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 household benefits. There are many different cultivars in the Genus Lavandula, having many sizes, shapes, color variations, and best uses.

For example, Lavandula Angustifolia is generally smaller and sweeter and has been thought to calm tension, aide insomnia, assist digestion, ease headache, improve depression, and promote skin health. It’s best to choose cultivars of Lavandula Angustifolia to give the flavor notes desirable for cooking.

On the other hand, Lavandula X Intermedia is generally larger with a robust fragrance that will give the strong aromas usually associated with soaps and home products. Lavandula X Intermedia contains camphor, which is thought to aid respiration and enflamed or painful skin conditions. This cultivar is often added to laundry, cleaning, and personal care products due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and pest deterrent properties.

All lavenders can be quite strong, so care should be taken when using for persons or pets with 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.