How To Grow Lavender, Plus 30 Great Ways To Use It

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What's not to love about lavender? It's low maintenance and drought-tolerant, once established. It attracts bees and butterflies but is deer- and rabbit-resistant. It can be used in cosmetics, medicine, and cuisine. And the beloved fragrance, prized for millennia, is refreshing, clean, and very soothing.

Wondering what to do with all that lavender you're growing in your yard? From soaps to scones to sprays, we rounded up several lovely ways to put your lavender to good use. To enjoy the fragrance of lavender year-round, dry and preserve this beloved herb by hanging small bunches upside down in a dark, dry room until the moisture has evaporated.

1

How to Grow Lavender

Whether you plant it in the garden or in pots, you'll soon discover lavender's many virtues. Take note: Lavender needs well-drained soil to flourish. If your soil is heavy, amend it by adding one part sand and gravel to one part native soil, and plant in berms to further help with drainage.

Read more on how to grow lavender.

2

Companion Plant

When planning what to grow with lavender, David recommends choosing plants with similar growing requirements. Some of his favorites include:

Gaura: Pink and white cultivars of Gaura lindheimeri have wispy flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

Penstemon: There are close to 300 species of penstemons. Choose some of the many colors available.

Agastache: Fragrant agastache is a tall-growing perennial that attracts birds and insects.

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Lavender Varieties

Not all lavender is, well, lavender in color. Varieties of this fragrant herb come in shades of purple and blue ranging from light to dark, as well as white, red, pink, and even yellow-green.

Group several plants of one color together for a strong visual impact. 'Richard Gray' is a hybrid lavender with blue-violet flowers and silvery, woolly foliage, while 'Nana Alba' is a dwarf English cultivar with very fragrant white flowers. It grows compactly and will bloom again. Use one of the many varieties to add a bold dose of color to your garden or yard.

4

Shower Bundle

Tie a bunch of lavender together with some eucalyptus to make your shower smell like a spa (the steam from the hot water will help diffuse lavender's relaxing smell).

Get the tutorial at Free People's Blog.

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Lavender Tea

Soothe headaches and enjoy the taste of the herby flower by sipping on this fragrant, homemade tea.

Get the recipe.

6

White Chocolate Chunk Lavender Ice Cream

Sprinkles and chocolate chips will be things of the past once you start using lavender buds to top your lavender-infused ice cream.

Get the recipe on How Sweet Eats.

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Lavender Garnish

Elevate a Mason jar drink by using a single lavender stem as a stirrer.

Get the recipe at Dreamy Whites.

8

Grapefruit Lavender Soap

Perfect for either your own home or as a hostess gift, these sweet-smelling soaps will be your new favorite cleaning product.

Get the tutorial at A House in the Hills.

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Lemon-Lavender Greek Yogurt Pound Cake

Chobani Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and dried lavender create a dessert loaf that's almost too pretty to eat.

Get the recipe at Bake Your Day.

10

Dried Lavender Wreath

Catch a whiff of this dried lavender wreath whenever you get home, and it will be hard not to instantly feel more calm and relaxed.

Get the tutorial at Garden Therapy.

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Tension Easer

It is believed that lavender eases tension, stress, and headaches. Rub a few drops of lavender body oil on your temples to help you sleep.

12

Lavender Blackberry Scones

Light lavender paired with bold blackberries turns a plain scone into an otherworldly breakfast experience.

Get the recipe at Joy the Baker.

RELATED: Brunch Recipes to Make Your Weekend Better

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Lavender Centerpieces

Opt for an easy, elegant centerpiece by placing bunches of lavender in small vases, then arranging them in vintage glass holders.

Get the tutorial at Dreamy Whites.

RELATED: Charming DIY Decor Ideas for a Backyard Wedding

14

Blueberry Lavender Lemonade

Make a large batch of this summery, infused drink, and you can enjoy it for weeks on end.

Get the recipe at Oh Happy Day.

RELATED: Zesty Ways to Enjoy Lemonade

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Lavender Hot Chocolate

A book + a blanket + this warm drink = the coziest night ever.

Get the recipe at Because I'm Addicted.

16

Cornmeal Brown Butter Scones and Lavender Peach Curd

We're willing to bet that knowing one of these delcious scones is waiting for you in the morning will make getting out of bed so much easier.

Get the recipe at Local Milk.

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Lavender Honey Crepe Cake

If stacked cakes are your thing (and they are certainly ours!), then put this lavender honey crepe cake on your "To Bake" list ASAP.

Get the recipe at The House That Lars Built.

18

Lavender Creme Brûlée

One of our favorite desserts gets a major upgrade with the addition of lavender buds.

Get the recipe at A Beautiful Mess.

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Honey Lavender Cake

Two tablespoons of lavender buds, coupled with honey and natural yogurt, make for a sweet, simple, picnic-ready cake.

Get the recipe at Design*Sponge.

RELATED: Classic Homemade Cake Recipes Every Baker Will Love

20

Lavender Bath Salts

This soothing DIY is yet another way to use our favorite thing—Mason jars.

Get the tutorial at Garden Therapy.

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