Lavandula is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Lavender is a bushy, strong-scented perennial plant from the Mediterranean. In warmer regions, its gray to green foliage stays evergreen throughout the year, and the herb thrives in some of the toughest of garden condition. Prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and beautiful bluish-purple colour, Lavender is a valued plant across the world and also attracts pollinators to the garden. The plant is not picky and will survive in a wide range of soil, even poor soil. Its main requirements are lots of sun and also good drainage.
Common Name: English Dwarf Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia dwarf
Lavandula angustifolia dwarf, commonly known as English Dwarf Lavender, is a compact variety of lavender that is prized for its aromatic flowers and relatively short stature.
Medicinally, lavender is revered for its calming and sedative properties, often used in aromatherapy to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
In beauty, lavender oil is a staple in skincare and body care products, valued for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating acne, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
An interesting fact about English Dwarf Lavender is that it’s particularly suited to small gardens or growing in containers, where it can be easily managed and still produce a plentiful supply of its fragrant flowers.
Common Name: Spanish Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula stoechas
Lavandula stoechas, also known as Spanish Lavender or Butterfly Lavender, is distinguished by its unique flower structure, which features large, purple “wings” atop each flower spike.
Medicinally, Spanish Lavender is used similarly to other lavender species, particularly for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, though it is less common than English Lavender.
In beauty, its oil is occasionally used in perfumery and aromatherapy products for its distinctive, slightly camphoraceous fragrance.
An interesting fact about Spanish Lavender is that it’s particularly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial plant for boosting local pollinator populations.
Common Name: Margaret Roberts Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavendula intermedia ‘Margaret Roberts’
Lavendula intermedia ‘Margaret Roberts’, named after the famed herbalist Margaret Roberts, Margaret Roberts Lavender is a hybrid lavender known for its robust growth and high oil content, making it an excellent choice for both ornamental and commercial use.
Medicinally, this lavender variety is utilized for its strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, commonly incorporated into products for pain relief and skin care.
In beauty, the high oil yield makes ‘Margaret Roberts’ a preferred variety for high-quality lavender oil used in a range of cosmetic and therapeutic products.
An interesting fact about Margaret Roberts Lavender is that it was specifically bred for its resilience and adaptability, able to thrive in a wider range of climates and conditions than many other lavender types.
