Currently, there are 45 different species of lavender and around 450 varieties, and more species and varieties are yet to be discovered. 

Lavender’s association with relaxation and tranquillity is renowned for its mesmerizing scent that has been used in perfumes, aromatherapy and several cosmetics. Come and explore the stunning variety of lavender plants and get one for your garden today!

About Lavender 

Lavender, specifically known as Lavundala, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. These plants are renowned for their slender, elegant stems, adorned with clusters of delicate, vibrant flowers ranging from pale lilac to deep purple.

Lavenders are evergreen shrubs with grey-green hoary linear leaves. Their purple flowers are arranged sparsely on spikes on the top of long bare stalks producing small nutlet fruits. In cultivation, most of these plants do not typically yield seeds; instead rely on propagation methods such as cuttings or root division to reproduce.

Benefits of Having Lavender 

• Pest Repellent

Many insects find the strong fragrance of lavender repulsive. The scent interferes with their olfactory receptors, making locating food sources difficult. Thus, acting as a deterrent and discouraging the pests from lingering and attempting to bite humans in areas where it is present. 

Besides, lavender’s fragrance masks human scents, disrupting the detection of pests like mosquitoes. Its vibrant flowers and foliage provide a visual deterrent, confusing and discouraging insects, especially flying pests such as flies and certain mosquitoes.

• Craft and Home Décor

 Lavender’s versatility extends to crafts and home decor. Its slender stems and delicate purple flowers are perfect for creating wreaths and floral arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and beautiful fragrance to your living spaces. You can use dried lavenders in potpourri and sachets infusing linens with a soothing aroma. 

• Compatibility With Other Plants and Flowers

Lavender generally has a clumping growth habit, forming compact mounds rather than spreading aggressively. This allows it to occupy a defined space in the garden without encroaching on neighbouring plants. Additionally, their compatibility with other plants offers a great opportunity to create a diverse and visually appealing garden design. 

When paired with roses, the contrasting colours create a charming atmosphere. Lavender with sage brings a complementary fragrance and scenic beauty, enhancing the sensory experience. 

• Aromatherapy Oasis 

By incorporating these plants indoors, their delightful scent permeates the air, enveloping your living space with tranquillity. The therapeutic aroma of lavender promotes relaxation, eases tension, and aids in reducing stress and anxiety. You can also use their flowers in candles and essential oil infusions that fill your home with a claiming scent.

Whether placed in bedrooms, living areas, or meditation corners, indoor lavenders create a serene ambience, inviting you to unwind, rejuvenate, and escape the pressures of the day. 

• Climate Resilient

Lavender’s exceptional climate resilience stems from its adaptability to varying soil conditions and temperature ranges. Its ability to tolerate different soil types, including sandy or poor soils, ensures it can grow in a wide range of environments. 

Its tolerance for extreme temperatures makes it suitable for Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In cooler zones, certain lavender varieties exhibit hardiness, enduring frost and snowy conditions by going dormant during winter. 

How To Care and Maintain Lavender

• Abundant sunlight and Regular Watering

Lavender requires ample sunlight and well-driving soil to flourish. Strong stems and vibrant blooms require at least 3-6 hours of regular sunlight. As for watering, it prefers a balanced approach. Although drought tolerant, it requires regular watering during the first year for better root system growth. Afterwards, it’s best to allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot.

• Pruning in Early Spring 

To maintain a healthy and vigorous lavender plant, it is important to prune your lavender plants annually. In early spring, trim back one-third of the plant’s overall size, focusing more on removing the woody stems and promoting new growth. This practice stimulates fresh growth, allowing better flow and preventing the plant from becoming too leggy. 

• Mindful Fertilization

 Lavender thrives in a root environment low in humus, minerals, and calcareous content, emphasizing the preference for lean soil. It dislikes overly nutrient-rich soil as it promotes excessive growth at the expense of quality flowers and fragrance. When fertilizing, opt for a low nitrogen and alkaline fertilizer, ideally a slow-acting organic option like compost. 

• Harvesting After Full Bloom

Harvesting lavender at the perfect moment is essential to capture its intoxicating fragrance and preserve its highest quality. Allow the flowers to reach full and vibrant blooms, releasing their delightful scent. 

Then with sharp pruning shears, make clean cuts just above a set of leaves or nodes. Gather and secure small stems with a rubber band or twine. Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dry location with good airflow, allowing the flowers to dry over several weeks slowly. Once dried, remove the flowers from the stems and store them in airtight containers for later use.