Lavender is an ornamental herb with fragrant silvery or gray-green foliage and blue-violet, mauve, or pink flowers (depending on variety) that appear in June or July. The Lavenders we sell will reach from 12 to 36 inches tall at maturity (after several growing seasons) with a vigorous, many branching habit and intensely perfumed flower spikes. Most varieties are hardy from USDA Zone 5 to 7S, 5 to 10W. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas pedunculata is winter hardy only to Zone 6.) Lavenders thrive in the arid West, but are best grown as annuals or container plants in the South.

Lavender needs a warm garden spot with very well drained, good garden soil in full sun. Lavender will not tolerate wet soil, and is very tolerant of drought once established. It prefers a soil pH close to neutral, so if your soil is very acid, add horticultural lime. Lavender makes a good companion for hardy Geraniums, Shasta Daisies, and Roses. (Roses need heavy feeding, and Lavenders do not, so it’s best to keep the plants somewhat separate in the garden. The shorter Lavenders, such as Munstead Dwarf Strain, are perfect for edging a Rose garden.)

Lavenders grow best in lean soil, so fertilize lightly, if at all. Because plants are more like shrubs than perennials, wait to prune away winter-damaged stems until spring growth begins. If pruning to maintain shape, cut back to just above the previous year's growth.

Because Lavender plants have strong essential oils, they are rarely bothered by common plant pests nor do deer munch them. Remember their requirements for good drainage, warmth, and adequate feeding and watering for best results.

Harvesting and Using Lavender: Flower spikes have the strongest scent just as the pretty little flowers begin to open. Cut long stems and gather in bunches to dry out of the sun. Spread on a screen or sheet so air circulates easily. Drying takes just 4 to 5 days in warm weather. Use the stems of fresh or dried flower spikes in arrangements or remove the florets for sachets and potpourri mixtures.