The 28 specie of evergreen aromatic shrubs that belong to this genus are distributed from northern Africa and the Mediterranean to western Asia, India, and the Canary and Cape Verde Islands. Although their natural habitat is dry, sunny, and exposed rocky areas, lavender plants are at home in the grarden, and their distinctive spikes of fragrant purple flowers and gray-green foliage can provide color for much of the year. Cultivated species belong to 3 groups: the hardy Spica (English lavender) Group, which produces the best oil; the slightly tender Stoechas Group, with fatter flower spikes topped by petallike bracts; and the tender Pterostoechas Group, with flowers that lack the true lavender fragrance. Lavandula is part of the large mint family, which includes herbs such as sage and rosemary.
CULTIVATION
Lavender plants are excellent for containers, hedges, and positions where they can be brushed against to release their aroma. They grow in a wide range of soils that must be well-drained, particularly in winter. Hardy species should be pruned after flowering. Lavenders are usually propagated from tip cuttings in spring or half-hardened cuttings in autumn.
Top Tip
Not only is the aroma of lavender known to relieve stress and nausea, it is also a natural insect repellant. Use the fragrant flower buds in place of mothballs.
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