I’ve always been enchanted by the gentle sway and soothing fragrance of lavender. For me, no other plant brings back memories of sun-drenched summer days and that unmistakable feeling of a Mediterranean holiday quite like these fragrant blossoms do. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate not only the classic blue and violet lavender varieties, but also the charming, lesser-known ones in soft pinks and pure whites.
Whenever I step into my garden and breathe in that calming scent, I feel transported far away from everyday life — straight into a place of peace and simple beauty. Lavender has taught me so much: that plants don’t always need pampering to flourish, that sometimes less is more, and that the right choice of varieties can turn even the driest patch of soil into a colorful paradise buzzing with bees and butterflies.
In this piece, I’d like to share what I’ve learned about growing lavender in special colors, how it can transform a front yard into a fragrant oasis, and why selecting the right varieties makes all the difference. I hope my love for these beautiful plants inspires you to give them a special place in your own garden too.
No other plant embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle quite like lavender. What many people don’t know is that, in addition to the classic blue and violet blooms, there are also varieties with white and pink flowers.
Lavender is a semi-shrub that combines several wonderful qualities. Its blossoms symbolize cheerful summer days outdoors. Its irresistible fragrance delights the senses, and the flowers can be used in many ways: sewn into scented sachets, added naturally to bath and beauty products, or used for baking, cooking, or mixing all sorts of culinary delights. In garden design, lavender has long proven itself because it requires very little to thrive. It does well in chalky, nutrient-poor soil and needs little water — warmth and, above all, plenty of sunlight are what really matter.
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Lavender in the Front Yard
Lavender thrives exactly where other flowering plants often fail. Almost every garden has a hot, dry spot where many plants would need constant watering in summer. Lavender, on the other hand, is much less demanding and needs significantly less water. Areas that should require little maintenance can be beautifully greened with lavender. A perfect example is the front yard, which can become a true delight for the senses when framed with fragrant lavender.
When it comes to lavender, more is more: for a stunning effect, I simply plant the entire area with this hardy shrub — ideally using varieties in different flower colors, like those in the Downderry Lavender collection. Simon Charlesworth, known among enthusiasts as the ‘unofficial lavender pope’, has bred a huge range of lavender varieties at his Downderry Nursery in Kent, southern England. The European assortment is specially adapted to local climate conditions. Since winters in southern England are much milder, only frost-hardy varieties were selected for European gardens. These include not only the classic violet blooms, but also blue, white, and pink ones.
The Downderry variety Lavandula angustifolia ‘Rosea’ produces flower spikes with tiny, delicate pink blossoms. The blue-violet blooms of the ‘Cedar Blue’ variety create striking contrasts with lighter-colored lavenders.
The Downderry variety Lavandula angustifolia ‘Rosea’ (left) forms inflorescences with small, pale pink miniature flowers. The blue-violet flowers of the ‘Cedar Blue’ variety (right) form great contrasts with lighter-coloured lavender varieties
‘Rosea’, ‘Cedar Blue’, and ‘Edelweiss’
Not all lavender is the same. It’s worth paying attention to the specific characteristics of each variety. They differ in growth height and shape, and their blossoms can look quite different. The Downderry variety Lavandula angustifolia ‘Rosea’ produces many soft pink mini flowers at the tips of its stems, which can reach about 60 centimeters tall, forming a sweet, cloud-like effect. Its compact, cushion-like growth makes it ideal for edging flower beds. A similar growth habit can be found in the ‘Cedar Blue’ variety, but its blooms are blue-violet — a beautiful contrast to lighter lavenders. A white lavender variety fittingly named ‘Edelweiss’ can grow to about 75 centimeters tall. Its radiant white flowers add bright highlights to any lavender border.
Spring is the Best Time to Plant Lavender
Hardy lavenders have the great advantage that gardeners can enjoy them for many years after planting. All that’s needed is to prune them back to about one-third of their height in spring. This keeps the semi-shrubs compact, dense, and full of flowers. After pruning, the plants sprout new shoots and produce fresh flower spikes in summer. Once the new flowers have faded, they can also be cut and used however you like. By the way: spring is the best time to plant lavender, and after Easter, you can find a wide selection of different shades in many nurseries and garden centers.
Whenever I pass by my blooming lavender beds, I’m reminded that gardening doesn’t always have to be complicated. With just a bit of sun, the right soil, and a little care each spring, these hardy shrubs reward me with months of color, fragrance, and endless possibilities for creative use — from homemade sachets to delightful culinary experiments.
What I love most, though, is that lavender never fails to lift my mood and turn even the simplest corner of my yard into a slice of the Mediterranean. And the fact that I can play with colors — combining blue, violet, white, and soft pink blooms — makes it feel like I’m painting my own living artwork year after year.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and easy-going, lavender in special colors is truly a gift that keeps on giving. I hope you find as much joy in planting and enjoying these wonderful varieties as I do — may your garden be filled with their timeless charm and gentle fragrance for many summers to come.
