There are many rumors and misconceptions about what lavender actually is. Some say it is a herb, while others say it is a flowering plant. So what’s the truth about lavender?

In this blog post, we will reveal to you whether or not Lavender is in fact an herb, shrub, or flower.

Is Lavender a Herb or Flower?

Lavender is a perennial herb that is a member of the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is also grown in other regions of the world, including North America.

The herb is dried and used for its fragrance, relaxing properties, and various medical purposes. This is why it can be used in soaps, shampoos, perfumes, and other products.

Herbs are described as plants that can be used as flavorings, spices, or medicine. As lavender is used as a spice and can have medicinal purposes, it can be considered a herb according to the definition of the word.

Is Lavender a Shrub?

Yes, lavender is a type of shrub known as a semi-shrub. This is because the herb has stems that become woodier as it ages.

As a shrub, lavender can grow up to three feet tall. The scent of the plant is known for being relaxing and calming, so it’s no wonder why people want their gardens filled with this amazing herb!

Shrubs are described as woody plants that usually have several main stems arising from the ground, and they can vary in height depending on their type. They range from small varieties, like lavender, to larger shrubs, like holly or viburnum.

Is Lavender Considered a Flower?

Yes, lavender is a perennial flower that blooms in the spring. There are 49 species of lavender flowers, including French, English, and Spanish.

Lavender transforms from a small bush into beautiful flowers that bloom in bright colors ranging from white to purple. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has been naturalized throughout Europe, North America, and other regions across the world.

The flower is harvested for its oil, which is used to prepare perfumes, soaps, and other products. It is also dried to be used in potpourris or sachets that are hung around the home as air fresheners due to their amazing scent!

Flowers can vary greatly depending on their type and purpose. Some examples of different types of flowers are ornamental, wildflower, garden plant, annual or perennial, with lavender being a perennial flower.

What Is Lavender Used For?

Lavender is one of the most adaptable and versatile herbs available. The flowers, leaves, stems, and roots can all be used to make a variety of products such as:

• Perfumes (oil)
• Potpourri (dried flower buds or essential oil)
• Sachets/sachet bags (dried flower buds)
• Scented drawer liners (oil or dried flower buds)
• Air freshener for cars, closets, bathrooms, etc. (essential oil or dried flowers/buds)
• Soaps and shampoos (oil or dried flower buds)
• Medical balms/ointments (essential oil, oil infusion, or ointment base made with essential oils and beeswax)

What Is a Lavender Plant?

A lavender plant is made up of the Lavandula angustifolia species. The flowers are purple-blue in color and grow on tall stems that resemble spikes. They are beautiful to look at and smell amazing.

In fact, seeing a lavender field is one of life’s special moments. Just take a look at this picture below…

Lavender plants can be grown indoors or out, but they should be placed in an area where there is plenty of sunlight during the day to ensure optimal growth.

They are fairly easy to grow and care for, which is why they are so popular in home gardens. All you need to do is plant the seeds or purchase a plant and place it in an area where there is plenty of sunlight.

Conclusion

There are several misconceptions and rumors about what lavender is. We cleared up the confusion over whether or not lavender is an herb, shrub, or flower in this blog article.

In conclusion, we can say that lavender is a perennial herb that has woodier stems as it ages and grows into a shrub. Lavender can be used for its fragrance, medical purposes, and more.

I hope that this article was able to answer your questions. Thanks for reading! If you liked it, please be sure to check out the other articles on my site to learn more about your favorite plants.

Gardener Tim

Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.