Types of Lavender: The Varieties We Grow at Bloomfield

Many people are surprised to learn that lavender is not just one plant.

In fact, there are more than 40 species of lavender worldwide and over 450 named varieties. Each one has its own appearance, fragrance, and growing characteristics. Some are compact and delicate. Others grow tall with long stems that are ideal for drying or distilling into essential oil.

At Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender in northern Indiana, we focus on two main categories that grow well in our climate: English lavender and lavandin hybrids.

Understanding the difference between these two types helps explain why different lavender varieties are used for different purposes.

English Lavender

English lavender, known botanically as Lavandula angustifolia, is one of the most beloved forms of lavender in the world.

These plants tend to be smaller and more compact, and they bloom a little earlier in the season than other varieties. Their fragrance is often described as soft, sweet, and classic.

Because of this gentle aroma, English lavender is frequently used for culinary purposes, sachets, teas, and many skincare products. It is also the variety most people imagine when they think of traditional lavender oil.

Several of the varieties we grow at Bloomfield fall into this category.

Lavandin Hybrids

Lavandin, known botanically as Lavandula x intermedia, is a hybrid created by crossing English lavender with spike lavender.

These plants are typically larger, taller, and more vigorous than English lavender. They produce long flower stems and abundant blooms, which makes them ideal for lavender bundles and essential oil production.

Lavandin varieties often have a slightly stronger, brighter fragrance. Many people enjoy their bold scent in candles, sprays, and household products.

Because lavandins are hardy and productive, they are often considered the workhorses of lavender farms.

Lavender Varieties at Bloomfield

At Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender, we grow a diverse collection of lavender varieties suited to the soil and climate of northern Indiana. Our fields include:

• Big Time Blue
• Blue Ellagance
• Edelweiss
• Folgate
• Grosso
• Hidcote
• Melissa Lilac
• Munstead
• Phenomenal
• Royal Velvet
• Sensational
• Vera

Each variety has its own color, fragrance, and growth habit. Some are deep purple, others are lighter violet, and one even blooms white.

Among them, a few varieties have become favorites both for us and for visitors to the farm.

Phenomenal Lavender

Phenomenal lavender has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable lavender plants for colder climates.

It is exceptionally hardy, resistant to disease, and produces beautiful, full blooms. Because of these qualities, it has become one of the most widely planted varieties in northern regions.

Its essential oil is clean and balanced, which makes it ideal for lotions, sprays, and many of the handcrafted products we create.

Phenomenal is also a patented variety. This means growers cannot propagate it themselves and must purchase licensed plants. That additional care and cost are part of what goes into cultivating high quality lavender.

Royal Velvet

Royal Velvet is known for its striking appearance.

Its blooms are a deep purple, often appearing almost royal blue in the sunlight. The fragrance is rich and velvety, which makes it especially popular for bouquets, dried bundles, and candles.

When this variety is in bloom, it is often one of the most photographed areas of the field.

Hidcote

Hidcote is a classic English lavender variety that gardeners have loved for decades.

It grows in compact mounds with dark purple flower spikes that dry beautifully. Because of its shape and color, Hidcote is often used in wreaths, sachets, and decorative lavender bundles.

It is also one of the most reliable varieties for home gardeners in cooler climates.

A Plant That Rewards Patience

Lavender is not a crop that grows quickly.

A newly planted lavender field takes time to establish. Light harvesting may begin around the third year, but plants typically reach their peak production around year seven. With proper care, a healthy lavender plant can live for 20 years or more.

At Bloomfield, we usually harvest twice each season. The first harvest typically happens in late June, with a second harvest taking place later in the summer.

After cutting, lavender bundles are carefully hung upside down to dry in a cool, airy environment. This slow drying process preserves the fragrance and color of the flowers before they are used in our products.

Growing Lavender at Home

Many visitors ask if lavender can be grown successfully in northern Indiana. The answer is yes, with the right conditions.

Lavender thrives in well drained soil and full sunlight. Heavy clay soils often need to be improved with sand, gravel, or crushed limestone to allow water to drain away from the plant’s roots.

Lavender prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently. Once established, it actually performs best when the soil is slightly dry.

Annual pruning is also important. Cutting the plant back by about one third in spring or after the first bloom helps maintain a healthy, rounded shape and prevents the plant from splitting over time.

Varieties such as Phenomenal, Hidcote, Munstead, and Royal Velvet tend to perform especially well in our region.

With patience and the right conditions, lavender can become a long lasting and beautiful addition to a home garden.

A Field of Many Fragrances

One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting a lavender field is discovering how different each variety smells.

If you gently rub a lavender stem between your fingers, the fragrance that remains is often more complex than people expect. Some varieties are sweet. Others carry hints of spice, herbs, or even a slight minty note.

Each variety has its own character, much like a fine wine or perfume.

At Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender, growing multiple varieties allows us to create a wide range of products while also sharing the beauty and diversity of this remarkable plant.

Lavender has been valued for centuries. You can read more about its fascinating journey in our post on the history of lavender.