Dried Lavender

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is a perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Currently, there are over 40 known species and nearly 300 varieties of this plant. Lavender is found in areas ranging from the Canary Islands to India. However, it is most widespread in the Mediterranean countries. Lavender is mainly associated with Provence in France, whose hallmark is fragrant purple fields stretching to the horizon. It most often occurs in sunny and dry places and on mountain slopes. In Poland, the plant is mainly found in gardens, rockeries and squares, where it creates impressive compositions that attract bees and butterflies. Dried lavender is also very popular, used to create beautiful bouquets and hung in wardrobes to repel moths.

What does lavender look like?

Lavender, depending on the variety, can vary in leaf shape and flower colour, ranging from blue to purple and pink to white. One of the most popular species is narrow-leaved lavender. The plant is a compact shrub, usually growing up to 70 cm in height. Between June and September, spike-like inflorescences in shades of blue and purple appear on the raised, woody shoots. After flowering, the plant sets seeds. If pruned at this time, it can develop further inflorescences, but these are usually not as impressive as those in the first flowering phase. Another characteristic feature of lavender is its evergreen leaves, which are usually covered with tomentum, giving them a silvery hue.

Lavender in its natural environment and in the garden

Under natural conditions, lavender grows mainly in dry, sunny locations. As it does not have high soil requirements and tolerates changing weather conditions well, it can even be found at altitudes above 2,000 metres above sea level. The plant is also ideal for use in flower beds. However, it is worth choosing frost-resistant varieties for this purpose, which, with proper cultivation, will survive for several decades. In the garden, lavender grows best on the south or west side, where it gets enough light. It does not have high cultivation requirements and is resistant to pest infestation. The only factor to take care of is alkaline, well-drained soil, as the species does not tolerate waterlogging, which causes root rot. Lavender should also be pruned twice a year, above the woody line of the shoots. This will allow the plant to branch out beautifully.

Lavender can be planted along the walls of buildings. It also looks impressive along paths or on gravel beds. It is ideal for rockeries. Together with other species – roses, geraniums, sage, daylilies or various types of grasses – it will create fantastic, colourful and fragrant compositions. In addition, the plant can be part of a herb garden. It works well when planted in boxes and pots decorating balconies or terraces. Interestingly, lavender repels mosquitoes and ants to some extent, so growing it has another benefit. It attracts butterflies and bees. It is a honey plant. Lavender is easy to dry. To do this, cut the shoots on which flower buds have appeared.

The use of lavender

Lavender has a number of uses. In cosmetics, it is commonly known for its essential oil, which has antiseptic properties and a beautiful, intense fragrance. The scent of lavender also makes it a valuable ingredient for the perfume industry. Lavender oil is also used in the pharmaceutical industry. It has soothing and disinfecting properties. It is excellent for soothing insect bites. It is an ingredient in medicines and dietary supplements with relaxing and sleep-inducing properties. It can also be used for inhalation or aromatherapy. But that's not all, because lavender is also valued by culinary enthusiasts. It works fantastically as a spice, especially for meat marinades. Those who enjoy interesting arrangements will appreciate its aesthetic qualities. A bouquet of dried lavender is a wonderful decoration for any interior. It looks impressive in both rustic and Provencal spaces, as well as in modern interiors. Fragrant lavender hung in a wardrobe will ensure a pleasant aroma for your clothes and also prevent moth infestation.

Dried lavender in floristry and decorations

Dried lavender can also be used in bouquets and occasional decorations. Tied with a ribbon, it can even be used in bridal bouquets and bridesmaids' bouquets, especially if the ceremony is held in a rustic style. It also looks great as a table decoration – individual sprigs can be arranged next to place settings or place cards. There is nothing to stop you from giving a bunch of dried lavender to a loved one for an anniversary, Mother's Day or any other occasion.

Dried lavender is popular with craft enthusiasts. Individual sprigs can be easily woven into macramé – they are perfect for decorating macramé dolls. They are also great for decorating invitations and greeting cards. There is nothing to stop you from embedding them in resin or placing them under a glass dome.

Interestingly, the possibilities of dried lavender do not end there. Its fragrant flowers are eagerly sought after by people who make handmade soaps or soy wax candles. The plant is unrivalled for creating potpourri, as well as scented sachets and pillows that can be placed in a wardrobe or anywhere in the home. There is nothing to stop you from adding a few flowers to an aromatic, relaxing bath.

Where to use dried lavender:

• Bouquets for vases
• Special occasion bouquets
• Boutonnieres and corsages
• Wreaths
• Decorative arrangements
• Macramé
• Resin decorations
• Handmade jewellery
• Occasional cards and invitations
• 3D paintings
• Scented pillows and sachets
• Potpourri
• Handmade soaps and candles

What dried can be combined with lavender?

Regardless of the fact that dried lavender looks great on its own, it is a good idea to combine it with other dried flowers. Just remember to choose ones that are fairly small in size. Branched plants that can be ‘divided into smaller parts’ also work well. Blue flowers look great when paired with yellow dried plants. In this way, lavender creates harmonious duos with craspedia, gypsophila, helichrysum, limonium, dyed glixia or linum. There is nothing to prevent you from combining it with lagurus or phalaris. You can also combine it with white dried flowers, including ammobium. Dried grains, including triticale and avena, are also good companions for it. However, we encourage you to experiment and discover your own unique floral ideas.

Dried lavender at Blosmi

Blosmi offers bouquets of dried lavender consisting of 150 sprigs topped with light blue or dark blue flowers. They look great on their own, placed in ceramic or glass vases. Lavender bouquets can also be hung from the ceiling in homes with exposed roof trusses. Dried lavender also works well as a complementary plant in bouquets composed of other plants.