Originally from the Mediterranean region, lavender is now found widely distributed around the world, including the Middle East, north tropical Africa, parts of Asia and India, South America, Australia and New Zealand and North America. The term lavender is derived from "lavare", which was the Roman term for "to wash" because it was used to scent washing and bathing water, as it continues to be used to this day.
Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae (Labitae) family. This group of plants includes mint (Mentha) and sage (Salvia). Within the genus Lavandula are five sections: Stoechas, Spica, Pterostoechas, Chaetostachys and Subnuda. There are 28 species within these five sections and the one containing most plants is Pterostoechas. You'll find that most of the cultivated species derive from Pterostoechas, Spica and Stoechas.
Basics
Lavenders are perennial and aromatic. They all have shrub-like growth. The size of lavender varies widely depending on soil quality, location, weather conditions and the climate.
Lavender is used by many industries from cottage craft through to distillers and perfume manufacturers. Its fragrance is highly admired and sought after around the world for many applications including as a scent, a culinary addition, herbal remedies, insect repellent, first aid uses and for garden beautification. It is frequently added to scented sachets and potpourri and is used as a wardrobe or drawer scent. Lavender is added to many cosmetic preparations including lotions, skin creams, shampoos and hair conditioners.
Cultivation
Lavandula angustifolia is one popular species of lavender, cultivated in France and elsewhere. It needs full sun to grow, a soil temperature around 21ºC and sandy, well drained soil is the best type of soil for growing. Germination takes 2 to 4 weeks. Young plants are strengthened if the first year blooms are cut off.
Most lavenders are easy to grow and will tolerate variations from their usual preferred growth environment. They don't usually need a lot of attention, although weeding is vital and soils should be waterlogged. If lavender is grown in a cold climate, it requires good mulching in a well-drained soil to prevent it from suffering from the cold. Sunlight is vital for all types of lavender.
Pterostoachas lavenders are often frost tender. Grow near the eaves or walls of a building for added protection.
Spica lavenders prefer a cool winter and a warm and sunny summer. They can survive frosts but not long-term snow on the ground.
Problems when growing lavender
Lavender is reasonably hardy but when problems happen, here are some of the possible reasons:
Overwatering. Lavenders detest being waterlogged.
Drying winds can cause lavender to become drought stressed and wilted. The oil content will be lower in such plants.
Too cold. The plant can die.
Severe drought and overwatering can prevent flower growth.
Although lavender isn't bothered by too many garden pests, there are a few, such as the spittle bug and caterpillars. Aphids should be controlled on commercial lavender crops as they disfigure the plant.
Fungal disease can be a problem for lavender, such as shab.
Medicinal properties
Lavender has been shown to contain anti-bacterial properties and is also strongly anti-fungal. It can also be used as part of a holistic strategy to ward off insects, by including it as one ingredient in insect repellent and bite soothing lotions.
Always do a skin patch test before using lavender on your skin, in case of an allergic reaction. Rather than applying it neat to skin, it is recommended that you add it to a carrier oil such as olive, coconut or sweet almond oil. About 5 drops lavender oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil should work well.
Uses for lavender
Lavender has a variety of uses in the household or small business. These include:
Using as fresh flowers for display, floral arrangements, florist sales and for décor
Using dried for potpourri, as sachet or pillow stuffing to assist breathing/sleeping or as scent, use in sachets as an insect repellent and/or clothes freshener
Using dried lavender for lavender herbal tea, and as a flavouring for such foods as cakes, jellies, jams and vinegar.
