Lavender

Lavandula

Lavender

Lavender

Native to the balmy Mediterranean, lavenders distil the sunshine of this region and can truly enrich our homes and gardens. Few things can surpass the warm scent of lavender on a summer's evening. Used as a bath oil since the Roman Empire, lavender is timeless in its appeal.

There are 39 species of lavender and nearly 400 cultivars. In the Duke's Garden you can find Kew's lavender trail with a host of different lavender species, while outside the Palm House you can discover beds of L. angustifolia 'Princess Blue' and 'Hidcote'.

Did you know?

  • The species name Lavandula comes from the Latin lavare meaning 'to wash'.
  • Dried lavender makes a wonderful pot pourri and can also help keep moths away from clothes.
  • In Roman times a pound of lavender cost a month's wages.
  • Lavender was once burned on St John's Eve (23 June) to keep witches away.

Next: Lavender - History...

Did you know?

In Roman times a pound of lavender cost a month's wages

Lavender was once burned on St John's Eve (23 June) to keep witches away