The Genus Lavandula

By Tim Upson and Susyn Andrews

Illustrations by Georita Harriott, Christabel King, and Joanna Langhorne

A beautifully illustrated and detailed monograph of the genus Lavandula that is certain to become a standard work of reference.

Plantsman

Long prized by the fragrance industry for its essential oils, the genus Lavandula is steadily increasing in popularity among gardeners and horticulturists worldwide. This is the first full treatment of this important genus to be undertaken since 1937. It treats 39 species and their cultivars and hybrids, presenting their taxonomy, distribution, and the history of their cultivation. With several useful appendices, as well as chapters on cultivation, propagation, and pests and diseases, The Genus Lavandula is a comprehensive and authoritative account of this important genus. Exquisite paintings from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, complement the text.

Awards for this book: Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Book
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Pages: 442 pp.
  • Book dimensions: 7⅜ x 9⅝ in. (245 x 185 mm.)
  • Images: 30 color plates, 4 b/w photos, 126 color photos, 28 maps, 41 line drawings, 12 tables
  • ISBN-10: 0881926426
  • ISBN-13: 9780881926422

Media reviews

"It should set the standard for such academic horticultural treatments for years to come."

—G. D. Dreyer, Choice

"A magnificent reference work that will give pleasure to botanists, perfumers, aromatherapists, growers, and gardeners ... offers superb value and wide-ranging information."

—Dorothea Bedigian, Plant Systematics and Evolution

"The authors write that they are “acutely aware” that there is more work to be done on the genus Lavandula, but after seeing this book it’s hard to imagine what is left."

—Caroline McCullagh, Let's Talk Plants

"This is likely to be the 'last word' on lavender!"

—E. Charles Nelson, Irish Garden Plant Society Newsletter

"The colored illustrations are superb."

—John E. Bryan, Gardening Newsletter

"In all, this book can only enhance our understanding and appreciation of Lavandula ."

—Jekka McVicar, Garden (Peterborough)

"This is an invaluable reference for serious gardeners."

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"This book should appeal to a broad readership ... a solid compendium of knowledge for years to come."

—John Akeroyd, Plant Talk

"Tim Upson and Susyn Andrews have taken on the enormous taxonomic task to sort out the 40 species and their cultivars and hybrids in this comprehensive reference that truly rates as a classic for this important genus."

—Marilyn K. Alaimo, Chicago Botanic Garden

"The many illustrations, both black and white and color, are as finely detailed as the text."

—Carol L. Noll, American Reference Books Annual

"A "hefty" book, this monograph is a rich tome of information."

—Andrew Van Hevelingen, Herb Companion

"All round this is a wonderful book, beautifully produced."

—Malcolm McGregor, Journal of the Scottish Rock Garden Club

"The Genus Lavandula deserves a spot on your bookshelf and will add immensely to your enjoyment of this fragrant plant."

—Kathy Schlosser, Sassafras Thymes

"A beautifully illustrated and detailed monograph of the genus Lavandula that is certain to become a standard work of reference."

Plantsman

"Those interested in a thorough, understandable exploration of a plant genus need look no further than The Genus Lavandula."

—Katherine Schlosser, Native Plant News

"For anyone who wants to delve deeply into lavender, this book is a must-have."

—Betty Oppenheimer, Sequim Lavender Festival Magazine

About the authors

Tim Upson

Dr. Tim Upson, Superintendent of the University of Cambridge's, 40 acre Botanic Garden, trained as a horticulturist at Kew, and then went on to undertake a doctorate on lavender at the University of Reading. He has published many papers and popular articles on lavenders, and is widely recognized as a leading authority who combines academic acumen with practical experience and skill.

Read more about Tim Upson

Susyn Andrews

Susyn Andrews, recently of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a world-leading horticultural taxonomist and was the co-founder and Chairman of the Horticultural Taxonomy Group. She has published over 150 scientific papers and articles, was the senior editor of Taxonomy of Cultivated Plants (1999), has sat on the ISHS Commission for Nomenclature and Registration, is an Honorary Research Associate at Kew, and currently serves on several scientific and horticultural committees. An enthusiastic gardener, her main interests are temperate and subtropical woody plants and her passion for lavenders stretches back 15 years.

Read more about Susyn Andrews

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