Lavender Flower – Benefits, Meaning, and How To Grow It

Talking about flowers with strong scents, the lavender flower is one of the most popular ones. This flower has been so popular for decades that a lot of companies have been using the flowers for brand inspiration. For example, the scent of a detergent, softener, or even mosquito repellent.

The smell of lavender flowers is very subtle and nice. Most of the time, a lot of people find this scent relaxing. Therefore, it is not a surprise that everyone adores this flower due to its huge benefits.

Origin

The lavender flower is part of perennial flowering plants, which are still categorized in the Lamiaceae family. This flower is found aroundthe  Iberian Peninsula and also the Mediterranean coastline from the Balkans, Adriatic coast, Coastal North Africa, and the Levant. In South Asia this flower is also very common.

This flower has been around in the history of society for 2500 years. This flower has been used for therapeutic benefits. Even in the Egyptian past era, this flower is also used for the mummification process as well as perfume.

Habitat and Climate

The habitat of lavender flowers is generally in drier and warmer regions. This flower generally grows well in well-drained, sandy, and rocky soil. The flower itself enjoys full sun with a low-humidity environment. This is not a surprising thing if you find this flower around the cliffs and hillside. It is because the flower itself is drought-tolerant and generally cannot grow properly in a wet environment.

If you want to mimic the natural habitat, you need to make sure the soil is well-drained and combine the soil with small rocks or gravel. Good air circulation is very important here to prevent fungal issues.

Shape, Colors, and Fragrance

As a perennial herb, the flower has unique shapes with blooms often appearing from spring to fall. It also depends on the region and species. The best thing about this flower is that the blooming period can last for weeks to a few months, making the flower become the best investment for everyone's house.

Speaking about the lavender bush, this flower can grow between 30c, to 90 cm. Some varieties come in dwarf size, making them perfect for planting inside the pot. Some species resemble small trees with unique vertical elements, making it outstanding when it is grown in the garden, especially with its vibrant purple color or subtle blue/pink hues.

Speaking about the scent, this flower has a floral fragrance. It has a fresh sensation and is slightly powdery with an underlying herbal characteristic. Due to its unique smell, the flower attracts many pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and other insects.

Meaning and Symbolism

Just like the common flowers we find in general, the lavender flower also has strong relationships with many societies. As this flower has been around for thousands of years and used for various purposes, the lavender flower brings a unique symbol to every culture and even individuals due to personal experiences. They can be different for each other, but most of the time, there is always a general meaning that applies to many individuals and cultures. Due to its unique characteristics, the lavender flower is often associated with:

• Purity - Throughout the centuries, the flower has been associated with purity and cleanliness. Many historians found evidence that Egyptians used lavender for the mummification process due to its excellent scent. Besides, this flower is used for perfume, antiseptic, antibacterial, and even as an insect repellent. Some people even use this flower for medical purposes, such as to improve digestion and disinfect cuts.
• Devotion - The lavender is also related to spiritual meaning. In some cultures, the purple color is often tied to the crown cakra or sahasrara. This chakra is located at the top of your head and, most of the time, is associated with spirit, unity, and wisdom. This is the reason why lavenders are often related with spirituality.
• Calmness - Numerous studies have proven that lavender can improve stress and anxiety. It is a flower that can bring peace and make everyone relax.
• Royalty - The purple color has been associated with royalty and richness. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the flower is often associated with royalty due to its luxurious color and elegant vibe.

How To Grow and Care for the Lavender Flower?

Growing a lavender flower is not as difficult as you think. Most of the time, when we want to grow a plant, we just need to consider if we can mimic its natural habitat. Otherwise, our effort will be meaningless. To plant the lavender successfully, make sure you consider the following tips:

• Plant the flower at the right time. Here, the right time for planting the flower is between spring and fall. During spring, make sure you see that the frost has passed and the soil starts getting warm, at least 15 Celsius degrees. This will help the plant to establish its roots. If you are planning the flower during the fall, make sure you are in zone 8-11, where the winter is not harsh, so you can plant them in early fall.
• Speaking about the soil, the lavender flowers thrive well in acidic soil and make sure its pH is between 6.5 and 7.5. If not, you might want to consider raising the pH level of the soil.
• Consider also planting the flowers around the slope or elevated areas because such a place has great drainage, as the lavender flowers don't like wet soils.
• In terms of watering the flower, you can water thoroughly after planting so the plant will settle and be hydrated. Make sure the soil is not soggy and has dried well. Also, you don't need to overwater the plant as this flower loves dryer condition.
• Last, but not least, the fertilization should be done carefully. This flower needs minimal fertilization, as too much fertilizer can cause foliage growth and minimize the flower production. Just use a light application to nourish the plant.

So, that is all about the lavender flower with its unique purple color. Some people often use this flower as a gift. However, for some people who are busy, they don’t have time to plant it. Therefore, Athaya Florist is here to help. You don’t have to wait for months to get someone a beautiful flower arrangement. We have endless designs that you can personalize as you need from orchid in a vase to flower basket, based on the occasion and personal preference. Contact our team for more information.