Lavender's color comes from a combination of its calyx and corolla. The calyx, also known as the "lavender bud," is particularly important in determining the color of dried lavender buds.
The Role of Calyx and Corolla
The flower's color isn't produced by a single part. Instead, both the calyx (the outer part of the flower that encloses the petals) and the corolla (the petals themselves) contribute to the overall hue. The specific pigments present in these structures determine the final color we see. This is true for both fresh and dried lavender flowers, although the calyx plays a more dominant role in the dried form.
Variations in Lavender Color
Lavender plants exhibit a range of colors, from pale lavenders to deep purples. These variations arise from genetic differences within the Lavandula genus and specific cultivars. Environmental factors, like sunlight and soil composition, can also subtly influence color intensity.
Beyond the Flower: Color in Other Lavender Contexts
While the question focuses on the flower, it is important to note that the term "lavender" also refers to a color. This color, a light shade of purple or violet, is inspired by the hue of the lavender flower. The exact shade can vary, ranging from bluish to pinkish tones, sometimes even described as lilac. This color is then used to describe other things, like lavender-colored stones (spinel, chalcedony), animals (Orpington chickens), or even as a paint color. The source of this color in those contexts is determined by the pigments used in creating or determining those items' appearance.
