Lavandula-there seems to never be enough lavender in the garden to enjoy all this fragrant herb's uses. The name "lavender" comes from the Latin word meaning "to wash". A couple of centuries ago, a "lavender" in England was someone who washed clothes for a living. Greeks, Romans and Arabs used lavender bath oils and soaps to treat skin infections. Sixteenth century English herbalists used lavender in healing headpieces which were used to treat headaches, and also lavender oil to treat skin infections.
Lavender is a perennial herb which can grow to three feet tall, depending on the cultivar. Its appearance is "shrubby" with gray-green leaves. It produces spikes of blue-purple, lavender, pink or white flowers in mid-summer. The fragrance is sometimes described as "highly aromatic" with a sweet, clean smell with almost bitter undertones.
Growing
Lavender can be started from seed, but nay not always produce plants identical to the original. For that reason, it is suggested that new plants be grown from cuttings of an original plant in spring or fall. Spacing of plants should be 12 to 30 inches apart. During the first year, pinch off flowers to make a fuller bushier plant. Lavender plants will probably have to be replaced every five years. Lavandula angustifolia, English lavender, is hardy with lavender blossoms on tall spikes. Lavandula munstead (purple flowers, great fragrance) grows best in climates with hot summers and cold winters, while Lavandula hidcote grows better in milder areas, and has a deeper purple color and excellent fragrance. L. Jean Davis has pink blossoms and attracts more butterflies. Other popular cultivars are L. dentata, French lavender, which is less hardy, growing best in zones 8-9. L. latifolia (Italian or Spanish lavender), also called spike lavender, produces lesser quality oil than English lavender. Lavender does not survive well indoors, but can be planted in pots if garden space is not available. Provide good drainage in the garden or in pots, as lavender does not tolerate standing water. Do not mulch in the garden if your area is rainy. Potting mix should be two parts potting soil, two parts peat moss, two parts sand, and one part compost or cow manure.
Pests and Diseases
Lavender is normally pest-free, but can occasionally get caterpillar pests. Most gardeners with a few plants can hand pick them off their lavender. To prevent root rot and fungal diseases, use sandy soil (as above) and plant in raised beds.
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