The Color and the Plant: Exploring Lavender in the Garden

What exactly is "lavender" as a flower color? On the color wheel, where does it begin and end? And which flowers do we perceive as lavender? The answer blends science, history, and personal perception.

A Color's Evolution

Originally, "lavender" described only the lavender plant's flowers. By the early 1950s, just four shades were recognized: floral lavender, lavender gray, lavender blue, and old lavender. The 1955 ISCC-NBS Dictionary of Color Names listed dozens. Today, "floral lavender" remains the standard, but gardeners embrace a vast spectrum under the term.

Culturally, lavender evokes tranquility, serenity, grace, and elegance. It's a versatile theme color—abundant in the plant world, unlike true blue, which is scarce. In our gardens, lavender ties beds together, accented with yellows, golds, and occasional reds for energy.

A Lavender Flower Safari

Annuals: Alstroemeria 'Julietta', Angelonia 'Angelmist Lavender', Calibrachoa 'Jamboree Lavender Vein', Mini Impatiens 'Firefly Lavender', Pansy 'Supreme Lavender Shades', Pelargonium 'Sarah Don', Petunia 'Wave Lavender', Snapdragon 'Frosty Lavender Bells', Sweet Alyssum 'Easter Bonnet Lavender', Zinnia 'Giant Lavender Gem'.

Perennials: Aster 'New England Purple Dome', Bearded Iris 'Lavender Interlude', Campanula 'Isabella', Columbine 'Swan Lavender', Daylily 'Lavender Dew', Delphinium 'Guardian Lavender', Echinacea 'Fancy Frills', Foxglove 'Camelot Lavender', French Lilac 'Arch McKean', Hosta 'Fujibotan', Hyacinth 'Amethyst', Japanese Anemone 'Hadspen Abundance', Lavender (many hues/types), Lavender Calla Lily 'Lavender', Lavender Phlox 'David's', Lavender Rose of Sharon 'Lavender Chiffon', Meadow Rue 'Diffusiflorum', Oriental Lily 'Lavender Gem', Rugosa Rose 'Charles Albanel', Sea Lavender 'Dwarf/Rock', Sweet Rocket, Tulip 'Blue Diamond', Wandflower, Yarrow 'Lavender Beauty'.

Vines: Hyacinth Bean 'Antaque Rouge', Maypop 'Purple Passion Flower', Morning Glory 'Lavender Silk', Wisteria 'Amethyst Falls'.

Lavender the Plant

Used for 2,500+ years—mummification, perfume, Roman baths (Latin lavo, "to wash"). Three main groups:
• Non-English (Spanish, Green, Sweet, French): Early spring bloom, 6 weeks. Prune at 4–5 weeks for second flush. Hardy zone 7+.
• English (Munstead, Hidcote, Jean Davis, Sarah, Vera): Hardier (Munstead to zone 5). Bloom as non-English fade, into early summer.
• Lavandins (Provence, Grosso, Abriali, Fred Boutin, Grappenhall): Hybrids. Bloom after English, into mid-late summer. Hardy south of zone 6.

All hate poor drainage, high humidity, and acid soil. Ideal pH: 6.5–7.5. Full sun and good air circulation are essential.

Beyond fragrance, lavender flavors food and drink. French farmers graze lambs in lavender fields for tender, fragrant meat. Recipes abound—start exploring.

For deeper dives, see articles by Karen Jones, David Salman, and Jill Nicolaus on Dave's Garden. Whether color or plant, lavender enriches our gardens and culture.