is probably one of the most popular and easily recognized for its beautiful purple spiked blossoms and aromatic fragrance. Native to the dry slopes that surround the Mediterranean Sea,was prized by Egyptians, Romans and Greeks for its medicinal and cleansing qualities and, in fact, its name probably originates from the Latinoil to mask the odor of the donkey’s milk she bathed in; unfortunately, her lush lavender gardens were a favorite hiding place for snakes, one of which supposedly killed her.
In Mediterranean climates like that of Southern California, where cool rainy winters are interspersed with warm dry summers, lavender is a perfect choice for the sunny flower and herb bed. With well-drained soil and good air circulation, it will need little care once it is established, although the occasional pruning to remove woody stems will improve its shape and encourage further bloom.
Spanish lavender is recognizable by two small bracts that emerge above the rounded flowers and resemble rabbit ears. It is less fragrant but more drought tolerant than other varieties in our climate. Selections include the ‘Madrid’ series with interestingly colored flowers ranging from sky blue to deep rose pink. French lavender has similar rabbit ear bracts, but its leaves are saw-toothed, grey-green and somewhat fuzzy. Both varieties bloom in summer, and pruning will encourage a second bloom.
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