Spanish lavender is a wonderful plant with many uses. It is often used as an ornamental plant, due to its gorgeous purple flowers, and its pleasant aroma which gives it a pleasant and relaxing scent.
Additionally, Spanish lavender can be used for culinary purposes as its leaves and flowers are edible and have a slightly sweet, floral flavor. This makes it a great addition to salads, teas, and other dishes.
Spanish lavender is also very popular for its use in aromatherapy and other forms of holistic therapy. It is known for its calming and relaxing effects, which make it perfect for use in massage oils, bath salts, and potpourris.
Similarly, it is also commonly used a room freshener, as its scent is known to naturally lighten a room’s atmosphere.
On a holistic level, Spanish lavender is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which make it a great addition to homemade skincare products. It is also used in homeopathic remedy teas, which are thought to have beneficial properties.
Lastly, Spanish lavender can be used as a natural insect repellent when planted around the garden.
What is the difference between lavender and Spanish lavender?
The main difference between lavender and Spanish lavender is the type of plant each refers to. Lavender refers to the genus of flowering plants known as Lavandula, while Spanish lavender refers to the subgenus specifically, known as Lavandula stoechas.
Spanish lavender features a prominent flowering tufts in vibrant colors of purple and pink at the tips of their flower spikes, while the flowers on lavender are of a lighter purple color. Spanish lavender is also more resistant to drought and is likely to survive longer in drier climates than Lavender.
Their blooming seasons occur at different times with Lavender blooming in late spring and early summer, and Spanish Lavender blooming in late spring and early fall. Both plants have an unmistakable aroma, with Lavender offering a sweet, gentle smell, while Spanish Lavender’s scent is described as being more sharp and intense.
Which type of lavender is best?
The best type of lavender depends on a variety of factors and personal preferences. Some popular types of lavender include English/common lavender, French lavender, Spanish lavender, and hybrid varieties.
English/common lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is popular for its fragrance, is drought-tolerant, and flowers later in the season (usually July-August). French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is known for its sweet aroma, attractive wide green leaves, and prolific blooms.
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is attractive with fragrant bracts (flower-like structures), and is more heat-resistant. Hybrid varieties are created from both English and French lavender to create plants with even better disease resistance and cold-hardiness.
It is good to determine the climate of where you plan to plant your lavender, as some may not thrive in very cold or hot climates. Ultimately, the best type of lavender for you is one that suits your own personal needs, preferences and garden conditions.
What are the different types of lavender?
There are a variety of different types of lavender that can be found in the world. Commonly cultivated types of lavender include English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender (Lavandula stoechas or Lavandula dentata), Spanish lavender (Lavandula latifolia), Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia ssp.
Portugallica), and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia). English lavender is the most popular species and is often used to make essential oils. The flowers of English lavender range in color from soft purple to lilac and have a sweet, floral scent.
French lavender has large, colorful flower heads and a sharp, camphor-like smell. The flowers of Spanish lavender are smaller and more pale in color, but with a slightly sweet scent. Portuguese lavender has larger flower heads and a strong rose-like scent.
Finally, Lavandin is a hybrid of English and French lavender, combining their scents and colors. Each of these types of lavender has its own unique character and can be cultivated for a multitude of purposes, ranging from ornamental plants to essential oil production.
Does Spanish lavender come back every year?
Yes, Spanish lavender typically returns every year but some winter frosts may damage the plant. Luckily, Spanish lavender is a resilient plant when it comes to cold winters and hot summers. Spanish lavender is a perennial and grows in U. S.
Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 19, meaning it can withstand temperatures from 10 to 30°F (-12.2 to -1.1°C). With adequate drainage, Spanish lavenders will come back year after year.
It is important to note that Spanish lavender grows best in full sun and dry soil and need to be pruned regularly in order to ensure long term growth. Pruning encourages bushiness and helps prevent woody stems.
It is also important to use well-drained soil because Spanish lavenders can easily suffer from root rot. With good care, adequate drainage and suitable temperatures, Spanish lavender can remain in your garden for many years to come.
How big do Spanish lavender plants get?
Spanish lavender plants can reach an adult height of between 24 to 30 inches when fully grown, with a width of just a few inches. They tend to stay relatively low to the ground, and the stems of these plants will often arch outward, adding to their width.
The foliage is usually a silver to green color, with an orange to purple tint on the undersides of the leaves when flowering. Unlike other species of lavender, these plants are rather bushy, making them an easy to maintain plant.
