Practical
Plants

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Lavandula genus in the family Labiatae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Labiatae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
1.2 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
Bees, Lepidoptera
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Flower colours
indigo, violet
Pollinators
Bees, Lepidoptera

Uses

Edible uses

Leaves, petals and flowering tips - raw. Used as a condiment in salads, soups, stews etc[11][3][8]. They provide a very aromatic flavour[29] and are too strong to be used in any quantity[K]. The fresh or dried flowers are used as a tea[8]. The fresh flowers are also crystallized or added to jams, ice-creams, vinegars etc as a flavouring[17]. An essential oil from the flowers is used as a food flavouring[8].

Plant part
Flowers, Leaves
Preparation
Distilled, Crystallized, Raw
Product or use
Condiment, Flavoring
Plant part
Flowers
Preparation
Steeped
Product or use
Tea

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

Lavender is a commonly used household herb, though it is better known for its sweet-scented aroma than for its medicinal qualities[21]. However, it is an important relaxing herb, having a soothing and relaxing affect upon the nervous system[21]. The flowering spikes can be dried and used internally in a tincture, though the extracted essential oil is more commonly used. The essential oil is much more gentle in its action than most other essential oils and can be safely applied direct to the skin as an antiseptic to help heal wounds, burns etc[21]. An essential oil obtained from the flowers is antihalitosis, powerfully antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic, nervine, sedative, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[25][29][31][15][4][17]. It is not often used internally, though it is a useful carminative and nervine[25]. It is mainly used externally where it is an excellent restorative and tonic - when rubbed into the temples, for example, it can cure a nervous headache, and it is a delightful addition to the bath-water[25]. Its powerful antiseptic properties are able to kill many of the common bacteria such as typhoid, diphtheria, streptococcus and Pneumococcus, as well as being a powerful antidote to some snake venoms[19]. It is very useful in the treatment of burns, sunburn, scalds, bites, vaginal discharge, anal fissure etc, where it also soothes the affected part of the body and can prevent the formation of permanent scar tissue[25][17]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Immune system'[16].

Plant part
Essential oil
Product or use
Antihalitosis
Product or use
Antiseptic
Product or use
Antispasmodic
Product or use
Aromatherapy
Product or use
Aromatic
Product or use
Carminative
Product or use
Cholagogue
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Nervine
Product or use
Sedative
Product or use
Stimulant
Product or use
Stomachic
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

The essential oil that is obtained from the flowers is exquisitely scented and has a very wide range of applications, both in the home and commercially. It is commonly used in soap making, in making high quality perfumes (it is also used in 'Eau de Cologne'), it is also used as a detergent and cleaning agent, a food flavouring etc[15][26][28][5][17] and as an insect repellent[14]. When growing the plant for its essential oil content, it is best to harvest the flowering stems as soon as the flowers have faded[20]. Yields of 0.8 - 1% of the oil are obtained[29]. The aromatic leaves and flowers are used in pot-pourri[17] and as an insect repellent in the linen cupboard etc[2][6][12]. They have been used in the past as a strewing herb in order to impart a sweet smell to rooms and to deter insects[19]. The leaves are also added to bath water for their fragrance and therapeutic properties[19]. They are also said to repel mice[12]. The flowering stems, once the flowers have been removed for use in pot-pourri etc, can be tied in small bundles and burnt as incense sticks[20]. Lavender can be grown as a low hedge, responding well to trimming[22]. There are several varieties, such as 'Hidcote Variety', 'Loddon Pink' and 'Folgate Blue' that are suitable for using as dwarf hedges 30 - 50cm tall[20].

Plant part
Flowers
Product or use
Essential oil
Plant part
Flowers
Product or use
Incense
Plant part
Flowers
Product or use
Pot-pourri
Plant part
Flowers
Product or use
Repellent
Plant part
Flowers
Product or use
Detergent

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
Europe - Mediterranean.
Habitat
Dry grassy slopes amongst rocks[31], in exposed, usually parched, hot rocky situations often on calcareous soils[13].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure, drought
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant
Salinity
tolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed[25]. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Usually very east, a high percentage will root within a few weeks[30]. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings 7cm with a heel succeed at almost any time of the year[1]. Layering.

Cultivation

Succeeds in almost any soil so long as it is well-drained and not too acid[33][39]. Prefers a sunny position in a neutral to alkaline soil[33][42][34]. Prefers a light warm dry soil[41]. When grown in rich soils the plants tend to produce more leaves but less essential oils[42]. Established plants are drought tolerant[38]. Plants are very tolerant of salt wind exposure[K]. When growing for maximum essential oil content, the plant must be given a very warm sunny position and will do best in a light sandy soil, the fragrance being especially pronounced in a chalky soil[40]. Plants are hardy to between -10 and -15°c[37]. Lavender is a very ornamental plant that is often grown in the herb garden and is also grown commercially for its essential oil[33][42]. There are several named varieties[35][36]. Not a very long-lived plant, it can be trimmed to keep it tidy but is probably best replaced every 10 years[39]. Any trimming is best done in spring and should not be done in the autumn since this can encourage new growth that will not be very cold-hardy[39].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-87857-262-7

    ↩

  3. Bryan. J. and Castle. C. Edible Ornamental Garden. Pitman Publishing 1976-00-00 ISBN 0-273-00098-5

    ↩

  4. Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.

    ↩

  5. Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press 1952-00-00

    ↩

  6. Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979-00-00

    ↩

  7. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

  8. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

  10. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

  11. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  12. Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. 1978-00-00 ISBN 0-88266-064-0

    ↩1↩2

  13. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  14. Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-304-34324-2

    ↩

  15. Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2

    ↩1↩2

  16. Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood Publishing Ltd 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-9517723-0-9

    ↩

  17. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  18. Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.

  19. Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30725-8

    ↩1↩2↩3

  20. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2↩3

  21. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3

  22. Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649

    ↩

  23. Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x

  24. Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. 1878-00-00

  25. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  26. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  27. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

  28. Schery. R. W. Plants for Man.

    ↩

  29. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  30. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩

  31. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩1↩2

  32. Ken Fern Lavandula angustifolia Plants for a Future http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lavandula+angustifolia (2013/02/13)

  33. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (32202/01/01)

    ↩1↩2↩3

  34. Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (32202/01/01)

    ↩

  35. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (32202/01/01)

    ↩

  36. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (32202/01/01)

    ↩

  37. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (32202/01/01)

    ↩

  38. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (32202/01/01)

    ↩

  39. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)

    ↩1↩2↩3

  40. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (32202/01/01)

    ↩

  41. Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (32202/01/01)

    ↩

  42. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (32202/01/01)

    ↩1↩2↩3

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