General Information
Lavender is a fragrant, flowering shrub that grows upwards of three feet in height and can grow outwards up to four feet when space allows. Its stems are woody, with leaf stalks more malleable – the leaves growing in pairs opposite each other along the stalk. Lavender’s soft-textured, grey-green or silver-green leaves are long and needle-like, becoming a true green when mature. During the summer months, small flowers bloom in spikes at the top of tall stems, rising above the fragrant foliage. Lavender flowers range in color from a pale, bluish-purple to a deep indigo blue depending on the variety; some cultivars have pink flowers. The scent of Lavender is sweet, floral and citrusy, and is said to have hints of balsamic and eucalyptus. The fragrance of the leaves and flowers is released when the plant is brushed against or crushed.
History
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region: from Spain, through the south of France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Northern Africa. Lavender was originally identified and classified by Carl Linnaeus as Lavandula officinalis, the “officinalis” epithet reflects the established medicinal and culinary qualities of the herb. Synonyms for the plant include: Lavandula vera, and Lavandula spicata, and Lavandula stoechas. These synonyms are also referred to as Fine Lavender, Spanish Lavender and German Lavender, respectively. It is said that L. angustifolia earned the name “English Lavender” for its ability to grow well in the English climate. Lavender is hardy, and can withstand heat and drought. It grows best in very sunny areas, where the soil isn’t too wet and slightly rocky. Flowers and foliage varies widely depending on climate, soil, and amount of sun received. The English likely brought Lavender to the United States, however, it doesn’t grow as well as in Europe. Recently, Lavender farms have been established in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, though most Lavender is still commercially grown in Europe and the Mediterranean.
