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Lavender
Best
known for its fragrance, lavender is a favorite herb of many gardeners.
Greeks and Romans bathed in lavender-scented water and this herb
took its name from the Latin word lavare (to wash). Lavender was
highly esteemed by royalty. Queen Victoria kept her castle filled
with lavender. Napoleon is said to have poured it on himself whenever
he washed.
Lavender is a shrubby perennial with gray-green,
sharp-scented leaves. Spikes of fragrant white, pink or pale-to-deep
purple blooms form at the ends of branches. Narrow leaves make a
striking evergreen hedge. Among the range of varieties English lavender
is the easiest to grow, most fragrant and most shrub-like. Species
suited for warmer climates include the smaller and darker purple
Spanish lavender and the narrow, gray-green square-toothed French
lavender. 'Alba' or white lavender has silver-gray leaves and offers
a rich, clean fragrance but is less tolerant of cold than other
species.
Planting and Care
Plant from
containers in well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered location.
Expect only a few blossoms to appear on one-year-old plants; maximum
flower production typically develops by the third year.
Cut back flower stems after bloom period has passed.
Rejuvenate old plants that have become ragged or woody by cutting
back branches.
Don't shear but prune branches selectively to retain the natural
form.
Deer usually find lavender distasteful while butterflies adore
it.
Harvesting and Use
Dried lavender
retains its scent longer than any herb.
Gather flowering stems just as flowers open.
Pick leaves anytime.
Dry flowering stems by laying them on open trays or hanging them
in small bundles.
Lavender is the basis for numerous products - perfumes, soaps,
sachets and potpourris. It has even been included in tobacco mixtures.
Herbalists ascribe medicinal benefits ranging from relief of fatigue,
aches, sprains and rheumatism to stimulation of appetite.
Lavender pillows may help promote restful sleep.
Use dried stems as incense and fresh stems for barbeque skewers.
Bags or bundles of dried flowers chase away moths as well as counteract
the odor of mildew, especially in chests lined with cloths.
Lavender's essential oil is helpful in massage, bathing and scenting
rooms for those who have difficulty sleeping. Be sure to go to our Recipes Section for lots of wonderful recipes using fresh herbs, including this month's Lavender Dressing and Salad Greens! Visit our Recipes »» |
