How can I grow lavender?

Lavender is a bushy, strong-scented perennial plant from the Mediterranean. In warmer regions, its gray to green foliage stays evergreen throughout the year, and the herb thrives in some of the toughest of garden conditions. 

Prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and beautiful bluish-purple color, Lavandula angustifolia is a valued plant across the world. It also attracts pollinators to the garden.

The plant is not picky and will survive in a wide range of soils, even poor soil. (It grows in the Mediterranean in craggy crevices!) Its main requirements are lots of sun and good drainage. 

Plant lavender along the entrance to your home, or near a seating area, or at the base of roses bushes to hide their twiggy “legs” in the wintertime.