Night's mystical hue that mimics the sky's blue, the enchanting fragrance of lavender, or merely a whimsical fancy?
Lavender: From a variety of hues, ranging from bright lilac to sometimes a pale violet or even pale lilac, it's the captivating blend of bright shades of blue and red that truly enchants our eyes. This diverse beauty symbolizes the essence of Mediterranean charm more than any other plant.Many people might be unaware of the existence of white and pink-blooming varieties of this delightful plant.
Lavender, more than just a flower, encapsulates several desirable qualities. From its vibrant summer blooms that gleam in the sun, to the soothing, enchanting scent it fills the air with, it's hard not to fall in love with lavender. It doesn't just have to grace your lawn: A lavender-covered area basking in the sun, and you've got my vote. What I wasn't privy to, however, was the fact that there are around 30-40 different species of lavender (Lavandula) roaming the world.
One surprising revelation for me was that the famous Provençal lavender fields aren't always populated with real lavender, but with lavandin—a crossbreed between lavender and a species known as spike lavender. This bit of information came as quite a shock, especially for an avid lavender enthusiast like myself.
The Steppe Sage bears a striking resemblance to lavender, and it's remarkable in its colors as well. (Thanks, Nicole, for the link.) I'm quite confident I won't make that mistake again. Blue-blooming, wonderfully fragrant—that's all I need.
Less known varieties of lavender, including the antimicrobial Lavandula pubescens, broad-leaved lavender (Lavandula latifolia), lesser known subspecies of Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. lusitanica), and Egyptian lavender (Lavandula multifida), offer unique characteristics and uses, making them intriguing for gardeners and researchers alike. These lesser-known species can bring a fresh and exciting twist to your lavender garden, adding a unique flair to your outdoor space.
The variety of lavender flowers extends beyond the traditional lilac, including white and pink blooming types, complimenting a home-and-garden lifestyle by providing vibrant garden additions. Beyond landscaping, these different species of lavender, such as Lavandula pubescens and Lavandula latifolia, offer unique characteristics and practical uses, appealing to both gardeners and researchers interested in home-and-garden and gardening pursuits.
