LAVANDULA: An indispensable member of the herb family, used for perfumes and potpourri, its ornamental, compact habit along with gray-green scented foliage make it a welcome addition to the perennial border. Appearance: An attractive and unusual lavender from hot, dry Mediterranean regions, and best grown in a warm position, sheltered from cold winds and frost. Survives well in a sunny corner or against a warm wall, and makes an excellent container plant that can be brought under cover in winter. It is an old variety, cultivated for more than 400 years, and a favourite both for its intense fragrance and also the short dense flower spikes topped with a flourish of conspicuous rich violet bracts, rather like a set of extravagant ears. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). Growing Know-How: Plant in full sun and clean, well-drained soil 12 inches apart. Mulch with an inch or two of coarse sand. Give the plant time to reemerge in spring before trimming. In areas with mild winters, you can shear growing lavender into a low hedge, knot, or edging. Remove faded flowers.
