Lavandula angustifolia, formerly L. officinalis, is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae,
native to the western Mediterranean, primarily the Pyrenees and other mountains in northern
Spain.
Growth
It is a strongly aromatic shrub growing as high as 1 to 2 metres tall. The leaves are
evergreen, 2–6 centimetres long, and 4–6 millimetres broad. The flowers are pinkish-purple,
produced on spikes 2–8 cm long at the top of slender, leafless stems 10–30 cm long.
Etymology The species name angustifolia is Latin for
"narrow leaf". Previously, it was known as Lavandula officinalis, referring to its medicinal
properties. Cultivation
English lavender is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. It is popular for its colourful flowers,
its fragrance and its ability to survive with low water consumption. It does not grow well
in continuously damp soil. It is fairly tolerant of low temperatures, generally considered
hardy to USDA zone 5. It tolerates acid soils but favours neutral to alkaline soils. In
some conditions it can be short-lived. Cultivars
The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-
Dwarf cultivars Compacta, Folgate, Dwarf Blue, Dwarf White,
Hidcote Pink, Hidcote Superior, Munstead, Nana Atropurpurea, Nana Rosea, Sarah, Summerland
Surpreme, Lady Lavender 'Hidcote Superior', a compact evergreen shrub
16”x18” with fragrant gray-green foliage and deep violet-blue flowers in summer, prefers
full sun, well drained soil, low water, hardy to -20°F, western Mediterranean species
'Munstead' L. angustifolia variety, 12" tall, having pink-purple to lavender-blue inflorescences
that are slightly fragrant, named after Munstead Wood in Surrey, which was the home of Gertrude
Jekyll 'Sarah', grows to 6-24 in, the flowers are
petite, as is the plant, used as a short edging, or as a very fragrant addition to the window
box, dark violet flowers 'Lady Lavendar', grows to 18 in, fragrant,
gray-green foliage and lavender-blue flowers in summer, prefers full sun, well-drained
soil, low water, hardy to –20°F Semi-dwarf cultivars
Bowles Early, Hidcote Variety, Loddon Blue, Martha Roderick, Jean Davis, Twickle Purple,
Pink Perfume 'Hidcote' L. angustifolia variety. 15" to
20" tall, with silver-gray foliage and deep violet-blue inflorescences, named after Hidcote
Manor in England as it was cultivated there by Major Lawrence Johnston
'Jean Davis' 20-24" tall, up to 3 ft. A pale pink flowered lavender with exceptionally
fruity taste 'Pink Perfume' 24" x 18"
Giant cultivars Alba, Blackhouse Purple, Biostos, Bridestowe,
Graves, Gray Lady, Gwendolyn Anley, Hidcote Giant, Irene Doyle, Mailette, Middachten
'Hidcote Giant'. A Lavandula x intermedias lavandin. Very vigorous grower with a lovely
strong fragrance. This has large deep Lavender-purple flowers on very long 24 inch stems.
'Vera' 30-36". Thought to be the original species lavender, harvested for its oil.
Uses
The flowers and leaves are used as an herbal medicine, either in the form of lavender oil
or as an herbal tea. The flowers are also used as a culinary herb, most often as part
of the French herb blend called herbes de Provence.
Lavender essential oil, when diluted with a carrier oil, is commonly used as a relaxant
with massage therapy. Products for home use, such as lotions, eye pillows and bath oils,
etc., are also used. Both the petals and the oil are the most popular ingredients in handmade
soap. Dried lavender flowers and lavender essential
oil are also used as a prevention against clothing moths, which do not like their scent.
Lavandula angustifolia is included in the Tasmanian Fire Service's list of low flammability
plants, indicating that it is suitable for growing within a building protection zone.
Subspecies Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia subsp. pyrenaica Hybrids
Lavandula hybrids are referred to as lavandins. Hybrids between L. angustifolia and L. latifolia
are called Lavandula x intermedia. They bloom later than the ordinary English lavenders.
See also Xeriscaping
Lavender References
External links Lavender fields in the Provence
Lavandula angustifolia List of Chemicals Everything lavender