It is common for Spanish lavender to be planted as borders or as ground covers. In warm climates, these plants can also be left to grow into a tall, compact bush. Pruning is necessary for keeping them compact and preventing them from becoming too leggy, as new growth can often become sparse at the base.
Is Spanish Eyes lavender edible?
No, Spanish Eyes lavender is not edible. While lavender has been used in culinary dishes for a long time and certainly has some mild edible properties, Spanish Eyes lavender isn’t specifically grown for edible purposes.
It is grown as an ornamental plant and its essential oils hold more value than it does as a culinary herb. Ingesting Spanish Eyes lavender flowers or essential oils can be dangerous, so if you’re looking to consume lavender, purchase Culinary Grade lavender instead.
Is all lavender safe to eat?
No, not all lavender is safe to eat. While fresh and dried culinary lavender is generally safe to consume, other forms of lavender may contain higher concentrations of the essential oil, which can be toxic in large doses.
Culinary lavender is specially grown to have lower concentrations of the essential oil while other forms, such as that found in soaps, contain higher concentrations. Consuming large quantities of lavender may cause headaches, vomiting, a drop in blood pressure, and even convulsions.
For this reason, it is best to use culinary lavender for cooking or baking and to consult with a physician or dietitian if you are unsure about consuming lavender or if you experience adverse reactions when consuming it.
Is lavender poisonous to humans?
No, lavender is not poisonous to humans. It is a popular household herb and essential oil often used in different forms. People use lavender for its calming, therapeutic effects and to treat various medical conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, headaches and even digestive issues.
Research shows that lavender can be beneficial and non-toxic to humans when used in low concentrations, both topically and orally. However, it is important to remember that lavender is a volatile essential oil and must be used with caution, as it can cause skin or mucosal irritation or sensitization when applied topically in high concentrations.
Ingesting high concentrations of lavender oil can cause nausea, vomiting and hives, so it is not recommended. It is always best to speak with an experienced healthcare provider if considering using lavender for any medical condition.
Can I cook with lavender from my garden?
Yes, you can definitely cook with lavender from your garden! Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb that can be used to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. It provides a unique floral flavor and aroma, so it adds a nice depth to a variety of dishes.
To use lavender in the kitchen, you’ll want to use the flowers and buds- the stems and leaves are not edible. To create a more intense flavor, you can lightly toasting the buds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before using them in your dishes.
A simple way to experiment with lavender is to add it to lemonade or tea for a fragrant twist. You can also use lavender to make a simple syrup, which is great for drinks or desserts. For savory dishes, lavender pairs wonderfully with rosemary, thyme, garlic and other herbs.
You can use it to season roasted or grilled veggies, or even to add some flavor to a creamy soup. Have fun experimenting with your lavender and creating delicious new recipes for your friends and family to enjoy!.
What happens if you eat lavender?
Eating lavender is generally considered safe, as long as it is consumed in moderation. Lavender has a mild, pleasant taste and is often used in cuisine to add flavor to salads, roasted vegetables, baked goods, and much more.
Although some people might be sensitive to the flavor and smell of lavender, consuming it in small amounts should not cause any adverse effects.
However, ingesting large amounts of lavender has been linked to some side effects. In one case reported in 2011, a 53-year-old woman experienced abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting after consuming a large amount of lavender oil.
Consuming lavender essential oil can also cause skin irritation and in extreme cases, even seizures. Therefore it is wise to practice caution when consuming essential oils and consult a physician before using them.
Overall, eating lavender is generally safe and can add flavor to many dishes. As long as you practice moderation and avoid large amounts of lavender oil, there should be no side effects.
Are lavender leaves poisonous?
No, lavender leaves are not toxic or poisonous. In fact, lavender leaves are edible and are often used for culinary purposes. Lavender leaves can be used to add flavoring to various dishes such as soups and stews, as well as to make herbal teas.
They can also be used to give a pleasant fragrance to desserts and other baked goods. Lavender leaves are generally safe to consume, but it is important to make sure they have not been treated with any chemicals or pesticides.
What is culinary grade lavender?
Culinary grade lavender is an edible type of lavender that has been specifically grown, harvested and processed for use in recipes. It has a more delicate flavor than the traditional garden variety and can be used to flavor various dishes, sweet and savory, as well as beverages.
It is commonly used as a main ingredient in such dishes as lavender-infused honey, lavender-flavored icing and cakes, ice cream, and even cocktails. Lavender is known for its calming aroma and flavor notes that offer a unique and interesting twist to traditional recipes.