Lavender Plants & Products

Types of Lavender

• Lavender comes in many varieties. The most popular and fragrant, lavendula angustifolia, or English lavender, comes in over 40 different varieties. Other varieties include French, Spanish, Yellow, Sweet, Allardi, Goodwin Creek Gray and Wooly. Lavender hybrids, called lavendins, come from a cross between lavendula angustifolia and lavendula intermedia. Varieties include Abriali, Dutch Mill, Fred Boutin, Grosso, White Grosso, Grappenhall, Hidcote Giant, Provence and Seal lavender.

Lavender Growing Conditions

• Lavender is popular in gardens due to its hardiness, low water requirements and wispy, fragrant foliage. Because most varieties of lavender prefer sunny, rocky soil, plant the herb in a sunny location that has good drainage. Lavender does not like to have wet roots. If your soil does not have good drainage, you can add sand. Because lavender can grow up to four feet tall, it is often used around the edges of a garden.

Products Using Lavender Flowers

• The flowers of the lavender plant are edible. They can be used to decorate cakes and other confections or as a garnish for salads or main dishes. As an herb, it pairs well with fennel, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage and savory.

  Products containing dried flowers and buds include scented sachets, pillows, neck wraps, and bath salts. Use dried flowers in flower arrangements and pressed flowers can be used in creating bookmarks or cards.

Products Using Lavender Oil

• Products that use lavender oil range from decorative, such as candles and reed diffusers, to medicinal products, such as healing balms and rubs.

  Lavender is a popular ingredient in many colognes and perfumes. Its bright, fresh, floral fragrance blends well with other essential oils such as chamomile, cedar, sage, geranium, pine and most citrus oils.

  Lavender oil is often used in products designed to reduce stress and anxiety. The oil is often added to candles and room sprays, bath oil, bath salt, body lotion, shampoo, soap and laundry products. Massage lavender balm or massage oil into the temples or neck to help relieve headache, stress and insomnia. Lavender oil can be used undiluted, but is safest when diluted in a carrier oil, such as jojoba or grape seed.

  This information is not meant to substitute for medical advice. Seek professional advice before using lavender to treat any disease or condition.