Lavender has been used and loved since ancient times.  In addition to its natural beauty as a display, bouquet, or floral arrangement, lavender boasts a wealth of potential health and home benefits. There are many different cultivars in the Genus Lavandula, having many sizes, shapes, color variations, and best uses. For example, Lavandula Angustifolia has been thought to calm tension, aide insomnia, assist digestion, ease headache, improve depression, and promote skin health.  It’s best to choose a cultivar of Lavandula Angustifolia to give the flavor notes desirable for cooking, while a cultivar of Lavandula X Intermedia will give the strong aromas usually associated with soaps and home products. Lavandula X Intermedia may have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, can be a natural insect and pest repellant, and is often added to laundry, cleaning, and personal care products.  Lavender can be quite strong so care should be taken when using for persons or pets with allergies or sensitivities. Experiment and enjoy!

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Lavandula X Intermedia Cultivars

Lavandula X Intermedia has a very strong and stimulating scent that can be described as more woodsy or pungent, often associated with soaps, oils, and household products. They are generally larger with longer stems and bloom primarily in July.

Lavandula Angustifolia Cultivars

Lavandula Angustifolia has a lighter, floral, relaxing scent that lends itself to perfumes and culinary purposes. These cultivars are generally smaller with shorter stems. Bloom starts in June and some cultivars bloom twice, providing flowers through late summer.