Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Ah Lavender! Exquisite frangrance, beautiful in the landscape, an attractant for pollinators like bees, and useful in many items such as salves and oils.  Plant these varieties in a herb bed or use to edge flower and perrennial beds. The Lavandula Angustifolia  variety of lavender species is the most recommended and valued of all lavenders because of the high quality oil produced by the plants. The oils can be used in perfume and cosmetics. The species medicinal properties include everything from alleviating stress, headaches and insomnia to reducing fevers. Its flowering period is from mid June to late July. The Lavandin varieties come from a cross of English and spike lavender. Many of these varieties are highly recommended for producing commercial oil and dried bundles. The yields from these varieties are up to 10 times more than other varieties. In addition, lavandins are very hardy with a flowering period from early July to late August.