Common Name: lavender
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Purple
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Leaf: Colorful, Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Air Pollution
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Well-drained soils are a must, particularly in winter. Root rot commonly attacks plants grown in poorly drained soils. Prefers a light, sandy, alkaline soil with somewhat low fertility. Remove faded flowers to promote continued bloom. Prune to shape in spring after new leaves appears. Prune back to 8” in spring every 3 years to control plant size and to promote robust, new growth. Not reliably winter hardy in USDA Zone 5 where it appreciates a sheltered location and winter protection.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lavandula is a genus of around 30 species of subshrubs with highly aromatic flowers and foliage. The blue to violet, tubular flowers are held in terminal spikes. Hybrid cultivars vary somewhat in habit, flower color, aromatic intensity and bloom time.
Genus name comes from the Latin word lavo meaning I wash in reference to a former use of the plant as an aromatic wash.
‘Silver Frost’ is a compact, mounded, shrubby cultivar that grows to 18-24” tall and features silver foliage and fragrant purple flowers in summer
Problems
Susceptible to leaf spot and root rot. Plants may not survive in winter if soils are not well-drained and/or if temperatures dip below 0°F without protective snow cover.
Uses
This is a versatile garden perennial that should be considered for a wide variety of uses and not just relegated to a corner of the herb garden. Lavender flowers and gray-green leaves provide mid-summer color and contrast to the perennial border front, rock garden, herb garden or scented garden. Can be particularly effective when massed. Also effective as an edger or low hedge.