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Growth Rate
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Moderate; forms a compact, rounded mound.
Reaches maturity within 2–3 seasons.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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Yes |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Strong fragrance deters deer, rabbits, and some insect pests.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Spring: foliage mound develops; buds form.
Summer: profuse violet blooms peak, filling the air with fragrance.
Fall: possible light rebloom if trimmed after summer flush.
Winter: semi-evergreen foliage persists, though plants rest until spring.
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Ideal For
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– Borders, edging, containers, herb gardens, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, cut/dried flower arrangements, crafts, and culinary uses |
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Leaf Description
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Compact, narrow, silvery-green foliage, aromatic when brushed or crushed.
Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on climate.
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Flower Description
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Dense spikes of vivid violet-purple flowers, more saturated in color than traditional lavender.
Highly fragrant flowers bloom from early to midsummer, with potential for a lighter rebloom if pruned.
Blooms are ideal for cutting, drying, and culinary use.
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Planting Instructions
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Plant in sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soil; thrives in lean, low-fertility conditions.
Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites; amend soil with grit or sand for better drainage.
Space 12–18 inches apart for airflow and to prevent crown rot.
Plant crown level with the soil surface; do not bury stems.
Best planted in spring after the last frost to allow strong root establishment.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Lightly prune after first bloom in summer to encourage rebloom and maintain shape.
Harder pruning in late summer (cutting back by one-third, but never into woody stems) extends plant life.
Avoid late fall pruning, which can reduce winter hardiness.
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Water Needs
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Low once established; drought tolerant.
Regular watering during establishment phase, then occasional deep watering during prolonged droughts.
Avoid overwatering to prevent root diseases.
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Light Needs
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- Full sun (6–8 hours daily) is essential for best flowering and aromatic oil production.
Too much shade reduces flowering, fragrance, and compact growth.
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Harvesting
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- Harvest flower spikes when buds first open for best fragrance and longevity.
Cut flowers can be used fresh in bouquets or dried for sachets, wreaths, and potpourri.
Leaves and flowers may also be harvested for culinary uses like teas and desserts.
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Fertilizing
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- Very low fertilizer needs; prefers lean soils.
Apply a light dressing of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth over blooms.
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Pollination
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Insect-pollinated, highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Excellent nectar source throughout summer bloom period.
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Companion Plants
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Mediterranean herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, and Santolina.
Perennials: Echinacea, Salvia, Rudbeckia, and Coreopsis.
Roses, where lavender’s fragrance provides a natural companion and pest deterrent.
Rock garden plants and drought-tolerant perennials for hot, sunny borders.
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