Common Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia is the common Lavender, a sub-shrub with a strong scent. The herb is indigenous to the Mediterranean, Alpine, Balkan and Caucasus. Lavender can also be found near Taif in the Asir Mountains, but is observed in Thumamah Natural Park in ravines as well. Maintained, it usually grows 40 cm high, but it can reach a height of 100 cm. Regularly pruning will keep the dwarf shrub densely branched, since otherwise it tends to become squarrose. In June to August, the typical strong-scented, blue or violet, ear-like flowers appear. The semi-evergreen leaves are lanceolate and silver-grey. The roots are shallow to deep, depending on the water supply. Lavender grows naturally on rocky silty soils. Because of its semi-evergreen leaves, the herb likes sufficient air humidity. The saline content of irrigation water should be low. Lavender can be propagated by sowing and pricking and with cuttings. In southern Europe, lavender is cultivated for the perfume industry. Lavender is used for medical reasons to cure inner agitation or digestive problems. For landscape design, this appealing aromatic herb can be utilised as grouped or massed planting, and as groundcover. It also fits in well in rock or steppe gardens, on wall tops or as small hedges as border plantations. In Arriyadh, Lavender can be used in private gardens, urban areas, park planting and open public space. Lavender does also well in containers and as topiary planting, and attracts bees.