Plant Variety Guide

Sunrise over rows of lavender and rosemary at Homestead Lavender Farm in Morrison, Tennessee, with a willow tree and weathered barn in the distance.

Our Plant Varieties

A living field guide from our Tennessee farm

Every plant we grow has its own personality. Some have thrived in our rows; others have humbled us. Some we’re trying again next season with a different approach. This page is a working field guide — what’s currently growing, what’s earned its place, what hasn’t, and why. We update it as we learn.

The lavender below is organized by botanical species. Lavandula angustifolia is the classic English true lavender — finer, sweeter, the one most people picture, with the most refined oil. Lavandula × intermedia is lavandin — a sturdier, more productive hybrid with stronger projection and higher oil yield, the right choice for soaps, candles, and projects where the scent needs staying power. Each has its place.

Quick Reference

Variety Botanical Best For
Buena Vista L. angustifolia Culinary buds, soaps, sachets
Big Time Blue L. × intermedia Bouquets, dried décor, sachets
Edelweiss L. × intermedia Dried buds, crafts, freshening mists
Ellagance Snow L. angustifolia White-themed bouquets, delicate body products
English Lavender L. angustifolia (general) Oils, soaps, skincare, bedtime blends
Folgate L. angustifolia Culinary (baking, syrups), perfumery
Gros Bleu L. × intermedia Oils, dried bouquets, statement arrangements
Grosso L. × intermedia Cleaning blends, room sprays, candle scenting
Melissa Lilac L. angustifolia Culinary buds, teas, soft sachets
Munstead L. angustifolia Everyday relaxation blends, bath products
Phenomenal L. × intermedia Bath/body, diffusers, landscaping (hardy in TN)
Platinum Blonde L. angustifolia Ornamental plantings, sachets, light blends
Provence L. × intermedia Linen sprays, diffuser blends, bath salts
Riverina Thomas L. × intermedia Oils, dried décor, ornamental bundles
Rosea L. angustifolia Garden ornamental, crafts, soft sachets
Royal Velvet L. angustifolia Bedtime blends, massage oils, culinary buds
Sensational L. × intermedia Oils, landscaping, diffuser blends
Super L. × intermedia Oils, sachets, soaps, candles (long-lasting)
Super Blue L. angustifolia Dried décor, crafts, gentle oils
Vera L. angustifolia Aromatherapy, culinary buds, perfumery
Rosemary Arp Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’ Culinary, hardy landscape, infused oils (new 2026, winter-hardy)
Rosemary Blue Spires Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Blue Spires’ Culinary, ornamental, aromatherapy (new 2026, winter-hardy)
Tuscan Blue Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis Culinary, infused oils, aromatherapy (high tunnel)

Lavender Varieties

Twenty varieties currently in our fields, organized by botanical species — plus the two we tried and lost, honestly noted, because the field doesn’t lie.

True English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

The sweet, refined lavender. Best for delicate oils, perfumery, culinary use, and gentle skincare. Top-to-middle scent profile. Eleven varieties currently in our rows.

Buena Vista

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Floral, sweet, slightly fruity

Note: Top to middle

Origin: Oregon, USA

Uses: Culinary buds, relaxing teas, soaps, sachets

Tips: Add late in cooking for delicate flavor

Safety: Gentle; dilute topically

Ellagance Snow

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Soft, floral, mild

Note: Top to middle

Origin: Netherlands

Uses: Ornamental borders, gentle sachets, delicate body products

Tips: Lovely in white-themed bouquets

Safety: Gentle; patch test for very sensitive skin

English Lavender (general)

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia (general)

Aroma: Classic, sweet lavender

Note: Middle

Origin: Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy, Balkans)

Uses: Oils, soaps, skincare toners, bedtime blends

Tips: Aromatherapy staple; blends well with cedarwood and bergamot

Safety: Generally gentle; dilute before skin use

Folgate

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Sweet, floral, slight citrus lift

Note: Top to middle

Origin: England (UK)

Uses: Culinary favorite (baking, syrups), sachets, perfumery

Tips: Excellent in lemon desserts and teas

Safety: Dilute topically; include allergen notice when culinary

Melissa Lilac

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Sweet, light lavender with lilac-like tones

