Week 2: Lavender Varieties

I grow two varieties of lavender. One is lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' and the other is lavendula x intermedia 'Provence.' Both varieties have 24" long stems. Grosso has fat, dark blue-purple buds which make it ideal for dried bunches and loose lavender. The fragrance is heavy and spicy with a hint of camphor. The buds of the Provence variety are light purple and when dried are very light in color; however, their frangrace is more sweet and delicate than Grosso. Most of my lavender oil is made from the Provence buds.

So you see, not all lavender is created equal. When buying plants, ask what variety it is. Is it lavendula or true lavender.?How tall does it get? What kind of spike head does it have? What color is it. What does it smell like? Be sure you know what you are getting.
Margaret