What Kind of Lavender Do I Have?
We’re so glad you scanned the QR code that you found! Why? Because it means that you’re either receiving bouquets of lavender from our lavender farm in Kelowna, or you’re thinking about purchasing lavender boxes. Whether you want to buy McKinley lavender boxes as a gift or you want to keep some for yourself, we want to make sure that you know what you’re getting!
There are over 45 species of lavender and some 450 varieties! That means you’ve likely seen, smelled, and experienced a lot of different kinds. Here in the northern part of BC, we grow two of the most popular species Angustifolia and x Intermedia. To make it easier to understand species we’ve taken an unconventional approach to the naming conventions.
At McKinley Lavender Farm in Kelowna, you’ll hear us refer to Angusitfolia as English and x Intermedia as French. The English have typically stocky, straight, green stems. Their florets are traditional looking, with plump buds that are closer together. On the French, Intermedia side we tend to see tall, wispy plants. They have longer, spear-like florets, and the buds are elongated along the greenish-grey colored stems.
Since lavender is derived from the Lamiaceae species, think Mint, Rosemary, and the like, lavender has a herbaceous and earthy scent. We have some like the White Ellagance that smell very minty fresh. Others, like the Deep Purple Lavance, are very floral and sweet. They all have a slightly distinct and individual scent, which makes them all the more delightful. If you’re buying a lavender boxes of hand-harvested lavender from our farm we hope you’ll take a moment to find what kind you’ve got below.
Opening a box of McKinley Lavender is an experience for your senses. We hope you enjoy your dried lavender bundles and that they bring joy to whatever you have planned for them! If you want to learn more about how to keep your dried lavender visit this page and to discover even more tips stay tuned to our Instagram account!
Phenomenal (French)
Did you find a really tall bundle in your mixed box of McKinley Lavender? Congratulations! You’ve got yourself a bundle of French Phenomenal. Phenomenal is one of the tallest varieties that we grow. It can be almost 3.5 feet tall in the field. We cut them down to size to fit most applications, however, we do offer full-size fresh and dried options during the first harvest of each year (typically July). French lavender is typically straight, uniform, and has tight spear-like stems. Phenomenal can dry a pale purple almost like a shade of grey and can even look slightly green and serpent-like in some cases. The scent is very lavender-like thanks to the high camphor count. This is a very impressive bundle to have as a centerpiece.
Hidcote Blue (English)
Good things come in small packages and that rings true when it comes to Hidcote Blue. Hidcote Blue lavender is the shortest of the bunch, but like so many things that are on the side of small they are mighty! Hidcote Blue is hands down the most coveted lavender everywhere. It’s the most recognized and celebrated for its lasting deep purple colour, its sweet scent, and even sweeter size. This is what is commonly used in culinary applications from syrups to garnishes. The plant itself is the first to bloom at McKinley Lavender Farm. It’s a shorter stem, with a full floret and it makes the bees and butterflies go wild. If you’ve found a bundle of English Hidcote Blue in your box of lavender we hope you’ll enjoy its long-lasting scent and deep purple buds.
Munstead (English)
If you’re looking at a wild bunch of lavender in a pale subdued colour of purple then chances are you’ve got your hands on some Munstead. Munstead is a wild variety. It’s the curly-haired cousin to a Super Blue variety. The stems go every which way and their kinky florets give off a boho vibe that is fun and interesting. Munstead is a great table topper and when cut right from the plant it’s really the perfect-sized bundle. Use it in bouquets, mix it with other dried plants, or even use it for its scent in sachets or crafts. This variety is not one you’ll see everywhere but it’s definitely conversation-worthy lavender!