Note: Top to middle

Origin: Oregon, USA

Uses: Culinary buds, teas, sachets, soft body products

Tips: Retains light pink blooms when dried

Safety: Gentle; dilute for topical use

Munstead

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Sweet, strong; cozy, slightly herbaceous base

Note: Middle to base

Origin: England (UK)

Uses: Everyday relaxation blends, bath products, gentle diffuser mixes

Tips: Hardy, early bloomer

Safety: Gentle; dilute for skin use

Platinum Blonde

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Sweet, fresh lavender with green undertones

Note: Middle

Origin: England (UK)

Uses: Decorative plantings, sachets, light fragrance blends

Tips: Variegated leaves add visual interest

Safety: Gentle; dilute if used in body products

Rosea

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Sweet, mild lavender

Note: Top to middle

Origin: Europe

Uses: Garden ornamental, crafts, softer sachets

Tips: Distinctive pink blooms; pretty mixed with white varieties

Safety: Gentle; patch test for very sensitive skin

Royal Velvet

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Rich, sweet, velvety classic lavender

Note: Middle

Origin: Oregon, USA

Uses: Bedtime blends, facial steams, massage oils, culinary buds

Tips: Pairs with cedarwood, frankincense, ylang ylang

Safety: Generally gentle; dilute topically

Super Blue

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Sweet, floral, true lavender

Note: Middle

Origin: Netherlands

Uses: Dried décor, crafts, gentle oils

Tips: Compact, colorful borders

Safety: Gentle; dilute for topical use

Vera

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Classic sweet lavender; true lavender

Note: Middle

Origin: Mediterranean (France/Italy/Spain)

Uses: Aromatherapy, culinary buds, traditional perfumery

Tips: Beautiful with bergamot or lemon for spa-fresh blends

Safety: Gentle; dilute before topical use

Lavandin / Hybrid (Lavandula × intermedia)

The robust hybrid. Higher oil yield, longer stems, stronger projection. Best for soaps, candles, room sprays, and cleaning blends where the scent needs staying power. Middle-to-base scent profile. Nine varieties currently in our rows.

Big Time Blue

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Strong, fresh lavender with classic herbal brightness

Note: Middle

Origin: Netherlands

Uses: Cut bundles, dried décor, sachets; holds color and scent well

Tips: Great for bouquets and displays; pairs with citrus for a clean vibe

Safety: Standard dilution; avoid direct facial application

Edelweiss

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Clean, bright lavender with crisp herbal edges

Note: Middle

Origin: Europe (Netherlands/Germany)

Uses: Dried buds, crafts, freshening mists

Tips: Retains white-tipped blooms when dried

Safety: Dilute for topical use; avoid sensitive facial skin

Gros Bleu

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Strong, sweet lavender with herbal tones

Note: Middle

Origin: France (Provence)

Uses: Oils, dried bouquets, sachets

Tips: Tall stems make striking arrangements

Safety: Avoid direct facial use; dilute well

Grosso

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Potent, camphoraceous lavender

Note: Middle to base

Origin: France (Provence)

Uses: Cleaning blends, room sprays, soaps/candles where staying power matters

Tips: Use lightly in face products due to strength

Safety: Higher camphor; avoid face/young children; always dilute

Phenomenal

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Strong, balanced floral-herbal

Note: Middle

Origin: Pennsylvania, USA

Uses: Bath/body products, diffusers, landscaping, dried décor

Tips: Very hardy hybrid — great in Tennessee climate

Safety: Considered skin-friendly; still dilute

Provence

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Sweet, floral; less camphoraceous than Grosso

Note: Middle

Origin: France (Provence)

Uses: Linen sprays, diffuser blends, bath salts, versatile oils

Tips: Beautiful with bergamot, vanilla, clary sage

Safety: Dilute before skin use

Riverina Thomas

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Floral, light, bright

Note: Top to middle

Origin: Australia (Riverina, NSW)

