Plant Spotlight: Lavender — Beauty, Fragrance, and Water-Wise Charm

When it comes to water-wise landscaping, few plants check as many boxes as lavender. Hardy, fragrant, and beautiful year-round, lavender thrives in our Northwest climate while requiring far less water than traditional thirsty plants.

What makes lavender especially fun is the variety. From compact dwarf varieties perfect for edging walkways to tall, dramatic types that shine in garden borders, there’s a lavender for almost every landscape. English lavender offers classic fragrance, French lavender brings unique serrated blooms, and Spanish lavender’s striking “rabbit ear” flowers add personality.

Here’s why lavender makes such a great choice:

• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, lavender needs minimal water.

• Low-Maintenance: A light pruning keeps it looking neat.

• Pollinator-Friendly: Bees and butterflies love it.

• Multi-Use: Enjoy it fresh in your yard or dried indoors for long-lasting fragrance.

Did you know?

There are over 450 varieties of lavender worldwide, ranging in color from deep purple to soft pink to even white. Each type brings its own fragrance, bloom shape, and growth habit — which means there’s truly a lavender for every yard.

Pro Tip: Plant lavender in well-draining soil and a sunny spot. Overwatering is the fastest way to shorten its life.

Whether you plant a row for structure or scatter varieties for color and texture, lavender brings both resilience and beauty to any landscape — all while keeping your water use in check.