Credit: Thejoyofplants.co.uk
Range
There are various species and cultivars of lavender with primarily greyish to green scented foliage bearing blue or lilac flower spikes with lip-shaped flowers. The most common is L. angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ with narrow grey leaves and violet flowers. It flowers for a long time, lasting through to the end of the September. L. angustifolia 'Munstead' flowers briefly but vigorously in the Summer with lilac flowers. Both are very hardy. There are also many cultivars of L. stoechas. This is slightly less hardy, but has comical large violet bracts which have led it to be christened ‘the lavender with the bow’.
Lavender trivia
- Le Lavandou in the South of France was previously the Roman ‘laundry place’ Lavandula.
- The ancient Egyptians were also great fans of lavender. Pharaoh Tutankhamen was laid in his tomb with a jar of a lavender perfume by his side.
- Lavender has been known for its calming properties since antiquity.
- Scented bags can be made from the dried flowers.
Lavender is a member of the mint family, and particularly grows in countries around the Mediterranean, although the plant can also do well in the cooler regions of Central and Northern Europe.
Sales and display tips for lavender
The various shades of lavender are well-suited to a display with a gradation of colour from light to dark. Don’t place the plants right next to each other - lavender must be able to breathe a bit. Reinforce the plant's summery French feel with image material and terracotta pots, and show what lavender can do in the limited space of a balcony with a bistro set. Combining the plant with items such as lavender soap, lavender salt and lavender oil can boost sales.
For more information:
Thejoyofplants.co.uk