Lavender

Lavendula 

Types to grow in North Texas: English Lavender (L. Angustifolia) appears to do best and has smooth-edged leaves. Also available are French Lavender (L. Dentata), which has a serrated leaf and Spanish Lavender (L. Stoechas) with grey leaves. The Spanish variety has clusters of flowers instead of the spike of the other types. Pink and white flowering varieties are not recommended.

Lavender is an evergreen perennial needing full to partial sun. Easiest planting method would be to transplant which can be done year round. Excellent drainage is necessary. Over watering can kill the plant.

Harvest leaves any time but blossoms should be harvested when they first come into bloom. Dry and store in glass container in a dark area. Drying can easily be done by hanging upside-down in bunches.

Lavender is antiseptic, sedative, and antispasmodic.

Uses: Lavender can be used as a spice as one would use Rosemary or in teas. It may be put in a pouch and placed with linens to lend a relaxing scent to the linens as well as repelling moths or stuffed into a pillow. Bath tea is another great way to use both leaves and flowers. Place dried leaves and flowers into a pouch, run a hot bath and let the herbs steep into the water before stepping in. The essential oil may be used in homemade cleaners, bath water, facial washes, or aroma diffusers.