classification: Lavandula

2. French lavender, Lavandula dentata

French Lavender is also known as Butterfly or Papillon Lavender. It grows upright, with bright green foliage. Flowers are in shades of dark purple arranged on thick stout spikes. Large winged-shaped bracts arising at top of the spike will catch everyone’s attention.

Lavandula dentata blooms throughout the year. Therefore, dead-head blooms regularly and prune after the first bloom OR the end of the growing season. Your choice. Dead-heading and pruning at the end-of-season will provide incredible volume of flowering Lavender plants.

The leaves emit strong aroma when crushed. The bushy and mounded appearance of L. dentata suits well for bordering. Place it in a large container on your patio to attract more attention. Being tolerant to dry climates, Lavandula dentata will be the stunner in rock gardens.

Plant Details

Zones: 8-11
Grow As: best as a container or border plant
Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall
Flower Color: dark purple
Species/Classification: Dentatae

3. Spanish Lavender, Lavandula stoechas

Spanish Lavender is also known as Bract, Butterfly or Topped Lavender. It is less cold-hardy and has stronger oils. That’s better for potpourri and in a vase, but not the preferred variety for culinary use. It’s flowers are know for their full bracts (pineapple-shaped) with “bunny ears” blooms at the top.

Lavandula stoechas ‘White Anouk’

‘White Anouk’ is a more hardy variety among Lavandula stoechas. They show great tolerance to low temperatures. The grow in a short and compact habit with pure white bracts atop that gives a distinct look, ‘White Anouk’. The flowers are in shades of dark purple. Blooms appear in late spring. The dark green foliage are aromatic. It resembles to foliage of Rosemary.
‘White Anouk’ stays evergreen under warm winters. Like all Lavender, they need full sun and well-draining, loam or sandy soils.

The drought tolerant ‘White Anouk’ is perfect for containers, as bordering and hedging. Mass planting of ‘White Anouk’ creates great contrast to a green background.

‘White Anouk’s are ideal for mass plantings. They show great tolerance to low temperatures.

Plant Details

Zones:
Lavandula stoechas: 8-10
Lavandula stoechas ‘White Anouk’: 6-10
Grow As: best as a container or border plant
Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall
Flower Color:
Lavandula stoechas: dark purple
Lavandula stoechas ‘White Anouk’: dark purple with pale white bracts
Species/Classification: Stoechas

4. Fringed Lavender, Lavandula dentata

Fringed Lavender is native to Mediterranean basin, especially Spain and Morocco. It is common in arid terrains and rocky landscapes. The name “Fringed” comes from those narrow leaves with fringed margins. It’s also called the Toothed Lavender.

The plant is short and has a rounded appearance. Pale-violet flowers are borne on mauve-colored spikes formed at the tip of a flowering axis. The large pale-violet floral bracts found atop the spike add to the beauty. During long summers, it exhibits dense and compact arrangement of leaves. Fringed Lavender blooms throughout spring to autumn.

It has an extraordinarily tolerance for drought. It’s an ideal herb for in landscapes where moisture is scarce. However, it’s not frost hardy compared to other Lavender varieties. Pruning should be done after flowering to avoid leggy growth and maintain compact form.

Showcase its beautiful fringed leaves as a container plant. They grow well in containers, largely due to it’s high drought tolerance.

Essential oils from Lavandula dentata are used to treat headaches, common cold, etc. Dried leafy twigs of it are burned to repel mosquitoes. Like the French Lavender, its leaves emit strong aroma when crushed. However, it’s not the top-choice for culinary use because of the higher oil content.

Plant Details

Zones: 8-10
Grow As: best as a container or border plant
Mature Size: 21-36 inches tall
Flower Color: pale violet with mauve-colored bracts
Species/Classification: Dentatae

5. Woolly Lavender, Lavandula lanata

Woolly Lavender is a dwarf variety with thick, narrow silver-green foliage. The short white soft-hairs present on the leaves give wooly appearance. Lavandula lanata is a native of Southern Spain. It is also spelled, Wooly.

