Let's get to know lavender

What it is

Lavender is a group of flowering plants in the mint family. There are around 41 species of lavender. It usually grows as small bushes with beautiful, fragrant flowers. The plant originally comes from areas around the Mediterranean Sea, like southern Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia, and people have used it for more than 2,500 years.

Where it came from and history

Lavender was known in ancient times in places like Mesopotamia and Egypt and was even used in things like mummification because it helped mask smells. Romans later brought lavender to the UK and Europe. Over time, people used it not just for scent but also for cleaning, keeping insects away, and in baths.

How it looks and grows

Lavender is usually a shrubby plant that can handle dry soil and full sun. Some types, like Lavandula angustifolia (common/English lavender), grow about 1–2 meters tall with purple or violet flowers and narrow leaves. It doesn’t like constantly wet soil — too much water can make the roots rot.

Why it is popular

• Smells amazing — the scent comes from essential oils in the flowers.
• Used in many things — people use lavender in perfumes, soaps, essential oils, and traditional remedies.
• It’s believed to help relax, soothe skin, and even repel insects.
• Some folks make tea from it to help with relaxation or sleep.

One more thing

The name lavender is linked to the Latin word lavare, meaning “to wash,” because the plant was used in bathing and cleaning long ago.