This has the finest aroma of any lavender; this species and its cultivars are hardy in northern climates given good drainage and an alkaline soil. The oil is used to polish the bronzes at the Metropolitan of Modern Art. A woody plant with narrow, silvery leaves and spikes of lavender-purple blooms which should be harvested in the bud stage. Highly aromatic and ornamental; frequently used in perfumery and soap-making. Medicinally, Lavender extracts are antiseptic, antibacterial and are used to treat burns and cuts. Deer and rabbit ressistant, all lavenders are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Older plants can get woody and rangey looking - they can be severely pruned back in early spring just as new growth starts.