The flowers are bright purple colored and fragrant. Blooming persist throughout summer. Lavandula lanata are ideal container plants. They are also a great addition rock gardens. The whitish-green foliage creates a stunning show on the landscape. Like all Lavenders, it’s drought tolerant, loves full sunlight, and thrives in well-draining rocky soil. Also, it’s evergreen in warm climates. Prune after flowering and to avoid a shaggy appearance.

It is COMMONLY written that it’s cold-hardy. Down to 25F (-5C). However, it’s listed as growing in plant zone 8! That’s not cold-hardy. My intuition is that it’s zone 8, as Lavandula lanata are generally not cold-hardy.

Plant Details

Zones: 8-10
Grow As: best as a container or border plant
Mature Size: 15-24 inches tall
Flower Color: shades of purple, including bright purple
Species/Classification: Lavandula

6. Spike Lavender, Lavandula latifolia

Spike Lavender grows across Northern Italy, Spain and Southern France, and is also known as Portugese Lavender. It has pale lilac-colored flowers that rise as short spikes on flowering axis. It is a late bloomer. Flowering occurs throughout summer to early fall. The bright green leaves are elongated and wider than English Lavender.

This variety is tolerant of temperatures as low as 25F (-5C). The essential oil of Spike Lavender has antiseptic and sedative. It yields more oil compared to Lavendula angustifolia but is of lower quality.

Plant Details

Zones: 5-9
Grow As: best as a shrub/hedge
Mature Size: 11-30 inches tall
Flower Color: pale lilac
Species/Classification: Lavandula

7. Green Lavender, Lavandula viridis

Green Lavender is an unusual variety. It has a lemony smell, parts of the plant have a sticky texture, and it tolerates some shade!

Pale green leaves emit lemony scent when crushed. The stickiness texture is from highly branched hairs that cover the leaves, bracts and other flowering portions of the plant. The stems (“peduncles”) are unbranched and covered in the same branched hairs. Finally, unlike most Lavenders, Green Lavender can tolerate partial shade.

The floral stalk bears pale white flowers. Large, transparent, greenish-white bracts top the floral spike. It blooms during the spring. Grow Lavandula viridis with French Lavender for a stunning contrasts. Plant either variety in containers or as border plant. Prune Lavandula viridis after flowering season.

Lavandula viridis is native to the Iberian Peninsula. It is also known as White or Yellow Lavender.

Plant Details

Zones: 5-9
Grow As: best as a shrub/hedge
Mature Size: 15-30 inches tall
Flower Color: pale white or yellow-green
Species/Classification: Stoechas

8. Jagged Lavender, Lavandula buchii

Jagged Lavender blooms year around and is native to an extraordinarily small area on Earth — Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Fern-like foliage and very long slender floral spikes are characteristics of this variety. The deeply lobed leaves resemble ferns. Dark purple colored blooms persist throughout spring to fall. Jagged Lavenders tolerates poor soils but plant them in full sun for best performance.

The long floral axis attract humming birds, bees and butterflies. Jagged Lavenders are an ideal candidate for dry and arid landscapes. Dead head spent flowers to maintain the attractive look of the plant.

Plant Details

Zones: 9-11
Grow As: best as a container plant
Mature Size: 24-48 inches tall
Flower Color: deep purple
Species/Classification: Pterostoechas

9. Fern Leaved Lavender, Lavandula pinnata

Fern Leaved Lavender is prized for its fern-like and bright green foliage. The leaves have short white hairs, producing a velvety appearance. Dark purple flowers are arranged tightly at the tip of long floral axis. Flowering occurs during early to late spring. The fern like foliage and earthy scents are characteristic of the Lavandula pinnata var. pinnata. It is native to the Mediterranean regions.

Plant Fern Leaved Lavender in a sunny location with well-draining alkaline soil. Prune after flowering to avoid leggy growth and woody stems.

Lavandula pinnata is less cold-hardy than almost all other varieties. The plant attracts a lot of pollinators, but is susceptible to Rosemary Beetle and Sage Leafhopper.

