Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender or common lavender is one of the most used garden plant in the Mediterranean. It is the number one plant that is associated with the Mediterranean garden style. In combination with olive trees, vines and various other herbs it creates the distinctive style that reminds us on summer holidays.
About the plant
Lavender is an evergreen aromatic shrub that can be used as hedge, as a shrub or as groundcover. The plant can reach a height of about 1m. The dark blue-violet flowers appear from March to October. It prefers a sunny location with well drained soil. Lavender is a low maintenance woody shrub that requires little water once established. Once a year in early spring, cut down your lavender to half its size to promote new growth. Otherwise, it becomes woody and dry at the center of the shrub and is only green at the surface areas.
Types of lavender
Although there is a variety of lavender and many cultivars, the most common Lavender in Cyprus is Lavandula angustifolia. It is drought tolerant and therefore ideal for our weather condition. We can also find French lavender – Lavandula dentata, Spanish lavender -Lavandula stoechas and less common Lavandin or Spike lavender- Lavandula x intermedia, if you wish for some variety. Lavender has a unique aromatic smell and is used for many purposes such as potpourri, soaps, perfumes and beauty products. It can be used as well for tea’s, lemonade and for cooking.
Essential Lavender oil
The oil is extracted primarily through steam Destillation of the flowers, which can be seen live at the lavender festival in Avgorou at the CYHerbia botanical park. Products made of lavender and culinary speciality are provided at the park. A great experience to see the diverse use of this beautiful shrub.
Seven natural benefits of the oil:
- Helps reduce anxiety and stress
- Heals burns and gashes
- Improves sleep
- Helps with complexion problems
- Improves eczema and psoriasis
- Alleviates headaches,
- Menstrual cramps
Lavender Labyrinth @CYherbia
Lavender in Garden Design
Plant lavender along pathways, borders or in pots. The silvery green leaves with the dark purple flowers in contrast will give a cool tone to your colour palette. When combining lavender with other plants, have in consideration the seasons. Use same colour tones throughout the garden for consistency and harmony. The time that lavender is not blooming it will remains a silvery leaved shrub which can be emphasised against plants with dark colour leaves such as Loropetalum, Althernathera, Cotinus. Whether you aim for a Mediterranean or contemporary style for your space use lavender in masses for a wow effect.
Suggested plants for combination:
When choosing other plants to combine with your lavender, make sure they have the same water needs. Repetition of the same plant in your garden will have a greater effect than mixing too many colours, textures and species together.
If you want to have professional advice for your garden design, do not hesitate to contact your
