It is perhaps a surprise to some to learn that Lavender is a herb closely related to Rosemary, Sages, Thymes and others. The Romans were most responsible for the spread of lavender throughout Europe, taking it with them everywhere they went in order to have local supplies of lavender oil which they used extensively in bath water and soap as well as in many other ways.
Most lavenders are originally natives of the Mediterranean countries.
Lavender oil has long been a staple of the cosmetics industry. The higher quality oils are often mixed with oil from other lavenders in many lavender products. There are many varieties of lavender available today including lavenders with different colors including white, green and pink. More information on the varieties of lavender can be found in our section on the taxonomy of lavender . Lavender has always been a popular rock and flower garden plant.