How do I know what kind of lavender I have?

Simply use your nose and eyes to identify lavender plants. Identify English lavender (L. angustifolia) by its sweeter fragrance with less of a camphor odor. You can also identify English lavender by its bloom period, which begins in early summer.

How can you tell the difference between English and French lavender?

French lavender is large and will grow from about 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) tall and wide, while English lavender stays much smaller and more compact, although it may grow up to 2 feet (61 cm.). Bloom time. The flowers on these plants are similar in size, but they last much longer on French lavender.

How do I know if I have English lavender?

Both lavender varieties have a lovely scent, but to a well trained nose, it's easy to spot the difference. English lavender is much lighter and sweeter than French lavender because it has less camphor, a chemical with a piney, woody scent.

What are the two types of lavender?

Lavender belongs to the genus Lavandula. In Northern latitudes the two most common species are angustifolia and x intermedia (also called lavandin).

Why is my lavender not purple?

Lavender can turn gray because of frost damage or as a result of a fungal disease, caused by over watering or slow draining soils. Usually the fungus botrytis spp is responsible for lavender leaves turning gray although there are a few pathogens that may cause lavenders to turn gray.

What is the Best Kind of Lavender to Plant and How to Use It

Which is the strongest smelling lavender?

With one of the strongest fragrance among Lavenders, Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' is a vigorous grower which produces exceptionally large and rich, deep violet flower spikes up to 6 in.

What is the difference between French lavender and Spanish lavender?

Spanish lavender has showier flower spikes than French lavender and their leaves are not scalloped but straight like English lavender. Sometimes you will see it referred to as Rabbit Ears due to the shape of the flower petals.

What's the difference between culinary lavender and regular lavender?

While crafting lavender might also be sifted, culinary lavender is sifted multiple times so that all that remains is the lavender buds (and not leaves, stems or dried calyxes, which enclose the petals and form a protective layer around the lavender flower).

What variety of lavender is edible?

The Quick Answer. The best lavender to use for cooking is lavender from the species: Lavandula Angustifolia. Any cultivar within this species will taste best for cooking. Some cultivars in this species that are favorites for cooking include Royal Velvet, Folgate, and Melissa.

When should lavender be pruned?

Left to their own devices, lavender can become woody and ungainly, so to keep plants compact and attractive, it's best to trim them annually in late summer, just after flowering has finished. Remove any spent flower stalks and about 2.5cm (1in) of leaf growth.

Does lavender come back every year?

Lavender is a Low-Maintenance Perennial

And this beauty will come back to your garden every year, for about 3-5 years, so it's a great investment. What is this? Before you make any plant purchases, however, I want to remind you to always choose plants that thrive in your plant hardiness zone.

Do different lavenders smell different?

There is indeed a difference in scent among some lavender essential oils. The more you expose yourself to different types, the more keen your nose will become in distinguishing those differences!

What is the difference between English lavender and Munstead lavender?

'Munstead' and 'Hidcote' are two types of English lavender. 'Hidcote' has more tightly packed and darker coloured flowers than 'Munstead', whereas 'Munstead' flowers are lighter in colour and have more of a shaggy appearance. Grow Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' in well-drained soil in full sun.

Can I eat the lavender in my garden?

Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten and have a pleasant yet slightly bitter flavor. Lavender grows throughout southern Europe, Australia and the United States. Dried lavender has only a few calories per tablespoon and is free of fat and cholesterol.

Can I cook with lavender from my garden?

“Lavender pairs really well with rich and fatty foods because it cuts through and lifts the overall flavor,” Cheney says. Popularly used in herbes de Provence alongside herbs like marjoram, rosemary, savory, and oregano, lavender is often paired with chicken, turkey, lamb, and fatty fish like salmon or tuna.

What type of lavender is used for tea?

Lavender tea is made from the fresh or dried buds of the lavender flower known as Lavandula angustifolia. It is a type of tea known as an herbal tea or tisane.

What does Spanish lavender look like?

Spanish lavender is known for its upright petals that appear at the top of the flower heads, giving the blooms a rabbit-like appearance. Depending on the cultivator, Spanish lavender can be found with pink, purple, or white flowers.

Which lavender is best for essential oil?

True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best variety to use for healing and aromatherapy, as the hybrid oils are much higher in camphor, and are more stimulating than calming.

How can I make my lavender smell stronger?

Another great tip for keeping your dried lavender plants scented much longer, is to add some lavender essential oil to the flowers to rejuvenate the scent once it starts to fade. You can also squeeze or crush the flowers to release their scent.

How many years does a lavender plant live?

When sited correctly and pruned judiciously, lavenders should live for five to seven years. Although lavender is fairly drought tolerant, adequate moisture is required throughout the growing season. Most critical are the weeks after planting to ensure that soil around the rootball does not dry out.

What is the prettiest lavender?

The highly fragrant French lavender (Lavandula stoechas, 1-3') has some of the showiest flowers of all the lavenders. The Mediterranean native was grown by the Romans for its exceptional scent, and its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions. It is a bit hardier, surviving to USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10.

Should I trim dead lavender?

The basic rule of pruning lavender is not to trim into brown, dead wood. You'll usually find brown branches at the base of the plant. Remove them only when they are truly dead. Never cut them back, hoping to stimulate new growth.

Should you deadhead lavender?

While deadheading can encourage new blooms and tidy up your plants, it's not absolutely necessary. Lavenders cope just fine with their old blooms still attached, and they normally fall off after a couple of months anyway.