All lavenders belong to the genus Lavandula of the family Labiatae that include the thymes, basils, sages and rosemary. The characteristics of this family include stems that are square in cross section and lipped flowers (7).The plant type is a herbaceous perennial, which blooms a purple color from July through September.  The average height and width is 18" by 18-24" and likes exposure to sun and low water zones.  Lavender has a very sweet aroma (3). http://www.lavenderfarms.com/info/history.htm

http://www.purplehazelavender.com/aboutlavender.html

Geographic Location

The lavender can be grown in a variety of North American climates.  It prospers in hottest and most
drought-ridden summers without watering, and live through occasional harsh and icy winters (10). In a moderate Mediterranean climate such as San Francisco, it
would be possible to have lavender in bloom every day of the year. In the north, where winters are longer and more severe, lavender can be placed in pots and moved to a porch or other sheltered spot during the colder season. In the south, where summers is year round and it can be extremely hot, partial shade is recommended (3).

Lavendula angustifolia is native to the Mediterranean, India, Somalia, Persia and the Canary Islands.  Lavender was brought to Britain by the Romans.  The Romans and the Phoceans were most responsible for the spread of lavender throughout Europe and France, taking it with them everywhere they went in order to have local supplies of lavender oil, which they used extensively in bath water and soap as well as in many other ways (9). 

Optimal Growing Conditions

The soil must be loose for good drainage and aeration. If your soil needs conditioning use humus. You may also substitute rabbit, and horse manure. You can also add some soil additives like sawdust or shredded bark, which are valuable as soil conditioners. If these are not available, use a good potting soil.  The optimal lighting conditions will vary with the growing conditions. A basic rule of thumb is to avoid extremes and choose a moderate approach, like partial sun, or morning sun followed by light afternoon shade. For colorful herbs or variegated foliage, full sun is recommended. It is also important  not to over water by watering too frequently. Always wait until the soil feels dry to the touch before watering again (5). http://www.purplehazelavender.com/growinglavender.html

Economic Importance

The lavender industry is part of a broad horticultural industry and has a promising future.   Lavender growing involves a significant investment, a fair amount of risk and a lot of hard work.  But there is also a certain romance associated with the industry. This comes partly from its origins as a 'cottage industry', and also because of the many uses to which lavender can be put in and the pleasure it brings to people.  Certainly, a lavender field in full flower is a spectacular sight and smell.  This aesthetic appeal adds an important dimension to industry tourism.  People are attracted to the villages and communities based around the lavender industry. They can buy value-added lavender products and also see how they are made.  Indeed, people can have the complete 'lavender experience', and not only buy fresh or dried flowers, but also health care related products for use in areas such as aromatherapy and cosmetics.  Lavender oil is also highly imported and exported (1).  http://www.jerseylavender.co.uk/products.html

Ethnobotanical and Cultural Information

Lavender may function as a disinfectant and antiseptic were founded. Its healing qualities grew through the centuries, even gaining the reputation of warding off the plague. Also it may be used in aromatherapy.  http://www.cpinternet.com/~cappy90/aroma.htm The essential oil is used on insect bites, burns, and blemishes. It is considered the premier of all perfume with it's effect is calming, refreshing, uplifting, expansive, soothing, and purifying effects. It is antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, anticoagulant, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, decongestant, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, parasiticidal, rubefacient, restorative, sedative, sudorfic, tonic, vermifugal, vulnerary. Lavender as a whole is an 'adaptagenic' essence with a relationship to all body systems (11).http://www.motherearthworks.com/articles/Vitamin/adap.htm It is nicknamed the ultimate 'first aid in a bottle' oil. Lavender produces an anti-allergic essential oil, with an inherent antibiotic action. It is also an astringent as well as moisturizer to skin. It alleviates aches and pains and swelling, from arthritis to injury to headache. Emotionally, lavender helps support a calm composure and self-expression. It reduces irritability, insomnia, nightmares, apprehension, panic attacks combined with uncontrollable shaking, stress, nervous tension, hysteria and is generally balancing to the psyche, as well as the body.  Research is proving that lavender is beneficial with regard to support for hyperglycemia, hypertension, indigestion, arteriosclerosis, digestive complaints, kidney stones, fragile capillaries, anemia, and heartburn (11). 

Fascinating Facts

There is a new introduced variety "Lavender Lady" (9),which  brings peace and comfort to your home, while also stimulating the mind, mentally and physically, attraction, and adaptability. Also an excellent sleeping aid (8).

Other interesting sites

http://www.beyond.fr/flora/lavender.html

http://www.nature-helps.com/agora/lavender.htm

http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/lavender.htm

References:

www.affa.gov.au/minister/troeth/speeches/lavender.html

www.aheb.com/garden/lavender.html

Bennett, Simone. "Lavender." May 1994, Seven Hills Book Distributor, pg.59.

http://www.jerseylavender.co.uk/photos.html

Kourik, Robert., Jones, Deborah. "The Lavender Garden: Beautiful Varieties to Grow and Gather".   April 1998, Chronicle Books. pg. 227

www.lavender.au.com/

www.lavenderfarms.com/info/species.htm

McLeod, Judyth A. "Lavender Sweet Lavender". April 1994, Kangaroo Press. pg. 24

www.paridss.usak.ca/specialcrop/commodity/herb_spice/tour/lavender.html

Platt, Ellen Specter.  "Lavender: How to Grow and Use the Fragrant Herb". August 1997, New England Press, 1st edited edition. pg. 119

www.purplehazelavender.com/aboutlavender.html

Created by:  Jessica Gilbride, 2001