Uses: Oils, dried décor, ornamental bundles

Tips: Striking purple bundles

Safety: Gentle; dilute for skin use

Sensational

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Strong, fresh lavender

Note: Middle

Origin: Michigan, USA

Uses: Oils, landscaping, dried décor; great projection in diffusers

Tips: Long-lasting blooms; ideal for statement plantings

Safety: Dilute before topical use

Super

Botanical: Lavandula × intermedia

Aroma: Very strong, sweet lavender

Note: Middle to base

Origin: France (Provence)

Uses: Oils, sachets, soaps, candles where longevity matters

Tips: Known for great oil yield; use judiciously in blends

Safety: Higher strength; always dilute

Trialed and Lost

Tennessee humidity and winter have humbled us more than once. These two beautiful varieties survived a season, then died off. We’re not giving up on them — we’ll try again next year, this time on raised mounds for better drainage, and see if that’s what was missing.

Hidcote

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Sweet, deep, classic lavender with rich purple notes

Note: Middle

Origin: England (UK)

Uses: Compact ornamental borders, oils, sachets, traditional skincare

Our experience: Beloved in cooler climates. Twice we tried it; twice it survived a season then died off. Tennessee summer humidity, winter wet, or both. Planning another attempt next year on raised mounds.

Safety: Gentle when established; dilute topically

Maillette

Botanical: Lavandula angustifolia

Aroma: Soft, fruity-floral; perfumery-grade

Note: Middle

Origin: France (Provence)

Uses: Premium oils, perfume and high-end blends

Our experience: Prized worldwide for its refined fragrance. Same pattern as Hidcote — survived a season, then died off. Same plan: try again next year on raised mounds and see if drainage was the missing piece.

Safety: Gentle; patch test if very sensitive

Rosemary Varieties

Three rosemary varieties currently in our rows — two of them new this year. Tuscan Blue lives in our high tunnel because it isn’t winter hardy. We added Arp and Blue Spires specifically for their cold tolerance, so we’d have rosemary in the open rows that could weather a Tennessee winter.

Rosemary Arp

Botanical: Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’ (also Salvia rosmarinus ‘Arp’)

Aroma: Fresh, herbal rosemary with a soft lemon lift

Note: Top to middle

Origin: Discovered in Arp, Texas, USA — named for the town

Uses: Culinary, infused oils, hardy landscape plantings

Our experience: One of the most cold-hardy rosemary cultivars known — survives well into USDA zone 6. New to our rows in 2026, planted specifically so we’d have rosemary that could weather Tennessee winters in the open field.

Safety: Avoid large internal amounts during pregnancy; not for infants; dilute topically

Rosemary Blue Spires

Botanical: Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Blue Spires’ (also Salvia rosmarinus ‘Blue Spires’)

Aroma: Strong, classic rosemary with a sweet, slightly resinous depth

Note: Top to middle

Origin: Hybrid cultivar, widely grown across Europe and the US

Uses: Culinary, ornamental (upright habit, vivid blue flowers), aromatherapy

Our experience: Cold-hardy down to zone 6–7 and beautifully upright in the field. New to our rows in 2026, planted alongside Arp as our winter-tolerant pair.

Safety: Avoid large internal amounts during pregnancy; not for infants; dilute topically

Tuscan Blue Rosemary

Botanical: Rosmarinus officinalis (also Salvia rosmarinus)

Aroma: Fresh, piney, herbal rosemary

Note: Top to middle

Origin: Italy (Tuscany)

Uses: Culinary, infused oils, aromatherapy blended with mint or citrus

Our experience: Not winter hardy here, so we raise her in our high tunnel — where she holds her own next to the lavender and produces beautifully for distillation, culinary, and aromatherapy use.

Safety: Avoid large internal amounts during pregnancy; not for infants; dilute topically

This page evolves as the farm evolves. New varieties join the list when they earn a place in our rows. Trial entries graduate when they prove themselves. And honest notes get updated when reality teaches us something new.

Curious to see what these plants become? Look through our essential oils, our farm blog, or come visit us.

All varieties listed here have traditional culinary, aromatic, and skincare uses. We share dilution and safety notes per variety, but this page is not medical advice. Always patch-test new botanicals on a small skin area first, and consult a healthcare provider if you have specific concerns about pregnancy, infants, or existing conditions.