Genus Lavandula is well known for its essential oils and gorgeous color contrast. It is one herb that can enhance a sun garden, multifold. The famous and common English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is popular for its fragrance. But if you are looking for high impact in color, height and fragrance, then there is no match to Lavandins. One lone Lavandin plant in a garden, is plenty for a gardener to find eternal love. There is no match to Lavandin Love!
Lavandin (Dutch Lavenders) are Lavandula x intermedia hybrids of English L. angustifolia and L. latifolia. One stunning Lavandin hybrid we have at London Town is, Lavandin 'Grosso'. Now 'Grosso' isn't medieval, it is a natural hybrid that was discovered near the seas of Spain, Italy and France. It has higher levels of terpenes, mainly camphor, which gives this Lavandin a strong fragrance. English lavender on the other hand is sweeter and has less camphor content, but they aren't even nearly as aesthetically impactful as 'Grosso'. 'Grosso' is most widely used world wide for production of Lavandin essential oils. It is also well know for its habit, a large mound and tall flower stalks which ideal for making wands and dry herb bundles. But it is a natural sterile hybrid, meaning, it is not able to produce viable offspring.
Lavender, Lavandin, there are so many varieties to choose from. In Mid-Atlantic we are fortunate to be able to plant several of the genus Lavandula species and hybrids. Lavender 'Hidcote' is another neat plant. The fronds are much shorter, but the fragrance is potent! You could also try Lavender stoechas, Spanish Lavender. It would be neat in a garden bed or a planter. Its ornate flower are unlike any other Lavander or Lavandin.
Lavender plants are also one of the most aesthetic plants in a perennial landscape. A full proof design for a sun garden, for a meadow impact would be Lavender, Yuccas and Cone flowers, most dependable and high impact combination!
If you haven't tried Lavandins yet, then definitely try planting a 'Grosso'. This lavandin is true eternal love, aroma, sight and touch, a multisensory impact with one single Lavandin.
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