So many lavenders! There are literally hundreds of cultivars of lavender that cover all different shapes, sizes, colors, smells, and uses. We have two main types: Angustifolias and Intermedias (Lavandins). Angustifolia are generally smaller plants and have a “sweeter” smell and taste. Intermedia are a hybrid of Angustifolia and another species, Latifolia. Intermedias are generally larger plants, the stems are longer, and they have a more camphor taste and smell.
Angustifolias develop and bloom first and will start our Upick season. Intermedias develop later and finish our Upick season.
 Intermedias with spikier stems. |
 Angustifolia with shorter stems. |
We currently have these cultivars:
- Intermedias:
- Grosso – One of the classics! Long stems, rich purple flowers and a great smell!
- Provence – The blooms are a lighter purple and it has long stems. The smell is a little more gentle than Grosso.
- Fred Boutin – These flowers are two-tone and have long stems.
- Impress Purple – This is very similar to Grosso!
- Angustifolias:
- Imperial Gem – These have shorter stems with deep purple flowers and a sweet smell.
- Hidcote – Shorter stems with deep purple flowers and sweet smell.
- Betty’s Blue – These have short stems, but more space between the blooms with a blue hue.
- Royal Velvet – These have a deep color and are used frequently for cooking.
- Folgate – The purple is lighter but it’s used for cooking too.
- Melissa – These have a very pale pink flower and are good in cooking.
- Maillette – These are a different bear. They have a mixture of characteristics of the Intermedias and Angustifolias, but have the sweet oil of the Angustifolias.