The Lavender Story
Lavandula species, hybrids and cultivars. There are 36 species in six sections, but most commonly grown for commercial purposes are from within the Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula x intermedia, Lavandula Dentata & Lavandula Stoechas . Flower colours vary from white, mauve, purple, blue, green and pink and the foliage colour varies from bright to blue green and grey. The bloom season varies depending on season, altitude, longitude, latitude, species and cultivar, but you could find lavender blooming somewhere all year. I have named but a few plants in each section.
Lavandula angustifolia; (Commonly called "True" or "English" lavender; formerly Spica) is a hardy, smallish plant. The oil is a fine oil, low in volatile chemicals. The yield is relatively low and used in cosmetics and the perfume industry. Cultivars in Australia include L angustifolia 'Bee', 'Swampy', 'Avice Hill', 'Folgate', Oil from our own famous Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Tasmania) is amongst the highest priced oil in the world.
Lavandula x intermedia; has many cultivars ranging in size & yield. It is a "sterile" plant. Cultivars in Australia include 'Grosso', 'Super', 'Miss Donnington', 'Impress Purple', 'Jurat Giant' & 'Margaret Rocky Hall'. L x intermedia 'Grosso' is the world's largest oil producing plant and Crystal Brook Lavender have achieved world recognised standards in production of this oil.
Lavandula Dentata (easily detected because of its (dentated) serrated edged leaves). Commonly known as "French Lavender", it is an attractive bush and flowers over many months. It is not generally harvested for oil or pot pourri.
Lavandula Stoechas. Generally a smallish, very showy shrub with colourful flowers with bracts (like bunny ears). They flower (and seed) profusely and flower for long periods of time. Amongst my favourites are ', Butterfly' & 'Wine', Similar in look are the Lavandula 'Hazel', 'Merle', 'Pippa White', & 'Plum'.
Lavender is a xerophyte and member of the Laminaceae family (mints, thymes etc). It is a fairly hardy plant although some varieties do not like frost. It likes to be watered when small and in drought seasons, but for the most part it HATES wet feet, likes a slightly alkaline (ph7), free draining soil. There is no need for masses of fertilisers or other dangerous chemicals. It LOVES to be pruned after flowering and kept in a tidy shape.....
Whether you grow lavender as a commercial enterprise or just for fun, members of The Australian Lavender Growers' Association are happy to welcome you and give you information. We have members throughout Australia.
Clive Larkman at Larkman Nurseries at Lilydale(Vic.) gives assistance to commercial growers or for additional information contact:
It is fun, will gives many hours of pleasure and the heady perfume is exhilarating.
