The Lavandula genus, commonly known as lavender, is celebrated for its distinct aroma and calming color. While many people associate the plant with a single, light purple hue, the genus actually encompasses a diverse palette of flower colors. The variation in shades is a result of different species and selectively bred cultivars. This broad spectrum offers colors ranging from deep indigo to pure white, far exceeding the plant’s namesake color.
The Signature Shades of Purple
The purple shades are the most recognizable and historically common colors found across the Lavandula genus. These hues move beyond the singular “lavender” color to include a rich variety of blue-purples and true violets. The color is often described as varying between the lighter lilac end of the spectrum and the much deeper, saturated amethyst tones.
Some varieties, like the popular English lavender cultivar ‘Hidcote’, produce striking, dark purple flowers that maintain their color even when dried. Other selections, such as ‘Betty’s Blue’, feature a deep violet-blue that presents a richer, cooler tone. This depth of color is often preferred for contrast against the plant’s characteristic silvery-green foliage.
The color of the flower is created by pigments that can vary in concentration, resulting in subtle differences even within the same species. Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia) typically displays pale lilac flowers, while many English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) varieties span the full range from light mauve to a saturated indigo. This purple spectrum forms the backbone of the plant’s reputation, creating the iconic, sweeping fields seen in regions like Provence.
White and Pink Varieties
Beyond the traditional purples, lavender also produces flowers in shades of white and pink, which often surprise casual observers. White varieties, such as ‘Arctic Snow’ and ‘Nana Alba’, feature corollas that are pure white or sometimes creamy white, standing out sharply against the gray-green leaves. These selections offer a bright contrast when planted alongside their purple relatives.
The white color occurs when the plant naturally produces no color pigment in the petals, but the flower still retains the classic lavender fragrance. These non-purple selections expand the use of the plant in garden design, particularly in moon gardens or white-themed plantings.
Pink lavenders range from a delicate, pale blush to a more noticeable rose-pink. Cultivars like ‘Hidcote Pink’ are known for their soft, light pink flowers that provide a gentle warmth to the landscape. Similarly, ‘Miss Katherine’ is another Lavandula angustifolia cultivar prized for its consistent light pink blooms. Spanish lavender contributes to the pink range with cultivars like ‘Pretty in Pink’.
Species and Cultivars Defining the Color Range
The broad spectrum of colors is directly tied to the specific species and the cultivation of unique varieties, known as cultivars. The color in lavender flowers is primarily due to compounds called anthocyanins, and the amount produced determines the final shade. A high concentration of these pigments results in deep purple, while little to none leads to white flowers.
Lavandula angustifolia, often called English lavender, is the species with the widest range of color variations, including many of the pink and white options like ‘Rosea’ and ‘Edelweiss’. Hybrid lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia) feature shades from dark violet to white.
The Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is unique because its color comes not just from the small flowers but also from the prominent, petal-like bracts at the top of the bloom spike. These bracts can be purple, magenta, or even a pale pink, adding another layer of color diversity to the genus.
These specialized breeding efforts allow gardeners to select plants for specific color attributes. This ensures the traditional aroma is paired with a desired visual effect, expanding the plant’s utility in landscaping.