The relaxing and calming properties of lavender are well known to the world of aromatherapy. Historically, lavender has been used for everything from strewing, a mood tonic, an insect repellant, flavoring food and as a fragrance. Ancient Egyptians used it in the mummification process. Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, laundresses were known as "lavenders" for using lavender in the storage of clean laundry. In modern times, packets of lavender are sometimes used for storing winter clothing because lavender is said to repel moths. About 200 different types of lavender are grown throughout the world. . The fact that there are so many different varieties makes it possible for gardeners in many gardening zones to grow their own lavender.

The most widely grown variety of lavender is Lavandula Angustifolia. With colors ranging from blue and purple to pink and white, there are more than one hundred varieties of Angustifolia. These varieties can range in height from eight inches tall to three feet tall.

The two most popular varieties of lavender are "HIdcote" and "Munstead." Hidcote grows to about sixteen inches tall and has flowers that are bluish-purple. Munstead grows to about eighteen inches tall and has flowers that are lilac colored. Both varieties have a sweet fragrance that is appealing for varied uses. The flowers grow on stems that are usually about eight or ten inches long. The sweetness of the fragrance and the long stems on which the flowers grow makes both varieties perfect for drying or for use in craft projects.

The species, L. x. intermedia, also known as Lavandin is a very hardy species. Some of the popular varieties within that species include "Grosso," "White Grosso" and "Provencal." The Intermedia species is a hybridization of Angustifolia crossed with other species. The result of the cross breeding is a larger variety of lavender that grows as tall as thirty inches tall with flower stems that can be as much as eighteen or twenty-four inches long. The fragrance of this crossbred species contains more camphor.

Tender varieties of lavender are those that are grown in climates that are more temperate. Among those are "Spanish Lavender," "French lavender," and "Fernleaf lavender." Since these varieties are not cold hardy, they are best grown in pots so that they can be brought inside and protected from freezing temperatures. They need an especially good draining soil, so the best way to achieve this is by adding perlite and some sand

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Growing lavender?
We want to hear your view. Write now!