Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Family: Lamiaceae · Also called English Lavender, True Lavender, Garden Lavender
Green & Fresh · Summer bloomer
Lavender is perhaps the most universally beloved scented plant, a fragrant bridge between herb and flower. Its silvery-green foliage and purple flower spikes create one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the garden. Native to the rocky Mediterranean, lavender thrives in poor soil and full sun, asking for almost nothing while giving everything.
calm, devotion, serenity, purity
In the Victorian language of flowers, lavender means “Devotion and undying love”. The name comes from the Latin 'lavare' (to wash), Romans added it to their baths. During the Great Plague of London, people tied bundles of lavender to their wrists believing it would ward off disease. Provence's lavender fields, blooming in July, are now one of France's most iconic landscapes.
Did You Know?
Lavender oil has been scientifically shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. During World War I, when antiseptics ran short, lavender oil was used to disinfect wounds on the battlefield.
Dry, rocky, sunny slopes across the Mediterranean basin
Lavender is native to Mediterranean. It naturally grows in dry, rocky, sunny slopes across the mediterranean basin.
Scent Profile
“A clean, herbal-floral fragrance with calming sweetness and a subtle camphor edge, universally recognized and deeply soothing.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameLavandula angustifolia
- FamilyLamiaceae
- Native ToMediterranean
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
The name comes from the Latin 'lavare' (to wash), Romans added it to their baths. During the Great Plague of London, people tied bundles of lavender to their wrists believing it would ward off disease. Provence's lavender fields, blooming in July, are now one of France's most iconic landscapes.