Lavender

Lavender Overview

Lavandula is a genus of aromatic evergreen shrubs and subshrubs commonly known as Lavender, that naturally occur in dry, exposed, sunny habitats in many parts of the world. Their leaves are usually narrow, toothed or lobed, some silvery-green. Small white, purple or pink tubular flowers (some very intricate) form on dense spikes in summer. Lavender is very attractive to pollinators. Many species are well-known to gardeners and hundreds of cultivars have been developed. Some plants such as Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) have long been cultivated as garden herbs for their pleasant aroma and essential oils. Lavender plants are well suited to dry, poor or moderately fertile soil, and are often planted in sunny borders and rock gardens, or as low growing hedge/edging. Most are tender and won't cope with freezing temperatures, half-hardy varieties need to be planted in a warm, sheltered position. When planted in heavier clay soils, lavenders tend to develop woody bases and are often shorter-lived than those planted in chalky, alkaline soils with good drainage.