lavender, true lavender, English lavender, garden lavender, and narrow-leaved lavender

Lavender History and Folkore

Lavandula angustifolia is native to the Mediterranean though it can be found throughout the world and thrives in the British Isles, so that it is commonly called English lavender.

The word lavender comes from the Latin “lavar”, which means, “to wash”, hinting on lavender’s long use for cleaning and cosmetics.

The specific epithet angustifolia means “narrow leaves”. But lavender’s earlier scientific name was Lavandula officinalis, which indicated its common household use.

Lavender in the Garden

Lavender is a shrubby perennial herb that may reach up to 6 feet in height, but is usually 2-3 feet tall. Its needle-like leaves are gray-green and covered with fine hairs on square, branching stems. The purple labiate flowers appear on spikes throughout the summer.  Even after the flowers are spent, their calyxes remain, so the plant remains impressive right up to the cold season.

All parts of the plant are highly aromatic, and the scent remains for some time even on dead and dried vegetation.

Lavender prefer well-drained, poor, sandy and full sun

Lavender is a tender perennial suitable for USDA growing zones 5-9 that can withstand some cold but needs protection from extended freezing. It makes a wonderful low hedge or border planting. I like to plant it around vegetable gardens to attract pollinators and deter rabbits and squirrels. In theory, small animals will avoid passing through the strong-smelling hedge because it messes with their olfactory awareness.

Lavender prefers a sunny spot and well-drained, alkaline soil and does not like too much moisture. While it should be watered regularly until it is established, lavender hates wet feet. The plant is drought-tolerant after the first year.

Lavender’s woody taproot provides stability in poor soils and exposed areas. It stands up to wind and even salt spray quite well.

Pruning your lavender bush back to about 1/3 will keep it healthy and productive, so don’t hesitate to harvest those fragrant spikes after the second year. The best time is when the buds are just starting to open. You can then hang the entire spike to dry.

Lavender can be propagated from hardwood or softwood cuttings or via layering.

Lavender seeds need to be propegated. You can try winter sowing or tuck them into a plastic bag with a damp towel in the fridge for 3 weeks or so before planting them in flats indoors. Plant seeds about 1/8 inch deep and expose them to bright light for 6 hours a day and temperatures around 70°F. Be patient. Lavender seeds can take a month or more to germinate and must be kept moist, but not wet, and warm the entire time.

Plant your seedlings about 3 feet apart in a suitable spot after the soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Make sure to harden them off first!

Lavender in the Kitchen

English lavender is edible, though not all lavenders are, so do be careful.

Dried lavender buds added to an evening tea is pleasant and restful.

Lavandula angustifolia for Healing

Lavender is often added to skin care products. It is said to reduce inflammation, clear up blemishes, and prevent wrinkles and dry patches. It is also an anti-fungal and may be used in topical treatment of foot fungus and ring worm.

Lavender essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress and promote relaxation and sleep. It may also help relieve pain and lower blood pressure.

Lavender Magick

Use lavender in dressing oils, sachets and spell jars for love, beauty, and attraction. Add it to bridal wreaths and bouquets to bring in this energy as well.

Add lavender to a sachet to tuck under your pillow for deep sleep and dream work. This is particularly useful if you do dream work for communication with spirits, Gods or even other humans. If you and your partner work together, make a fabulous massage oil for a pre-bedtime massage by steeping dried buds in a neutral carrier oil in a warm, dark place for a month (perhaps when the sun is in Pisces), then straining well.

Add lavender oil to a salt or sugar scrub for a ritual bath to wash away a broken heart or similar emotional hurts.

Use a bundle of lavender to asperge your ritual area. Also use it to asperge the area before a social event to keep communication friendly and feelings fond.

Add lavender magic to your sweet treats by mixing sugar and dried lavender buds together and letting it sit for a week or two, then sifting. This can easily be added to drinks, frosting and anything that calls for sugar.  Some people love the taste. It’s not for everyone.

Lavender corresponds to the element of Air and the planet Mercury.

Bundles or sachets of lavender can be placed in cupboards and dressers to protect their contents from moths and other insects.

I like to place a sachet of lavender buds in the dryer to scent my bedding.