Flower Library
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia · Lamiaceae
Lavender is the most fragrant summer cut flower. Narrow spike-blooms in deep purple on grey-green stems. Fresh or dried, in wedding floristry and as a hand bouquet. Provençal summer in a vase.
- Season
- June – July – August
- Vase life
- 5–10 days
- Latin name
- Lavandula angustifolia
- Colors
- Purple, White, Pink
Fresh-cut lavender smells more intense than dried — herbal rather than sweet. Dried bouquets are often placed in wardrobes for laundry scent.
Season June to August. Longer in French growing regions (Haute-Provence), shorter in German gardens.
Weddings: lavender bouquets were traditionally given to bridesmaids in the English-French tradition for luck. Today often as small hand-bouquets or accent in bridal bouquets.
Is Lavender toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The compounds linalool and linalyl acetate can cause vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite; cats are more sensitive. Keep bouquets out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, especially in cats.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut at an angle, strip lower leaves.
- 02Water shallow, change every 2 days.
- 03Keep cool and bright.
- 04To dry hang upside down in dark dry environment — lasts years.
Frequently asked
- Fresh or dried lavender?
- Fresh for immediate summer impact, dried for permanent decor and wardrobes. Fresh lavender lasts 5–10 days, dried for years.
- Is lavender scent okay for allergy sufferers?
- For most people yes. Strong scent allergies may react in closed rooms — then small bouquets in large rooms.
- Is lavender toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes, mildly toxic. Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which can cause nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite in cats and dogs. Cats are more sensitive as they lack the liver enzymes to break it down. Keep bouquets out of reach.