Lavender, a beloved garden staple, comes in multiple colors, each bringing its own unique charm and benefits to any landscape. Whether you prefer traditional purple hues or are seeking a white or pink variant to complement your floral arrangement, there's a lavender for every garden. This guide will introduce some of the most popular lavenders categorized by flower color, making it easier for you to choose your favorites and enhance your garden's beauty.
The Classic: Purple Lavender
Purple is undoubtedly the most recognized color when people think of lavender. It's the quintessential color that most closely associates with the aromatic and calming properties of the plant. Here are a few favorite purple lavenders:
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Known for its sweet fragrance and dark purple flowers, English Lavender is a staple in gardens. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, and it's perfect for borders and herb gardens.
- Hidcote Lavender: A compact variety of English Lavender, Hidcote features deep violet-blue flowers, making it a striking choice for any garden.
- Gros Bleu Lavender: This hybrid showcases long, elegant purple spikes. It's ideal for creating hedges or using as a focal point in garden designs.
Variety | Color | Attributes |
---|---|---|
English Lavender | Dark Purple | Sweet fragrance, versatile for borders |
Hidcote | Violet-Blue | Compact, deep-colored flowers |
Gros Bleu | Purple | Long spikes, good for hedges |
Elegant White Lavender
White lavender is less common but offers a sophisticated touch to any garden. It pairs beautifully with other plants, providing contrast and elegance:
- Alba Lavender: With pure white blooms, it’s a favorite for creating serene, monochromatic garden sections. It's as hardy as its purple cousins.
- Ellagance Snow: An award-winning variety, Ellagance Snow features crisp white flowers with a compact form.
- Nana Alba: This dwarf variety is perfect for limited spaces, bringing elegance without overwhelming the scene.
Variety | Color | Attributes |
---|---|---|
Alba | White | Serene, ideal for monochromatic gardens |
Ellagance Snow | White | Award-winning, compact form |
Nana Alba | White | Dwarf, suitable for small spaces |
Pretty in Pink: Pink Lavender
Pink lavenders are a unique and charming choice for gardeners wanting to introduce a soft, gentle touch to their flower beds:
- Rosea Lavender: This variety provides a delightful pink alternative to the more traditional purples. It blooms mid-summer and is perfect for attracting butterflies.
- Miss Katherine: Known for its subtle pink flower spikes, Miss Katherine is charming, releasing a light and delightful fragrance.
- Pink Perfume: As its name suggests, this lavender not only offers a sweet pink color but also a lush fragrance, making it perfect for sensory gardens.
Variety | Color | Attributes |
---|---|---|
Rosea | Pink | Butterfly attractor, mid-summer bloom |
Miss Katherine | Light Pink | Charming, subtle fragrance |
Pink Perfume | Pink | Strong fragrance, sensory garden suitable |
The Bold and Bright: Yellow Lavender
Yellow lavender, though rare, can be an extraordinary addition to the garden. Its unusual color provides an eye-catching focal point:
- Yellow Lavandin (Dentata): This unique variety combines the traditional lavender shape with a soft yellow hue. It thrives in Mediterranean climates and adds warmth to garden palettes.
- Goodwin Creek Grey: With a slight yellow tinge, this variant combines elegant spikes with a distinctive silver-grey foliage.
- Golden Glow: Its sunny hue and soft fragrance make it appealing to gardeners looking for distinctive colors.
Variety | Color | Attributes |
---|---|---|
Yellow Lavandin | Yellow | Rare hue, Mediterranean climate favorite |
Goodwin Creek Grey | Yellow/Grey | Silver-grey foliage, distinctive spikes |
Golden Glow | Yellow | Sunny hue, soft fragrance |
Mixed Colors: Unique Lavender Choices
For those who cannot choose just one color, mixed color lavenders offer an excellent solution. They provide a dynamic appearance with varied hues in a single plant:
- Platinum Blonde: Variegated leaves with creamy edges set this lavender apart. It presents bluish-lavender flowers above striking foliage.
- Jean Davis: This peculiar variety presents a blend of pink and purple, offering something different from the standard palette.
- Twickel Purple: While predominantly purple, it features occasional pinkish or blue hues, making its colors appear to shift with light conditions.
Variety | Color | Attributes |
---|---|---|
Platinum Blonde | Mixed | Variegated foliage, bluish flowers |
Jean Davis | Pink/Purple | Unique color blend, distinctive look |
Twickel Purple | Purple/Mixed | Color shifts in sunlight |
Choosing the right lavender for your garden depends heavily on personal preferences and the look you’re aiming to achieve. Whether for borders, aromatic gardens, or simply to add a splash of color, lavenders offer an abundant variety to suit any garden need. Carefully consider the growing conditions and maintenance requirements of your chosen lavender to ensure a thriving, beautiful plant that enhances your outdoor space.