Lavender Flower Types: Names & Varieties

Narrowing down what lavender flowers are called might seem straightforward, but given the plant's widespread popularity and numerous varieties, it becomes more complex. This query doesn't just ask for the name of the common lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), but it also delves into the broader family of lavenders, which encompasses over 40 species and hundreds of cultivars.

Common Names of Lavender Flowers

Lavender, in its general sense, refers to a diverse group of flowering plants from the Lamiaceae family. However, when people talk about lavender, they commonly think of the plants from the Lavandula genus. Here are some of the most common names:

• English Lavender - A commonly cultivated species, Lavandula angustifolia is also known as 'true lavender' or 'common lavender'.
• Spanish Lavender - Lavandula stoechas, known for its distinctive, bunched flower heads resembling a socially distanced crowd, or a 'bishop's hat'.
• H голand Dutch Lavender - Lavandula x intermedia, a cross between English and Portuguese lavender, popular for its larger, paler purple flowers and stronger fragrance.
• Munchkin Lavender - A dwarf species, Lavandula mult_embrace
• Portuguese Lavender - Lavandula latifolia, famed for its large, light purple, pine-scented flowers that attract pollinators.

Botanical Names and Species

Understanding botanical names can help identify specific lavender species and provide more accuracy in discussions. The binomial nomenclature, as credited to Carolus Linnaeus, consists of two Latin names, the genus and species. For instance, the botanical name of English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is derived from 'Lavandula' (the genus) and 'angustifolia' (translate to 'narrow leaves'). Here's a list of some lavender species with their botanical names:

Nicknames and Slang Terms

Some cultures or regions have their unique nicknames for lavenders. For instance, in French, lavender is 'lavande', and in German, it's 'Lavendel'. Interesting slang terms include 'habitat for the happy' (referring to Lavandula angustifolia's usage as a purgative in ancient times), and 'floating castle' (describes Lavandula stoechas in Chinese).

In the language of perfume, lavender is often referred to as 'drying bouquet' since it loses its fresh, grassy scent during the drying process but gains a rich, lasting fragrance.

Distinctive Traits of Lavender Flowers

Lavenders exhibit a fascinating diversity in appearance, scent, and behavior. This section explores some of their distinctive traits and reasons for their popularity.

Color and Size Varieties

Lavender blooms display a spectrum of colors ranging from the typical shades of purple (ranging from pale to deep), to other hues like pink, white, or yellow. Their size can also vary significantly, from tiny Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia) flowers to the large, cascading ones on Lavandula x intermedia '