| Lavandula angustifolia | |
|---|---|
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| Common lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Lavandula |
| Species: | L. angustifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Lavandula angustifolia | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
Lavandula angustifolia, formerlyL. officinalis, is aflowering plant in thefamilyLamiaceae, native to theMediterranean basin. Its common names includelavender,true lavender andEnglish lavender[2] (though it is not native to England); alsogarden lavender,[3]common lavender andnarrow-leaved lavender.
It is a strongly aromaticshrub growing as high as 1 to 2 metres (3+1⁄2 to6+1⁄2 ft) tall. Theleaves areevergreen,2–6 centimetres (1–2+1⁄2 inches) long, and4–6 millimetres (3⁄16–1⁄4 in) broad. The flowers are typically purple (lavender-coloured), produced on spikes 2–8 cm (1–3 in) long at the top of slender, leafless stems 10–30 cm (4–12 in) long.[citation needed]
Thespecies nameangustifolia is Latin for "narrow leaf".[4] Previously, it was known asLavandulaofficinalis, referring to its medicinal properties.
English lavender is commonly grown as anornamental plant. It is popular for its colourful flowers, its fragrance, and its ability to survive with low water consumption. It does not grow well in continuously damp soil and may benefit from increased drainage provided by inorganic mulches, such as gravel. It does best inMediterranean climates similar to its native habitat, characterised by wet winters and dry summers. It is fairly tolerant of low temperatures, and is generally considered hardy toRoyal Horticultural Society zone H6, orUSDAzone 5.[5] It tolerates acid soils, but favours neutral toalkaline soils, and in some conditions it may be short-lived.[6]
The followingcultivars ofL. angustifolia and its hybrids have gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit:-[7]
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Compacta, Folgate, Dwarf Blue, Dwarf White, Hidcote Pink, Hidcote Superior, Munstead, Nana Atropurpurea, Nana Rosea, Sarah, Summerland Supreme, Lady Lavender
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Bowles Early, Hidcote Variety, Loddon Blue, Martha Roderick, Jean Davis, Twickle Purple, Pink Perfume
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Alba, Backhouse Purple, Biostos, Bridestowe, Graves, Gray Lady, Gwendolyn Anley, Hidcote Giant, Irene Doyle, Mailette, Middachten
The flowers and leaves are applied inherbal medicine.[22] Commercially, the plant is used to producelavender essential oil used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications.[23] Lavender essential oil, when diluted with a carrier oil, is commonly used formassage therapy oraromatherapy.[23]
The flowers are also used as a culinary herb, most often as part of the North American version of the French herb blend calledherbes de Provence.
Lavandula angustifolia is included in theTasmanian Fire Service's list of lowflammability plants, indicating that it is suitable for growing within a building protection zone.[24]
Lavandula hybrids are referred to as lavandins. Hybrids betweenL. angustifolia andL. latifolia (spike lavender) are calledLavandula ×intermedia. They bloom later than the ordinary English lavenders.
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