Search by name or color
- OR -
Browse by Alphabetical Listing
Results
Lavender
Picture Source:California Cut Flower Commission
| Popular Name: Lavender |
| Botanical Name and Pronunciation: Lavandula spp. (la-VAN-dew-la or la-van-DEW-la) |
| Common Name(s): n/a |
| Color(s): blue, purple, violet, white |
| Form and Size: The stems of lavender are about 16 – 20 inches long. At stem ends, there are many dense clusters of 10 – 12 tiny flowers. |
| Vase Life: up to 10 days |
| Availability: summer |
| Care Instructions: Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem, cut under water and place in fresh water with flower food. |
| History and Usage: A member of the Labiatae (mint) family, lavender’s lovely scented blooms originated in the Mediterranean region, including the Canary Islands, Arabia and India. Its botanical name, lavandula, comes from the word “lavare” which is Latin for to wash. This is in reference to its use in soaps, which it has been used to scent since Roman times. Lavender oil has also been used to scent perfumes. In addition to soap and perfume, lavender is also used to flavor jams and make antiseptic tonic water for sensitive skin. When used in tea, it has been known to ease headaches and calm nerves. It also is beautiful in floral arrangements and in dried arrangements. |
| Points of Interest: Relatives of lavender include sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and mint. When lavender is dried it retains its scent. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europeans quit bathing regularly. As a substitute they used cheaper methods than soap, like growing lavender in their personal gardens. Regular soap at that time was twice the price of a fully-grown pig. Although many people had easy access to lavender, it takes 2,000 lbs. of blooms to make 10 lbs. of distilled lavender concentrate. |
| Ethylene Sensitive: Yes |