Lavender is a light purple or light pinkish purple flowering Plant. With its wonderful aroma; it comes under Mint family ”Lamiaceae”. The specialty of this plant is that it is easy to grow, drought tolerant and needs less care. There are over 450 varieties of Lavender.
There are many more facts to know about this lovely plant. Let’s have a glance at its brief history.
Brief History :
It is believed that the origin of Lavender is Mediterranean, Middle East and India. The word ‘lavender’ is derived from Latin word ‘lavare’ which means “to wash”.
How to grow Lavender Plant ?
Growing Techniques:
Following steps must be considered to grow Lavender plants.
1. Choose sunny & sheltered location:
Since lavender is Mediterranean Herb; it needs hot and sunny locations.
Choose a place in your garden where it will receive sunlight for at least 8 hours a day. Also the place should be sheltered to protect the plant from wind.
2. Soil Requirements for Lavender:
Lavender grows in a well drained Soil. So, choose soil which is light, well drained and alkaline. Also; it is a low maintenance plant and needs to be fertilized once in a year.
You can mix Silica Sand into soil for better soil drainage. It is a very useful method to grow this plant in winter & rainy seasons.
If planting lavender in a pot; set the stones in the bottom of soil for good drainage system.
3. Dig Deep & Wide Hole:
Lavender has larger root system than other plants. So; to plant it; dig deeper and wider hole for the roots to spread easily.
If planting in pot; choose a large pot/container.
4. Watering Routine:
As discussed earlier; lavender grows in well drained soil. so it is advised to water the plant once in a week; so that the soil gets well drained meanwhile.
Do not over water the plant; it will cause damage .
Uses of Lavender:
Due to its pleasant fragrance and medicinal properties; lavender has a wide range of uses. Some of the uses are discussed below.
Lavender Oil:
Lavender essential oil has antiseptic property and used to heal minor burns & bugs bites. It is also used in the treatment of:
- Anxiety
Depression
Headache
Toothache
Prevents hair loss
Lavender Perfume:
The light and long lasting fragrance of Lavender is adored by everyone which led to the creation of lovely lavender perfumes. This fragrance helps in mind relaxation.
Lavender Tea:
Only a few people are aware of the fact that Lavender plants are also used for making herbal tea. This tea helps in digestive issues like vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach etc.
Before ending this aromatic blog on Lavender Plant, let me share a beautiful lullaby on lavender.
This is a folk song which was created in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was popular in Australia and the United Kingdom. Without much ado; let's start humming this song..
Lavender's green, dilly dilly,
Lavender's blue,
You must love me, dilly dilly,
‘cause I love you.
Lavender's green, dilly dilly,
Lavender's blue,
When you are King, dilly dilly,
I shall be queen.
