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Flower profile

Lavender

Quick facts

Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia. In SAF's language of flowers, lavender means distrust.

Lavender at a glance

Meaning
distrust
Colors
  • Lavender
  • Purple
  • Pink
  • White
Season
Summer.
Special care
Buy spikes when the first flowers are opening. Use little water and re-cut stems; lavender dries well - hang bunches upside down in a dark, airy place.
Size
A small aromatic shrub about 2 feet tall with narrow gray-green leaves and slender spikes of tiny flowers
Also called
English lavender, Common lavender

Pet safety

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

About lavender

A small aromatic shrub about 2 feet tall with narrow gray-green leaves and slender spikes of tiny flowers. Sold as fresh bunches, dried bunches and potted plants.

How to make lavender last

  1. Keep them cool until they are in water. Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them into a flower food solution.
  2. Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Use a clean, deep vase and add the flower food from your florist, following the mixing directions on the packet.
  3. Remove leaves below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth that can limit water uptake by the flower.
  4. Re-cut the stems. Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems, then place the flowers straight into the vase.
  5. For lavender. Buy spikes when the first flowers are opening. Use little water and re-cut stems; lavender dries well - hang bunches upside down in a dark, airy place.
  6. Keep them in a cool spot. 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans.

Care steps from SAF’s flower care tips. More flower care tips →

Lavender as a potted plant

Potted/garden: full sun, very well-drained soil on the dry side, no wet feet; cut back yearly after flowering.

Questions about lavender

What does the lavender mean?

In the traditional language of flowers, the lavender stands for "distrust".

What colors do lavender come in?

Lavender come in lavender, purple, pink and white.

How do you care for lavender?

Keep lavender cool until they are in water, use a clean vase with flower food, remove any leaves below the waterline, re-cut the stems by one to two inches and keep the vase at 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight and vents. For lavender: Buy spikes when the first flowers are opening. Use little water and re-cut stems; lavender dries well - hang bunches upside down in a dark, airy place.

Are lavender safe around pets?

Toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

Where can I buy lavender?

From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.

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