Did you know that Portugal’s national flower is lavender?
There are currently 45 different species of lavender, it is part of the mint family, and there are over 450 varieties worldwide.
Although Provence in France is famous for its lavender fields, farms in Portugal’s Alentejo region grow lavender fields, including the ‘Portuguese Giant,’ a variety of Lavandula stoechas that has the most pungent aroma and vibrant colours. A visit to the lavender farms is a must; the fields are a riot of colour, and when combined with the heady smell, this must be one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. This variety can grow up to 30″ tall, has a mature spread of up to 24″, is drought tolerant, and prefers full sun. It can be grown in a pot or directly in your garden and prefers dry, fast-draining soil. However, it will not survive long in shady, damp, or extremely cold conditions.
Lavender was well known as a type of medicinal herb in ancient Rome, and the Romans, who were famous for taking hot baths, would add lavender to the water to enjoy the pleasant, relaxing aroma. Lavender’s scientific name, “lavandula,” is derived from “lavare,” which is Latin for “to wash,” and ultimately translates to “lavar” in Portuguese.