Plant Details

Zones: 9-10
Grow As: best as a border or container plant
Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall
Flower Color: deep violet
Species/Classification: Pterostoechas

10. Feather-leaved Lavender, Lavandula bipinnata

Feather-leaved Lavender is known for its feathery leaves and stunning blue flowers. It blooms throughout spring. Its stalks bear two oppositely placed deeply dissected leaves on each node. The latter is bilipped and asymmetrical giving the plant a feathery look. The features are striking.

The Feather-leaved Lavender is strongly fragrant. Lavandula bipinnata oil is used in balms, perfumes, cosmetics and topical application. Lavandula bipinnata is native to North and Central India, and the Deccan plateau. They grow in forests on mountain slopes.

Plant this variety in container to get the best view of those feathery leaves. However, finding the plant is very difficult. Also, they are not cold-hardy; they are sensitive to frost.

Plant Details

Zones: 9-10
Grow As: best as a container plant
Mature Size: up to 23 inches tall
Flower Color: blue
Species/Classification: Chaetostachys

11. Munstead Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Munstead Lavender is commonly known as English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia. This variety has graced Mediterranean herbal gardens for years. The plant is valued for its essential oil in perfumery. All varieties of Lavandula angustifolia are very cold-hardy. They grow well in the English climate, and thus its common name.

The hairy stems of Munstead bear narrow gray-green leaves. The aromatic purple flowers bloom throughout summer. Flowers come in shades of white and pink too. Leaves stay evergreen in warm winters. The plant is one of the favorites of pollinators making them a great fit for Pollinator gardens.

Munstead Lavender was reportedly named for Munstead Woods in England where the plant was grown by garden designer Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932).

Lavandula angustifolia are the best varieties for all culinary uses and have the highest medicinal qualities. This variety is also the most cold-hardy.

Munstead Details

Zones: 5-9
Grow As: best as a shrub/hedge
Mature Size: up to 24 inches tall
Flower Color: purple
Species/Classification: Lavandula

12. Hidcote Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Hidcote Lavender is a smaller variety of common Lavender. “Hidcote Blue” is another common name because its flowers are darker than most other varieties.

This variety will grow very compact if pruned annually, making it ideal for small locations.

Lavandula angustifolia are the best varieties for all culinary uses and have the highest medicinal qualities. This variety is also the most cold-hardy.

Hidcote Details

Zones: 5-9
Grow As: best as a single accent plant; to fill-in small locations
Mature Size: up to 20 inches tall
Flower Color: deep blue to deep purple
Species/Classification: Lavandula

13. Phenomenal Lavender, Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’

Phenomenal Lavender is a hybrid of Lavandula angustifolia × Lavandula latifolia. It is a late bloomer among the Lavandula varieties. The plant has a compact and bushy habit with aromatic, silver-green leaves. Phenomenal produces long flowering stalks in mid-summer. Bright violet-blue flowers are also aromatic.

Its best for floral arrangement and in sachets and potpourris. It is not the best choice for culinary use.

Phenomenal Lavender is the most vigorous and upright variety we grow. It’s known for being very cold-hardy and tolerant of humidity.

Phenomenal Details

Zones: 5-9
Grow As: best as a shrub/hedge
Mature Size: up to 32 inches tall
Flower Color: dark purple
Species/Classification: Lavandula

14. Sensational Lavender, Lavandula x intermedia ‘Sensational’

Sensational Lavender is a hybrid of Lavandula angustifolia × Lavandula latifolia. It is an improved variety. It is tolerant of humidity and cold weather, as well as drought and heat.

This variety is known for its silvery foliage, topped by large and dense purple flower spikes.

As with the Phenomenal variety, it’s best for floral arrangement, and in sachets and potpourris. It is not the best choice for culinary use.

