The Lavandula genus encompasses around 47 species in the mint family, all originating from Europe and the Mediterranean, and all sharing the aromatic quality that has made lavender one of the most widely grown herbs in cultivation. Plants range from compact foot-tall mounds to shrubs approaching 4 feet, with flower and leaf shapes varying considerably between species. What unites them is the silvery-gray foliage, the summer flower spikes, and the fragrance that bees find as irresistible as humans do.

In the American Southeast, lavender is a genuine challenge. The combination of humidity, clay soil, and hot summers is roughly the opposite of what the genus prefers. Very well-drained, even gritty soil is essential, as is protection from afternoon heat. Rock gardens and raised beds are often the most successful settings. Pruning to 4 to 6 inches after the last frost encourages compact growth and discourages the woodiness that makes older plants untidy. Cut flowers before they fully open if drying for sachets, potpourri, or culinary use. The genus earns its place in a garden as much through what it attracts, particularly bees and butterflies, as through its own considerable ornamental value.