There are 115 varieties of Lavender. Parrott Creek Herb Farm features Grosso lavender, a variety appreciated for its dark purple color, strong fragrance and disease resistance.

Lavender Varieties fall into three general groups. Lavendula Angustifolia - “English Lavenders”, Lavendula Intermediate - “Lavendins” and Lavendula Stoechas - “Spanish & Other Lavenders”.

Grosso Lavender falls in the Intermediates group which is a hybrid of Angustifolia and Spike lavender.  The hybrid vigor of these plants makes them hardy but sterile.  Called Lavendins, this group typically has larger leaves, longer stems and larger flower heads that are pointed at the top instead of barrel shaped.  They have a more camphorous quality to their fragrance, and because of this are typically used in soaps and detergents. The oil yield of the Lavendins is much greater than the Angustifolias, so it has become a “work horse” in the fields of France. Not only are these plants hardy and disease resistant, they have a more attractive look in the winter months.  Because of their sterility, the seeds in these plants are infertile, and the preferred method of reproduction is with cuttings. Typically the Lavendin sachet is strong smelling, making it excellent for ridding clothes of moths or in massage oils for sore muscles, but not used for cooking. The strong color of many of the cultivars make their sachet and dried flowers excellent for crafting.

Our lavender is naturally grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides. We have over 1000 plants in our field. Dry summers and moist winters, similar to those in the Provence region of France, provide the ideal climate for our plants to flourish