Lavender is a beloved plant for gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners alike. Known for its intoxicating fragrance, vibrant flowers, and versatile uses, lavender is more than just a pretty addition to your garden. In Cleveland, Ohio, where the climate demands hardy and resilient plants, certain varieties of lavender thrive better than others. Whether you’re looking to add color, attract pollinators, or cultivate a calming harvest, there’s a lavender variety for every purpose. Here are five types of lavender to consider for your garden.
1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is the most commonly used variety in Cleveland landscapes, and for good reason. This hardy lavender tolerates Ohio’s cold winters, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Its silvery-green foliage and vibrant purple flowers make it a stunning visual addition to gardens, borders, and pathways.
How It Improves Your Garden:
English lavender attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting local ecosystems. Its compact growth habit also makes it ideal for creating low hedges or accent plants in rock gardens.
Harvesting Tips:
Harvest English lavender just as the flowers begin to bloom, typically in mid-summer. Cut the stems in the morning after the dew has dried, and bundle them together for drying or immediate use.
Post-Harvest Uses:
Dried English lavender flowers are perfect for crafting sachets, potpourri, or dried floral arrangements. Its high essential oil content also makes it a favorite for making homemade soaps, candles, and calming teas.
2. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French lavender features serrated leaves and a slightly different flower structure compared to English lavender. While it’s less cold-hardy, it can still thrive in Cleveland if planted in a sunny, sheltered spot or grown in containers that can be brought indoors during harsh winters.
How It Improves Your Garden:
French lavender adds a touch of sophistication with its showy blooms and slightly larger growth. It’s a fantastic choice for ornamental purposes, enhancing patios, decks, and container gardens with its elegance.
Harvesting Tips:
Harvest French lavender when the flowers are in full bloom. Snip the flower stems close to the foliage for the best results.
Post-Harvest Uses:
This variety’s milder fragrance makes it a great addition to homemade skincare products, such as bath salts and lotions. It’s also often used in culinary applications, infusing subtle flavor into baked goods and savory dishes.
3. Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’)
Hidcote lavender is a compact, dwarf variety of English lavender known for its deep purple flowers and neat, rounded growth. This variety is particularly popular in Cleveland gardens due to its ability to withstand cold temperatures and its manageable size.
How It Improves Your Garden:
The rich purple blooms of Hidcote lavender make it a standout in borders, edging, and small garden beds. Its fragrance is stronger than many other varieties, making it a favorite for sensory gardens and relaxation areas.
Harvesting Tips:
Harvest Hidcote lavender when about half of the flowers on the stem have opened. The compact size makes it easy to cut and bundle for drying.
Post-Harvest Uses:
Hidcote’s intense fragrance makes it perfect for crafting sachets and essential oils. It’s also a popular choice for culinary uses, adding a sweet, floral note to cookies, teas, and syrups.
4. Phenomenal Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’)
True to its name, Phenomenal lavender is a standout hybrid variety. It’s highly tolerant of Cleveland’s fluctuating climate, resisting both humidity and cold winters better than many other types.
How It Improves Your Garden:
Phenomenal lavender grows larger than most varieties, making it a dramatic centerpiece in perennial gardens or a striking addition to mixed borders. Its resistance to fungal diseases like root rot is a bonus for gardeners dealing with wetter springs.
Harvesting Tips:
Wait until the flower spikes are fully open for the most potent essential oils. The long stems make it easy to bundle and dry.
Post-Harvest Uses:
This variety is ideal for creating essential oils due to its high yield. It’s also perfect for creating fragrant wreaths or dried arrangements.
5. Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’)
Munstead lavender is another hardy English lavender variety that performs exceptionally well in Cleveland gardens. It’s slightly smaller than Phenomenal lavender but larger than Hidcote, striking a balance between visual impact and manageable growth.
How It Improves Your Garden:
Munstead lavender’s early blooms attract pollinators early in the season, and its vibrant purple flowers provide a long-lasting display. Its adaptability makes it a reliable choice for both formal and informal garden designs.
Harvesting Tips:
Harvest Munstead lavender when the flowers are just beginning to bloom. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms.
Post-Harvest Uses:
Munstead lavender’s versatility makes it a favorite for culinary uses, including herbal teas, flavored sugars, and syrups. It’s also perfect for dried bouquets and sachets.
How Lavender Can Transform Your Garden
Lavender doesn’t just improve the aesthetics of your garden; it enhances the overall experience. Its vibrant flowers add color and texture, while its scent creates a calming atmosphere. Lavender also supports biodiversity, attracting pollinators that help other plants flourish. Plus, the ability to harvest and use lavender in various crafts, culinary creations, and wellness products adds an extra layer of value.
By choosing the right lavender varieties for Cleveland’s climate, you can ensure a thriving garden that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you’re planting lavender for its fragrance, its ability to attract pollinators, or its many post-harvest uses, these five varieties are sure to enhance your outdoor space.
Conclusion
Incorporating lavender into your garden is a decision you won’t regret. From the hardy and reliable English lavender to the stunning Phenomenal hybrid, there’s a variety to suit every garden’s needs. Lavender not only beautifies your landscape but also provides a wealth of benefits, from supporting pollinators to supplying you with versatile harvests. Start with one of these five varieties, and watch as your garden transforms into a fragrant, colorful haven that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
