Lavandin Lavandula × intermedia Dutch Group

Names

• Family

  Lamiaceae

• Synonyms

  Dutch Lavender, Lavandin

• Common names

  Lavandula × intermedia Dutch Group

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as Lavandin is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While it is not meant for consumption in large quantities, there are typically no severe consequences if ingested in small amounts. Most people use lavandin for its aromatic properties and in the production of lavender oil, which can be used safely in aromatherapy and topical applications. However, consuming large quantities of any plant, including lavandin, can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other digestive issues simply due to the plant matter. It is always advisable to use plants as intended and to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding ingestion or if accidental ingestion occurs.

• To pets

  Lavandin is generally considered safe for pets and is not known to be toxic to them. Like with humans, ingestion in small amounts typically does not lead to severe issues. However, as with any non-food plant, if a pet ingests a large amount of lavandin, it may experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Always monitor your pets around plants and seek veterinary care if you observe any unusual behavior or symptoms after ingestion.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Gray-green

• Flower color

  Lavender

• Height

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Spread

  2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5-9

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: The plant produces attractive purple flowers that can beautify gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrance: Lavender has a pleasant scent that is widely used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and household products.
• Ease of Cultivation: It's known for being hardy and easy to grow in a variety of climates and soil types.
• Drought Tolerance: The plant is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Pollinator Attraction: Lavender flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
• Culinary Use: Some varieties of lavender can be used in cooking to add flavor to dishes.
• Crafts and Decor: Dried lavender flowers are often used in making sachets, wreaths, and other decorative items.

Medical Properties

• Antiseptic - Lavandin essential oil, derived from Lavandula × intermedia Dutch Group, is believed to possess antiseptic properties.
• Anti-inflammatory - The plant may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Anxiolytic - Lavandin is thought to have anxiolytic effects, which may help alleviate anxiety.
• Analgesic - The essential oil of Lavandin might have analgesic properties that could provide pain relief.
• Antimicrobial - Components found in Lavandin oil have been considered to have antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Sedative - The use of Lavandin has been associated with sedative effects, potentially aiding in sleep and relaxation.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Lavandin, a common name for Lavandula × intermedia Dutch Group, can be used to make a natural dye for textiles, yielding colors from pale yellow to green and grey depending on the mordant used.
• The fragrant flowers of lavandin can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a long-lasting aroma to the blend.
• It can be used as a natural insect repellent when dried and placed in wardrobes or drawers, deterring moths and other insects from infesting clothing and linens.
• Lavandin essential oil is sometimes used in natural cleaning products for its strong scent and purported antimicrobial properties.
• The plant can be used as a domestic herbal remedy to ward off a variety of insects and pests when planted around the home.
• Its essential oil can be added to paint or varnish, as a fragrant additive which can help reduce paint fumes and impart a pleasant smell to freshly painted rooms.
• When included in compost or used as mulch, lavandin can add beneficial compounds to the soil and deter pests from the garden with its strong scent.
• Its dried flowers can be used to make fragrant sachets that can act as a natural deodorizer for cars, closets, and small spaces.
• Lavandin can be utilized in craft projects, such as making floral arrangements, wreaths, and decorative bundles for display purposes.
• The flowers can be used to make a gentle, aromatic hair rinse which can impart a mild fragrance to the hair after washing.

Feng Shui

The lavender plant is used in Feng Shui for promoting relaxation, inner peace, and purification of the environment. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to create a calming atmosphere and improve sleep quality. The lavender's scent is also believed to encourage emotional healing and balance.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The lavender plant is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Calmness - Lavender is commonly associated with a calming effect, often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Purity - The clean and fresh fragrance of lavender is symbolically linked to cleanliness and purity.
• Silence - In some traditions, lavender represents silence, reflecting its ability to calm the noises of the mind.
• Devotion - The long-lasting nature of lavender fragrance is sometimes connected to faithful devotion in relationships.
• Healing - As an herb with various therapeutic properties, lavender can symbolize healing, both physical and emotional.
• Protection - Historically, lavender was believed to ward off evil spirits and was used in protection sachets.