Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
ABOUT
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as lavender, is a perennial plant renowned for its beauty and soothing fragrance. This plant is characterized by its compact shrub form, with slender, gray-green foliage. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and sometimes display a slightly toothed or smooth margin. They have a soft, furry texture, a trait that helps reduce water loss and repel pests. Lavender is probably most famously known for its picturesque flowers, which are prized for their color and delightful aroma. The flowers are small, tubular, and typically a vibrant shade of purple, which may range from light lavender to a deeper, more intense hue. They are arranged in dense, elongated clusters on the tips of slender, upright stems. These clusters are referred to as spikes or inflorescences, and they standout beautifully against the contrasting gray-green of the leaves. The plant exudes a fresh, clean scent that is a blend of floral, herbal, and woody tones, often used in fragrances, aromatherapy, and culinary applications. It is popular in gardens for its attractiveness to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while also being resistant to deer and rabbits due to its aromatic nature. Beneath the foliage, the plant has a woody base from which the softer herbaceous growth emerges. Its overall shape is typically rounded and bushy, with a somewhat structured and orderly appearance, often used in garden design for creating borders, hedges, or as a stand-alone specimen in a herb or cottage garden setting. Lavender flowers are also commonly harvested for dried flower arrangements, essential oil production, and for use in sachets and potpourris. Lavender's timeless appeal and versatility have cemented its status as a staple in gardens and plant collections around the world. Its enduring beauty and distinctive fragrance make it a favorite among horticulturists and enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
English Lavender, Garden Lavender, Common Lavender, True Lavender
Common names
Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula vera, Lavandula spica, Lavandula delphinensis, Lavandula erigens, Lavandula pyrenaica, Lavandula latifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is generally not considered toxic to humans. It is commonly used in foods, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. However, consuming large quantities of lavender or its essential oil could potentially lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, or headache. These are not common and typically only occur if the plant or its concentrated oils are ingested in significant amounts not intended for consumption.
To pets
Lavender is not typically toxic to pets either. It is generally considered safe for cats and dogs when used appropriately. However, as with humans, ingestion of large amounts of the plant material or essential oils could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. It is always best to keep a close eye on your pets if they have access to lavender plants, and to prevent them from ingesting large quantities to avoid any possible adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aromatic: English lavender is widely known for its strong and soothing fragrance that is used in perfumes, essential oils, and aromatherapy products.
- Landscape Beautification: With its vibrant purple flowers, English lavender is used to enhance gardens and landscapes through ornamental cultivation, providing a splash of color and texture to garden designs.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of English lavender are loved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, thus supporting local ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
- Culinary Uses: The flowers and leaves of English lavender can be used in a variety of culinary preparations, including flavored syrups, teas, baked goods, and herb blends.
- Natural Repellent: The plant's strong scent repels many types of insects, making it a natural choice for organic pest control in gardens and homes.
- Craft and Decoration: Dried lavender flowers and stems are commonly used for making wreaths, sachets, and other decorative items, offering a lasting fragrance.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Lavender may help in relieving pain.
- Antianxiety: It's commonly used for its calming and relaxing effects.
- Antimicrobial: Lavender possesses properties that inhibit certain bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: Can help reduce inflammation in various tissues of the body.
- Antispasmodic: It's been used to ease muscular spasms and cramps.
- Carminative: Lavender can help in reducing gas and bloating.
- Sedative: Often used to help induce sleep and improve sleep quality.
- Anxiolytic: Helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
- Cicatrizant: Promotes wound healing due to its ability to speed up the healing process.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender wands: Lavandula angustifolia can be woven into decorative wands or bottles that not only provide a pleasant fragrance but can also be used as natural insect repellents when placed in wardrobes or drawers.
- Natural dye: The flowers of Lavender can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding various shades of greens and purples depending on the mordant used.
- Flavoring agent: Lavender buds are sometimes added to baking or cooking, giving a unique floral flavor to dishes such as cookies, cakes, and savory sauces.
- Lavender lemonade: Infusing lemonade with Lavender creates a refreshing and aromatic summer drink that has a distinct taste and calming properties.
- Lavender sugar: By infusing sugar with Lavender flowers, one can create lavender sugar which can be used to sweeten tea and desserts with a subtle lavender flavor.
- Lavender syrup: This syrup can be used to add a floral note to cocktails, sodas, and desserts, and is made by simmering water, sugar, and Lavender flowers.
- Bookmarks: Dried Lavender stems and flowers can be laminated or sewn into fabric to create unique and fragrant bookmarks.
