Lavender

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is a perennial plant in the light family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has spread in cultivation throughout the world. Currently 41 species of lavender and about 300 varieties are known. Its fragrant, purple flowers have properties used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and even cooking. Lush lavender bushes, which attract bees and other beneficial insects, are a beautiful decoration for garden beds and rockeries. The plant is great for drying while retaining its color and intense fragrance. Dried lavender bouquets are also a popular home decoration and raw material for dry bouquets and crafts

Lawenda - plants characteristics

The multitude of lavender varieties will make the plant come in different shapes and colors - purple, blue, pink and even white. The most popular species in Poland (dried lavender of this variety is available at Secca) is narrow-leafed lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) also called medicinal lavender .The perennial grows up to 70cm. Its evergreen narrow leaves, covered with cuticle, which gives them a silvery glow, grow on woody shoots from below. A spike-shaped inflorescence on a stalk forms at the top of each. The flowers are blue-purple in color and have an amazing fragrance. Lavender blooms from June to August, after flowering it sets seeds. Shrubs during this period can be pruned to bloom again, but they will not be as lush as in early summer.

Lawenda occurance & cultivation

Lavender is native to Southern Europe - more precisely the areas of Andorra and France, its plantations currently extend to the Canary Islands and Somalia. It is one of the most popular garden plants in the world. The most popular region for growing lavender is French Provence, which is famous for its lavender hills bathed in sunshine. The perennial has low soil requirements, so with peace of mind we can plant it in inferior substrates in close proximity to buildings. It prefers a warm, sunny position. It is not fond of wet ground, it tolerates drought well. Lavender is frost hardy. It attracts bees and butterflies to the garden in large numbers, and is a melliferous plant. Lavender shrubs are helped to get the most spherical shape by pruning 2 times a year - in spring and after flowering. It looks beautiful in gardens in the Provençal style and naturalistic style in the company of colorful, fragrant roses and lilies. If you want to use lavender for dried bouquets, cut it in full bloom and dry it using the herbal method.

Countless ways to use lavender - from herbalism to floristry

The history of lavender cultivation dates back to ancient times, where it was used mainly in medicine. Lavender (Lavandula) from Latin means to wash, bathe - “lavo, lavare” the name refers to the frequent use of essential oil from the plant in baths, lotions and even laundry. In addition, it has antiseptic properties and acts as an insect repellent (to this day, bags of dried lavender are placed in closets to repel moths). The cosmetic industry uses lavender in creams, lotions and bath products. Lavender oil has a soothing and calming effect on the nervous system, helping you fall asleep faster and relax. An infusion of lavender flowers will speed up digestion and support our immunity. It also works well as a seasoning for meats, salads, and baked goods (we had a chance to try lavender ice cream!). Dried lavender is great for crafts and dry compositions. Decorate soy candles with it, create paintings of dried flowers in glass and compositions under a dome. For more uses of lavender, see our blog post: What to make with lavender?

With which dried plants to compose lavender?

Lavender is one of the most popular dried plants. Surely you have encountered it many times in interiors, which, by the way, are wrapped in its enchanting fragrance.  With what to juxtapose lavender to make the bouquet more varied? It blends beautifully with giltwood and egg bower. If you want to create a contrasting juxtaposition to the blue lavender inflorescences, we recommend yellow dried flowers - we assure you that no one will pass indifferently by such a bouquet! If you want to reach for a ready-made solution, you can be tempted by our lavender variation - a set of dried lavender flowers. Remember that the listed dried flowers are only a suggestion, don't be afraid to experiment and combine a wide variety of dried and live plants.