Lavender adds aroma and soft beauty to the garden—plus, this herb attracts beautiful pollinators! Learn how to plant, grow, and harvest lavender. We’ll also discuss which varieties are edible and how to propagate lavender.
About Lavender Plants
The commonly cultivated lavender is the common or English lavender Lavandula angustifolia (formerly L. officinalis), which is hardy to USDA Zone 5. A bushy perennial, lavender grows from 1 to 3 feet tall, bearing small blue-violet flowers on spikes with blue-green, needle-like foliage. The oils in the flowers give the herb its distinctive balsam-like fragrance.
Called “English” lavender because it proliferates in the English climate, this plant’s main requirements are lots of sun and good drainage. It is not fussy about soil, and its presence lures bees, butterflies, and pollinators to the garden. Plant lavender along a walkway or near a seating area.
Interestingly, the name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means “to wash.” Lavender was used in baths to purify the body and spirit, and today, it’s often used in soaps and shampoos.
In addition, lavender has proven medicinal uses. When the essential oils are inhaled, lavender has calming properties that reduce anxiety; it’s also a gentle sedative for insomnia. In ancient times, lavender flowers were sewn into sachets to aid with sleeplessness.
Lavender is even useful in the kitchen in baking and in drink recipes! Learn more below.
