Growth Rate
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Moderate; forms a compact mound that gradually expands over several years
Typically matures within 2–3 growing seasons
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
Deer Resistant
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Yes |
Edible
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Yes |
Wildlife Attraction
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Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with nectar-rich flowers
Strong fragrance repels deer, rabbits, and some insect pests
Provides ecological benefit in pollinator gardens and sustainable landscapes
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Spring: foliage mound develops, followed by bud spikes
Summer: peak bloom with fragrant violet-blue flowers
Fall: light rebloom possible if pruned after summer flush; foliage remains evergreen/semi-evergreen
Winter: foliage persists but plant remains mostly dormant
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Ideal For
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– Herb gardens, borders, edging along pathways, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, containers, cut flowers, dried arrangements, crafts, culinary use |
Leaf Description
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Narrow, silvery-green to gray-green leaves, aromatic when crushed
Evergreen in mild climates, semi-evergreen in colder zones
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Flower Description
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Short spikes of fragrant, violet-blue flowers bloom in late spring to midsummer
Compact flower spikes rise just above the foliage mound
Flowers are prized for fresh or dried arrangements, crafts, and culinary use
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Planting Instructions
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Plant in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil; prefers lean soil over rich loam
Amend heavy clay with sand or grit to improve drainage, as lavender dislikes waterlogged conditions
Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow airflow and prevent fungal issues
Plant crown level with the soil surface; water thoroughly after planting
Best planted in spring after frost danger passes so roots establish before winter
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Lightly prune after the first flush of flowers in summer to encourage rebloom and maintain compact shape
Perform a harder prune in late summer or early fall, trimming back by about one-third (but never into old woody stems)
Avoid cutting in late fall or winter, as this can harm cold hardiness
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Water Needs
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Requires moderate to low water; drought tolerant once established
Water regularly in the first year to establish roots, then sparingly thereafter
Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal disease risk
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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
Avoid shady sites, which reduce bloom and fragrance intensity
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Harvesting
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Harvest flower spikes when the first few florets open for best fragrance and drying quality
Dry bunches upside down in a dark, airy place for crafts, sachets, and potpourri
Leaves and flowers can be harvested for culinary or herbal use (teas, baking, oils)
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Fertilizing
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Low fertility needs; too much fertilizer reduces oil concentration and flower production
Apply a light top-dressing of compost in spring for soil health
Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers which cause weak, leggy growth
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Pollination
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- Insect-pollinated; highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies
Flowers produce nectar-rich blooms throughout summer
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Companion Plants
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Pairs well with other Mediterranean plants like Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, and Santolina
Excellent with ornamental grasses, Sedum, Echinacea, and Salvia in sunny borders
Complements roses, providing contrast and helping deter aphids
Suitable for edging along pathways, rock gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings
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