Sensational Details

Zones: 5-9
Grow As: best as a shrub/hedge
Mature Size: up to 30 inches tall
Flower Color: purple
Species/Classification: Lavandula

15. Cotton Lavender, Santolina chamaecyparissus

Cotton Lavender, Santolina chamaecyparissus is NOT in the Lavandula family. However, it grows in the same regions and dry conditions as Lavandula species. It has similar medicinal qualities, plant care needs and more!

It is an evergreen, grayish-hairy shrub. The leaves are finely divided and green-gray in color. It emits strong musky fragrance. Native to the Mediterranean area, Cotton Lavender bears bright yellow, button-like flowers. Floral stalks arise above the foliage throughout summer.

How to grow Cotton Lavender

It grows well in narrow spaces. Once established, the plant has excellent drought tolerance. Plant your Cotton Lavender under full sun and alkaline soils for the best performance. Dead head the flowers as they fade. LESS trimming is needed than Lavandula species. Site location, soil, watering, and plant care is identical to Lavender plants.

Edible and Medicinal Uses

Cotton Lavender is a medicinal plant used for a long time in folk medicine, and is known to have a range of beneficial properties.

It is commonly used as fine paste for external wounds. It was also used as an analgesic, bactericide, fungicide, and against parasites. Leaves and flowers are dried for later use. A fine paste of its leaves were found to be effective in reducing pain from insect bites. The leaf paste is used in herbal medicine to treat various types of dermatitis (S. chamaecyparissus Pharmacological Study and Chemical Characterization).

Leaf extract of Cotton Lavender is used against parasites (vermifuge) and is used to increase menstrual flow (emmenagogue) in Tunisia.

Santolina chamaecyparissus has been show to have analgesic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiulcer and hepatoprotective effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies (Santolina chamaecyparissus: A Brief Overview of Its Medicinal Properties).

Cotton Lavender Details

Zones: 6-9
Grow As: single plant, small shrub or as a container plant.
Mature Size: 24-30 inches tall
Flower Color: yellow

Lavender Festivals

The Festivals and Events below are from the US Lavender Growers Association and found by Googling.

Come Celebrate Lavender Conference

In Virginia, March 21, 2024 to Sunday, March 24, 2024!

Conference details:

If you are a new grower, a seasoned grower or just wondering if this journey is for you, we have a track of educational sessions which will fit your needs. Novice to Expert- never stop learning is our theme behind this conference. Once again we will have lots of hands-on sessions, including a full day of product making on Friday March 22nd. Our pre conference sessions on the 21st will include a 6 hour session which is normally only available at our Lavender Academy. Discounted early registration begins on October 15. Hope to see you then.

Lavender Daze 2024

In California, most weekends from May to July!

Event details:

Mid-May to mid-July is the time when all the lavender at Bees N Blooms is blooming with bright purple radiance, and we open the farm to the public for Lavender Daze! This is the best time to come out to enjoy all that the farm has to offer, especially the lovely labyrinth. Because of the many different varieties of lavender, we have bloom from mid-May through mid-July. The farm is open during Lavender Daze on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Reservations are required during lavender bloom ….

Cache Creek Lavender Festival

In California, June 8, 2024 to June 9, 2024!

Festival details:

Harvest Your Own Lavender, Savor Eats by The Buckhorn, Taste Local Wines, Enjoy Lavender Ice Cream, Listen to a Live Band, Learn from Field Talks by Charles Opper, Buy a Lavender Plant, Create in the Craft Tent, Bring the Whole Family.

2024 Maryland Lavender Festival

In Maryland, June 22, 2024 to June 23, 2024!

Festival details:

Join us for a day in the lavender field. Enjoy picturesque views, vendors, live music, food trucks, glasses & bottles of wine, pints & growlers of beer, handcrafted distilled spirits, educational seminars & demonstrations. Relax in the fragrant field, photograph the scenery, and shop the artisan vendors. Gifts, plants, dried lavender, and freshly cut bundles will be available for purchase.

Northern Michigan Lavender Festival

In Michigan, July 19, 2024 to July 20, 2024!

