Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000835
11/12/99

Lavandula angustifolia--Lavender, Common Lavender


Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Height: 2 ft Spread: 18 in
Type: herbaceous evergreen perennial
Flowers: Purple

Comments: Lavender produces gray foliage and purple flowers
(Vis. 2). Most plants are 2 to 3 feet tall but some
varieties are shorter. The plants tolerate clipping and
grow best in a sunny location in a dry somewhat infertile
soil. Protect the crowns during the winter. Plants are
more susceptible to winter injury when grown in wet, heavy
soil. Shear the plants back in the spring to promote
growth and remove winter-killed branch tips. The dried
flowers retain their fragrance for a long time.

Propagation: Lavender may be propagated by cuttings or
seed. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring.
Gardeners with a cold frame may take cuttings from side
shoots in late summer and fall and root them in the cold
frame. The seed germinates in 8 to 12 days at
temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees.

Cultivars:
'Dwarf Blue' - Dark, lavender-blue flowers on plant 12
inches tall and 18 inches wide.
'Hidcote Blue' - Dark purple flowers are produced by
compact, 1-foot tall plants.
x intermedia 'Grosso' - Very fragrant, dark violet
flowers.
x intermedia 'Provence' - These 3-foot tall plants
produce mauve flowers (Vis. 1).
'Jean Davis' - Pale pink flowers on plants 15 inches
tall.
'Lavender Lady' - Plants nearly 2 feet tall produce
lavender blue flowers in late summer.
'Munstead Strain' - Lavender flowers, plants to 18
inches tall.
'Rosea' - Pink flowers on plants about 15 inches tall.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Monrovia
Nursery Company 1997, Lake County Nursery 1999, Bailey
Nurseries 1997, Ray Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Weston Nurseries
1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999, Wayside Gardens 1999, White
Flower Farm 1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999, Scarff's Nursery
1999, Midwest Groundcovers 1999,Willoway Nurseries 1999.


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