Lavender plants are renowned for their captivating fragrance, which is used in a wide range of products, from perfumes to cleaning supplies. Lavender can also be grown indoors, allowing you to enjoy its soothing aroma year-round, regardless of your climate. However, not all lavender plants are created equal when it comes to their scent. Some varieties are more fragrant than others, and understanding these differences can help you choose the right lavender for your needs.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is considered the most fragrant lavender plant. This hybrid is a cross between two species, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and latifolia lavender (Lavandula latifolia). Lavandin is more robust than other lavenders, making it more tolerant of wetter soils and colder winters. It’s also larger in habit than English lavenders and flowers for a longer period, providing more flowers for you to enjoy and more pollen and nectar for bees. Popular hybrid lavenders, or lavendins, include Lavandula x intermedia ‘Edelweiss’ and Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’.
English vs French Lavender: Which is More Fragrant?
When it comes to fragrance, English lavender is more fragrant than French lavender. English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is more hardy and long-lived than French and Spanish lavenders, Lavandula dentata and Lavandula stoechas. It’s also thought that English lavender is more attractive to bees than French or Spanish lavender. Traditional English lavender varieties include ‘Hidcote’ and Lavandula ‘Munstead’.
Does English Lavender Have a Strong Scent?
Yes, English lavender is known for its strong, sweet scent. It’s often used in perfumes, soaps, and other products that require a strong lavender fragrance. The scent is particularly strong when the flowers are dried, making English lavender an excellent choice for sachets, potpourri, and other dried flower arrangements.
Making Your House Smell Like Lavender
There are several ways to make your whole house smell like lavender. One of the easiest methods is to use dried lavender flowers. You can place them in sachets and distribute them around your home, or you can use them to make potpourri. Lavender essential oil is another great option. You can add a few drops to a diffuser or mix it with water to create a room spray.
What Hates the Smell of Lavender?
While many people love the smell of lavender, some pests hate it. Lavender is known to repel mosquitoes, moths, and other insects. This makes it a great natural pest deterrent. You can plant lavender around your home to keep these pests away, or you can use lavender essential oil as a natural insect repellent.
How Long Does Dried Lavender Smell Last?
The scent of dried lavender can last for a long time, often several months or even years, if stored properly. To preserve the fragrance, keep the dried lavender in a sealed container and store it in a cool, dark place. The scent can be refreshed by gently squeezing the flowers to release the essential oils.
How Long Does Lavender Last When Cut?
Cut lavender can last for about one to two weeks if properly cared for. To prolong its life, place the cut stems in a vase with water and keep it out of direct sunlight. You can also dry cut lavender to preserve it for a longer period. To do this, bundle the stems together, tie them with a string, and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place.
How to Make Lavender Plant Smell Stronger
The fragrance of a lavender plant can be enhanced through proper care and cultivation. Lavender plants need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Regular pruning can also help to promote more vigorous growth and a stronger scent. After the plant flowers, cut back the stems to encourage a second bloom.
Why Doesn’t My Lavender Plant Smell?
If your lavender plant doesn’t smell, it could be due to a variety of factors. The plant may not be getting enough sunlight, or it may be planted in soil that is too wet or nutrient-poor. It’s also possible that you have a variety of lavender that is less fragrant than others. If you want a stronger scent, consider planting a more fragrant variety like Lavandin or English lavender.
Best Lavender for Drying
The best lavender for drying is typically English lavender. This variety retains its scent well when dried and is often used in sachets, potpourri, and other dried flower arrangements. Lavandin is also a good choice for drying, as it has a strong scent and produces a large number of flowers.
The strongest smelling lavender plants are typically Lavandin and English lavender. These varieties are not only fragrant but also hardy and versatile, making them excellent choices for a variety of uses. Whether you want to make your home smell like lavender, repel pests, or simply enjoy the beauty and scent of these plants in your garden, these lavender varieties won’t disappoint.