Festival details on facebook and their website:

The 2024 festival will take place at McCormick Farmz in Wolverine, Michigan on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20. Currently, two northern Michigan lavender farms are sponsoring this festival: McCormick Farmz (Wolverine) and Uncommon Ranch Lavender & Herb Farm (Grayling).

Lavender classification and naming

Credit for this section is given entirely to Downderry Nursery!

Downderry Nursery cites the research presented in the book, The Genus Lavandula (paid link). Lavender plants are now classified (taxonomically arranged) in eight sections according to their botanical characteristics.

Section I Lavandula
Three species and two hybrids native to Central and Southwest Europe.
1. angustifolia (True Lavender) subsp. angustifolia
2. latifolia (Spike Lavender)
3. lanata (Woolly Lavender)
The hybrids are:
x intermedia (angustifolia x latifolia) (Lavandin)
x chaytorae (lanata x angustifolia)

Section II Dentatae
One species native to the Mediterranean Basin, south-western Arabian Peninsula and northeast Africa.
1. dentata var. dentata and var. candicans

Section III Stoechas
Three species native to the Mediterranean Basin and Canary Islands and one hybrid known predominantly from cultivation.
1. pedunculata
2. stoechas, of which there are several subspecies
2. viridis
Many hybrids of the above.

Section IV Pterostoechas
Sixteen species native to the Atlantic Islands, the Mediterranean Basin, southern Europe, North Africa and south west Asia.
1. buchii var. buchii
2. canariensis subsp. canariensis
3. minutolii var. minutolii
4. pinnata
5. rotundifolia
One hybrid is:
1. x christiana (canariensis x pinnata)

Section V Subnuda
Ten species native to South Arabia and Somalia.

Section VI Chaetostachys
Two species native to Central and South India.

Section VII Hasikensis
Two species native to Oman and Iran.

Section VIII Sabaudia
Two species native to Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt and Eritraea.

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Lavender (Lavandula) Plant

What is a Lavender Plant?

History of Lavender

How to Grow Lavender

Site selection and Soil

Lavender plant care

Lavender Varieties, Species and Classification

angustifolia

dentata

stoechas

Other classifications

The Best Lavender Varieties, Lavandula angustifolia

Common Varieties of the Best Class

Common Varieties of the Best Class

Common Varieties of the Best Class

How to Prune Lavender

When to Prune

What to Prune

How much to Prune

Culinary Lavender

Harvesting Lavender

For Decoration

For Flavoring and Infusions

For Cooking

Pairing Lavender with foods

Recipes

Lavender Benefits

Lavender Aromatherapy

Lavender Essential Oils

Essential Oils and Dementia

100 studies on Lavender

15 Types of Lavender

Common and Unusual Types of Lavender Plants

Common Types of Lavender

Unusual Types of Lavender

Types of Lavender we grow

1. English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Plant Details

2. French lavender, Lavandula dentata

Plant Details

3. Spanish Lavender, Lavandula stoechas

Lavandula stoechas ‘White Anouk’

Plant Details

4. Fringed Lavender, Lavandula dentata

Plant Details

5. Woolly Lavender, Lavandula lanata

Plant Details

6. Spike Lavender, Lavandula latifolia

Plant Details

7. Green Lavender, Lavandula viridis

Plant Details

8. Jagged Lavender, Lavandula buchii

Plant Details

9. Fern Leaved Lavender, Lavandula pinnata

Plant Details

10. Feather-leaved Lavender, Lavandula bipinnata

Plant Details

11. Munstead Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Munstead Details

12. Hidcote Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Hidcote Details

13. Phenomenal Lavender, Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’

Phenomenal Details

14. Sensational Lavender, Lavandula x intermedia ‘Sensational’

Sensational Details

15. Cotton Lavender, Santolina chamaecyparissus

How to grow Cotton Lavender

Edible and Medicinal Uses

Cotton Lavender Details

Lavender Festivals

Come Celebrate Lavender Conference

Lavender Daze 2024

Cache Creek Lavender Festival

2024 Maryland Lavender Festival

Northern Michigan Lavender Festival

Lavender classification and naming