- Crafting potpourri: Dried Lavender flowers are often included in potpourri blends for their long-lasting scent and as a natural moth repellent.
- Pillow stuffing: Dried Lavender buds can be used to stuff pillows or sachets, which may promote relaxation and better sleep due to their calming scent when placed near the sleeping area.
- Lavender-infused vinegar: Lavender can be steeped in vinegar for several weeks, creating an infused vinegar that can be used for cleaning, as a hair rinse, or as a salad dressing base.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which can aid in the flow of Chi. It is also believed to purify the air and invite positive energy into the home. Place lavender plants in the living room or bedroom to create a peaceful and harmonious environment.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as lavender, is often associated with purity due to its delicate and clean fragrance, which suggests cleanliness and innocence.
- Serenity: The calming scent of lavender is widely believed to promote a sense of calm and tranquility, making it a symbol of peace and relaxation.
- Grace: The elegant stems and blooms of lavender convey a sense of refined beauty, embodying grace and elegance.
- Devotion: In historical contexts, lavender can represent love and devotion, as it was frequently used in love spells and potions.
- Healing: Known for its medicinal properties, lavender symbolizes health and healing, often used in aromatherapy to soothe mind and body.
- Protection: Lavender has been used in various cultures as a ward against evil spirits or bad luck, symbolizing protection and safety.
WaterLavender, commonly known as Lavandula angustifolia, requires minimal watering as it is drought-tolerant. It should be watered deeply but infrequently, approximately once every two weeks, provided the soil has dried out completely between watering sessions. A good rule of thumb is to provide one gallon of water per plant each time you water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to ensure good soil drainage. During the winter months or in cooler climates, lavender may need even less water.
LightLavender thrives best in full sun, which means placing it in a spot where it can receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. An ideal location would be in a south-facing garden or window where it has access to abundant light throughout the day. Lavender can tolerate a little shade but the full sun is where it will produce the most flowers and the strongest fragrance.
TemperatureLavender prefers warm and dry conditions and can generally withstand temperatures between 40°F to 100°F, with the optimum range for growth being between 60°F to 70°F. However, it can survive light frosts and short periods of cold if it's not too severe or long-lasting. Lavender is hardy and adaptable, but consistently cold, damp conditions could be detrimental to its health.
PruningPruning lavender promotes bushy growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody. Lavender should be pruned once a year in the spring or after it blooms, cutting back by about one-third to one-half, but never into the old wood. The best time for pruning is after the first flowering, and if the weather allows, after the last flush before winter, which encourages the plant to focus on root and base growth.
CleaningNot needed
SoilLavender (Lavandula angustifolia) thrives best in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8. To create an ideal soil mix, combine 2 parts coarse sand or gravel with 1 part compost and 1 part topsoil, ensuring the mix is loose enough to prevent water-logging. Lavender prefers dry to moderately moist soil conditions.
RepottingLavender (Lavandula angustifolia) does not require frequent repotting and can often be left for several years before needing a larger pot. It's best to repot once every 3 to 4 years, ideally in spring, to refresh the soil and provide additional room for root growth. Be sure to use a well-draining soil mix and a pot with adequate drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingLavender (Lavandula angustifolia) prefers a dry climate and low humidity levels. It is well-suited to arid conditions and does not thrive in environments with high humidity. Ensure adequate air circulation around the plant to help maintain low humidity and mimic its native conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place lavender in a sunny window, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 2 feet apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in warm, well-drained soil, ideally in spring. Seedlings emerge and require ample sunlight and moderate watering to establish themselves. As the plant matures, it forms a woody base with herbaceous growth, flowering typically in its second year with fragrant purple blooms that attract pollinators. After flowering, which occurs in late spring to early summer, the plant can be pruned to encourage bushier growth and to maintain shape. English lavender is a perennial, so after the growing season it will become dormant in the winter, especially in colder climates, requiring little care. With proper conditions, English lavender can live and thrive for several years, producing flowers annually and potentially propagating itself by dropping seeds or by cuttings taken from the semi-woody stems.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Lavender, specifically Lavandula angustifolia, is most popularly propagated through stem cuttings. This usually takes place in spring or early summer, as the plant begins to grow vigorously. To propagate, a gardener would take a 3 to 4 inch cutting (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) from the soft, new growth of an established lavender plant. The leaves from the bottom half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed into a well-draining soil mix. Adequate moisture and warmth are necessary until the cutting takes root, a process that typically takes 2-4 weeks. Once rooted, the new lavender plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
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