A pretty lavender with creamy margins along the leaf edges, it has many culinary, aromatic and medicinal uses and like all lavender is loved by bees. It needs to be grown in a sunny aspect for a good display of flowers and scent. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Aromatic
- Loved by bees
- Flowers dry well
- Popular garden herb
Lavender was thought to be an important herb to the Romans and Greeks who used it for bathing and laundry – the lain word for washing is lavare. It was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and was used to disguise stenches and ward off the plague. Although native to the Southern Europe and the Middle East it grows successfully in the UK and there are several large lavender farms producing products and oils. There are many different varieties and this particular one is a newer variety bred in Spain and is a good choice as the variegated leaves add colour to the garden and contrast nicely with the purple flowers.
Plant Care
- Height: 60-100cm
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: Purple
- Flowering period: June - August
Lavender loves sun and though it will grow in areas with a bit more shade it will produce less or no flowers and less scent. It prefers a well-drained soil and can be successfully grown in containers or the ground. After flowering each year cut lavender back quite hard, not into the very woody base, above where the foliage begins and this will help keep it more compact and with less hard wood at the base.
Usage
Lavender flowers are made into an essential oil widely used by aromatherapists and an important addition to a first aid box. Lavender has traditional benefits to the nervous system and helps to relax the mind and body. The essential oil is a skin care remedy that helps reduce infection and inflammation for cuts, grazes, wounds and burns.
The floral flavour is used in many savoury or sweet baked goods, ice creams, desserts, drinks and salads. It is used extensively in the cosmetic and skin care industry.
The tea can be enjoyed by gently infusing the flowers and leaves and the dried flowers can be added to sleep pillows or laundry bags.