Lavender Vera is Also Known As The Original Lavender With Many Uses

Lavender Vera, with the botanical name Lavandula angustifolia ‘Vera’, is considered the original lavender variety that has been around for over 2000 years This heirloom lavender is also known as English lavender, true lavender, and common lavender Its purple flowers not only add beauty to gardens but have many uses that have made Vera lavender a cherished plant over the centuries.

A Brief History of Lavender Vera

Lavender Vera is thought to be one of the first lavender species cultivated for its fragrant properties. The ancient Romans used lavender for bathing, cooking, and perfuming the air. During the medieval period, lavender was grown in monastery gardens across Europe where monks prepared medicinal remedies from the flowers and fragrant waters.

The name Vera refers to the official designation for medicinal plants in earlier times. Although this terminology is no longer used today, it shows how Lavender Vera was viewed as an important and official medicinal herb historically.

Much of the culinary grade lavender and lavender oil used in commercial products today comes from Bulgaria where Lavender Vera is extensively grown The fresh flower spikes are harvested in June and July to extract the oil through steam distillation

Why Grow Lavender Vera?

There are many reasons Lavender Vera remains a popular choice for gardeners and herb growers today:

• Heirloom variety – As one of the original lavender species, Lavender Vera is appealing for its history and old-world charm.

• Medicinal properties – The flowers and oil have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, calming properties.

• Fragrance – Vera has a sweet floral aroma that is intensely lavender. The scent is used in aromatherapy, bath products, sachets.

• Culinary use – The flowers can be used to add flavor to dishes, drinks, and desserts

• Dried flowers – The vibrant purple flowers retain color well when dried for arrangements and crafts.

• Essential oil – Vera produces a high quality therapeutic grade lavender oil, although yields are lower than other varieties.

• Landscaping – With attractive gray-green foliage and profuse lavender blooms, Vera makes a beautiful addition to gardens, borders, and containers.

Growing Conditions for Lavender Vera

Lavender Vera thrives in full sun and well-drained alkaline soil. Good drainage is key as lavender will rot in wet heavy soil. Here are some tips for growing Lavender Vera successfully:

• Plant in spring after the last frost in well worked soil.

• Choose a site with at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. South facing slopes are ideal.

• Prepare soil with lime or crushed shells to raise pH between 6.7-7.3. Lavender needs alkalinity.

• Allow 2-3 feet spacing between plants for good air circulation.

• Water newly planted lavender sparingly until established. Too much moisture causes root rot.

• Mulch plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds. But avoid mulching right against stems.

• Fertilize in early spring with a low nitrogen organic fertilizer. Excess nitrogen causes weak growth.

• Prune back by a third after flowering to keep plants tidy and encourage new growth.

Popular Uses for Vera Lavender

Culinary Uses

The mildly floral aroma of lavender Vera adds an herbal nuance to food. Both the fresh and dried flowers can be used to prepare lavender infused:

• Beverages – tea, lemonade, cocktails, wine

• Vinegars, oils, butters

• Jams, jellies, syrups

• Baked goods – scones, cookies, breads, cakes

• Savory dishes – meats, stews, seafood

• Candy, marshmallows, ice cream

Lavender pairs well with citrus, berries, stone fruits, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint. Start with a small amount of flowers until you get accustomed to the unique flavor.

Crafting

The pretty purple blooms of Vera make it perfect for all kinds of crafts:

• Potpourri – mix dried lavender with rose petals, spices, and essential oils

• Sachets – place dried fragrant flowers in cloth pouches

• Wreaths and arrangements – intertwine fresh or dried lavender into florals

• Lavender wands – decorative bundles of dried lavender tied with ribbons

• Soap and candles – add lavender for natural scent and color

• Diffusers – add a few drops of lavender oil to water

• Tea lights – sprinkle dried petals around candles for aroma

Medicinal Remedies

Lavender has a long history of medicinal uses. Vera lavender can be utilized in the following ways:

• Aromatherapy oil – relieve stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia

• Massage oil – soothe muscle tension, arthritis, headaches

• Antiseptic – apply oil or hydrosol to cuts, burns, stings, acne

• Anti-inflammatory – reduce swelling, joint pain

• Headache relief – apply oil to temples, forehead, back of neck

• Respiratory aid – infuse flowers in steam, rub oil on chest

• Bath – add flowers or oil to bathwater for relaxation

How to Harvest Lavender Vera

Lavender Vera is ready for harvest in early to mid summer when the flower spikes are in full bloom. To harvest:

• Time it before the tiny purple buds fully open. The essential oil content is highest then.

• Cut stems 6-10 inches in length using garden shears or scissors.

• Gather into small bundles, wrap stems with rubber bands.

• Remove any leaves, debris or imperfect flowers.

• Hang bundles to dry in a warm, well ventilated area out of direct light.

• Or spread out in a single layer on dehydrator trays or screens.

• Drying takes 1-2 weeks. Flowers are ready when crispy dry.

• Store the dried lavender in glass jars out of sunlight. Keep in a cool, dark place.

Where to Buy Vera Lavender

You can find Lavender Vera at many online nurseries and garden centers. When shopping for plants, look for:

• Established root systems. Avoid seedlings which take longer to mature.

• Healthy green leaves and stems. Avoid discolored or damaged plants.

• Labeled as Lavandula angustifolia ‘Vera’. Should be the true heirloom strain.

• Grown organically without pesticides for culinary uses.

• Shipping dates suitable for planting in your region.

With its outstanding beauty and abundant uses, it’s easy to see why Lavender Vera remains beloved after centuries of cultivation. This hardy, easy care perennial is a must for any herb garden.