Lavender 'Grosso'

Lavender is a very popular, delightful aromatic herb.  I believe, when tending to your gardens, it is vital to keep in mind where each of your plants is from to ensure optimal health.  Most varieties of Lavender are native to the Mediterranean.  Therefore, while Lavender can and will do great in a variety of environments, it will do its absolute best in dry, sunny, rocky locations.  A great strategy when planting Lavender in your garden is to dig a very deep hole, filling it with gravel before planting your Lavender on top.  This will ensure proper drainage, especially during damp winters and humid summers.  Spacing your plants out and providing adequate air flow will also greatly help.  Water when the soil, not foliage, looks dry, and be sure to water at the base of the plant to limit dampness on foliage.

Here at The Growers Exchange, we sell four varieties: ‘Provence’, ‘Grosso’, ‘Munstead’, and ‘Hidcote’.  Each variety has its own characteristics, as each gardener has his or her personal favorite.

Lavender 'Provence'

‘Provence’ and ‘Grosso’ tend to show a more uniform growth, and make for a neat, symmetrical hedge.  These two varieties grow best in zones 7-9.  ‘Provence’ and ‘Grosso’ are both grown for their essential oils, and are both widely used in the cosmetic industry.  ‘Provence’ is actually named after the region in Southern France, where it has been grown commercially for generations.

Lavender 'Munstead'

‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ tend to grow into more of a compact lumpy hedge, and can both tolerate a bit more cold, surviving even in zone 4, in colder midwest climates.  ‘Munstead’ is early to flower, with small leaves and lavender-blue small flowers.  ‘Hidcote’ is known for its beautiful dark purple flowers.  Both ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are typically grown for their flowers, which are often dried and used in sachets and potpourris.  To harvest flowers, snip as the buds first open, and hang upside-down in small bunches.  Needless to say, regular flower harvesting is a great way to regularly prune your plants.  Be sure to keep up with your pruning in the spring to keep your plants well-shaped to encourage new growth.

Lavender 'Hidcote'

Although Lavender has a large, spreading root system, it actually prefers growing in tight spots, and therefore makes a great container plant.  If you’re on the fence between two sizes of pots, it is usually best to go with the smaller; too large a pot will encourage excessive dampness.  Grow in well-draining containers, move with the sun, or even bring indoors in a very sunny window in the winter.