Lavender
Lavender is a woody Mediterranean sub-shrub prized for its slender spikes of tiny purple flowers and unmistakable aroma. Florists use it fresh for its soft violet-blue haze and again dried, when it holds both colour and scent for months. It brings a rustic, sun-warmed feel to bouquets, favours and boutonnieres. A little goes a long way as a fragrant filler among roses and garden blooms.
| Family | Lamiaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mediterranean region |
| Peak season | June, July |
| Availability | June, July, August, September |
| Stem length | 20–40 cm |
| Vase life | 5–10 days |
| Colors | purple, lavender, blue |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut stems at a sharp angle and strip any foliage sitting below the waterline. Give them a deep drink of cool, clean water and keep them in a cool spot away from direct sun. For dried lavender, harvest before the buds fully open and hang the bunches upside down in a dark, airy place.
- •Strip lower leaves before arranging
- •Use cool, clean water
- •Keep cool and out of direct sun
- •Hang upside down to dry
- •Handle gently to keep buds intact
2 named lavender cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lavender in season?
Lavender peaks in June, July, and florists can usually source it June, July, August, September. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Lavender last in a vase?
Expect 5–10 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Lavender?
Good substitutes for Lavender include Rosemary, Veronica, Liatris. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Lavender symbolise?
Lavender is associated with calm, devotion, serenity, purity, grace.
How do you care for cut Lavender?
Strip lower leaves before arranging
