Lavandula Common name: Lavender	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates Water requirement         High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description Lavender is a small perennial, evergreen shrub growing from about 30-100cm high. It has gray-green leaves of linear shape and spike-like purple flowers on top of long stalks. There are also pink and white varieties. Lavender comprises about 20 species of the mint family and is native to Mediterranean countries. Lavender oil is used chiefly in fine perfumes and cosmetics, and as Lavender water in a variety of toilet preparations. The dried flowers have long been used to scent chests and wardrobes.
Growing Lavenders need full sun. A well drained soil, preferably a crumbly sandy loam is essential. Too much water in winter is not desirable. Lavenders are fairly hardy and most species will withstand heavy frost, especially if mulched in winter. Do not allow the plant to flower too young. Pinching will induce bushy growth. Trim plants back a little in early spring. Plants over 5 years old tend to be straggly and should be replaced by young plants from cuttings or layers. Take side pieces with a heel, or tips, and plant firmly in damp sand. When new growth is evident the cuttings are planted out spacing them 50-60 cm apart. All lavenders can be layered by pegging down suitable low-placed side branches.