There are some plants that thrive in heat, preferring just a little water and tolerating high humidity. No, I’m not referring to cactus or succulents. The herb or flowering perennial, lavender, is one such plant.
Botanically known as Lavandula, lavender is a native of many parts of the world including the Mediterranean where since ancient times the lavender has been used to mummify bodies, scent homes and baths, and provide flavor to cooking.
It is thought that the Roman soldiers brought lavender to British Isles during their occupation. The soldiers used lavender to bathe and to repel fleas, bedbugs and lice away from their travel gear and bodies. It was there that lavender became a popular fragrance for soaps and potpourris. Lavender is an herb that can be used many ways — not just for cooking.
Lavender is a member of the mint family with dozens of species. The plant can be shrub-like in size, depending upon growing habitat. The leaves of the plant are green to gray in color, and the flowers range in color — white, purple, pink, lavender and blue — depending upon species.
Lavender oil, a very valuable portion of the plant is harvested from the flowers of the plant when they are first beginning to open. The leaves and the flowers of the plant are fragrant, and all can be dried for preservation. The flowers may also be bunched and dried for a colorful dry display.
Like many herbs, lavender is hardy in warmer cli mates, zones five to nine. Again, species is important in selecting lavender for your flower or herb bed. In the Ozarks it can be too wet for some lavender to grow successfully. It prefers hot, dry areas without much irrigation.
I have good success with lavender in a large clay pot. I move the pot to a cool, dry place in the winter, watering sparingly, and moving outdoors again in the spring.
Gardeners in the Ozarks may choose to grow lavender as an annual. Lavandula angustifolia, English lavender, is commonly grown in the U.S. and can be eight inches to two feet tall. “Hidcote” is a species of English lavender that grows well in Missouri.
In the garden, many gardeners like to pair lavender and roses. The colors, textures and fragrance of a rose and lavender combination are quite complementary.
There are many books devoted to lavender, and there are lavender festivals held in certain parts of the world. France cultivates acres of lavender each year. The hill country in Texas has also become known for growing lavender.
If reading and gardening appeal to you, Jeannie Ralston has written an interesting memoir, The Unlikely Lavender Queen, about her adventures starting a lavender farm in the U.S.
For a glimpse at a lavender farm in operation in the Ozarks, check out Lavender Falls in Clever. Lavender Falls Farm also has a selection of locally produced lavender products available online. Products and more information can be found at www.lavenderfalls.com.
Questions or comments related to gardening? Contact Joleen at missourigardener@hotmail.com.