Lavender Vera: The Ultimate Guide to Growing, Benefits, and Uses of True Lavender
Lavender Vera (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Vera’) is considered the truest form of English lavender, renowned for its intense fragrance, high essential oil content, and medicinal benefits. This hardy perennial is easy to grow, attracts pollinators, and is perfect for herbal remedies, skincare, and aromatherapy.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to grow and care for Lavender Vera
✔️ The best conditions for a thriving plant
✔️ Lavender Vera’s uses in aromatherapy, skincare, and cooking
✔️ The benefits and healing properties of true lavender
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Lavender Vera! 🌿💜
1. What is Lavender Vera?
Lavender Vera is a premium variety of English lavender, often called true lavender due to its high-quality essential oils and soothing properties. It is the most sought-after lavender variety for medicinal and therapeutic uses.
Key Characteristics of Lavender Vera
🌿 Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Vera’
🌺 Common Names: True lavender, English lavender, Lavandula Vera
📏 Height & Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) tall, spreading up to 90 cm (36 inches)
🌞 Sunlight Needs: Full sun
🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or chalky soil
💧 Watering: Low (drought-tolerant once established)
🐝 Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and pollinators
🍃 Uses: Essential oils, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, skincare, dried flowers
Fun Fact: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Vera’ is the variety most commonly used for therapeutic-grade lavender oil!
2. How to Grow Lavender Vera
Lavender Vera is low-maintenance, but it thrives when given the right conditions.
Planting Lavender Vera
✔️ Choose a sunny location – Needs at least 6–8 hours of full sun per day.
✔️ Ensure well-draining soil – Add grit or sand to improve drainage.
✔️ Plant at the correct spacing – Leave 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between plants.
✔️ Avoid overwatering – Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Tip: Lavender Vera prefers alkaline or neutral soil. If your soil is acidic, add lime or crushed eggshells to adjust the pH.
Watering & Feeding
✔️ Water deeply but infrequently – Once established, lavender only needs occasional watering.
✔️ Fertilizer is rarely needed – If necessary, apply a low-nitrogen, potash-rich feed in spring.
✔️ Avoid overfeeding – Too much fertilizer encourages leafy growth over flowers.
Tip: Use terracotta pots for lavender in containers, as they improve drainage.
3. Pruning & Caring for Lavender Vera
Regular pruning keeps lavender compact and promotes more blooms.
✔️ Lightly prune in early spring to remove winter-damaged stems.
✔️ After flowering (late summer), prune back by one-third to maintain shape.
✔️ Avoid cutting into old wood – Always leave some green growth for regeneration.
✔️ Remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms.
Tip: Annual pruning prevents lavender from becoming woody and unproductive.
4. Best Uses of Lavender Vera
Lavender Vera is widely used for its therapeutic properties, making it one of the most valuable varieties of lavender.
Aromatherapy & Relaxation
✔️ Reduces Stress & Anxiety – The essential oil has a calming effect.
✔️ Promotes Sleep – Used in diffusers and pillow sprays.
✔️ Enhances Mood – Helps relieve tension and mild depression.
Herbal Medicine & Skincare
✔️ Soothes Skin Irritations – Used for burns, acne, and rashes.
✔️ Has Antibacterial Properties – Helps heal cuts and wounds.
✔️ Natural Insect Repellent – Keeps moths and mosquitoes away.
Culinary Uses
✔️ Lavender-Infused Honey & Syrups – Adds floral flavor to teas and desserts.
✔️ Lavender-Infused Baked Goods – Great for shortbread, cakes, and scones.
✔️ Lavender Lemonade & Herbal Teas – Used for relaxation and digestion.
Tip: Only use Lavandula angustifolia ‘Vera’ for culinary purposes, as other lavender types may have a bitter taste.
5. Benefits of Lavender Vera Essential Oil
Lavender Vera is the highest quality variety for essential oil production.
✔️ Helps Relieve Headaches – Apply diluted lavender oil to temples.
✔️ Aids Sleep – Add a few drops to your pillow or diffuser.
✔️ Soothes Muscle Pain – Used in massage oils for relaxation.
✔️ Supports Respiratory Health – Inhaled to ease congestion and colds.
Tip: Mix lavender oil with carrier oils (e.g., coconut or almond oil) before applying to the skin.
6. Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Lavender Vera is easy to grow, but certain issues may arise.
Common Issues
❌ Root Rot – Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Solution: Water less and improve soil drainage.
❌ Yellowing Leaves – Often due to excess moisture. Solution: Ensure well-drained soil.
❌ Leggy Growth – Happens when lavender isn’t pruned. Solution: Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Pests & Diseases
🐛 Aphids – Wash off with a mild soap spray.
🐌 Slugs & Snails – Rarely a problem, but keep an eye on young plants.
🍄 Fungal Diseases – Prevent by ensuring good airflow around plants.
Tip: Lavender dislikes wet feet! Always plant in raised beds or well-draining soil.
FAQs: Growing & Using Lavender Vera
Why is Lavender Vera called “true lavender”?
✔️ It produces the highest-quality essential oil and has the most therapeutic benefits.
Can I grow Lavender Vera in pots?
✔️ Yes! Use a large terracotta pot with gritty, well-drained soil.
Does Lavender Vera attract bees?
✔️ Absolutely! It is one of the best plants for pollinators.
How often should I water Lavender Vera?
✔️ Only when the soil is dry! Overwatering can cause root rot.
When should I prune Lavender Vera?
✔️ Lightly in spring and more heavily after flowering in summer.
Final Thoughts: Why Grow Lavender Vera?
✔️ Highly fragrant and easy to grow
✔️ Perfect for essential oils and herbal remedies
✔️ Attracts pollinators and enhances garden biodiversity
✔️ Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
✔️ Used in aromatherapy, skincare, and cooking
Whether you’re planting Lavender Vera for its therapeutic properties, garden beauty, or culinary uses, this variety is a must-have for any lavender lover. 🌿💜
Are you growing Lavender Vera? Let us know in the comments!
Now you’re ready to grow and enjoy Lavender Vera! 🌿💜 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