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Growth Rate
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Moderate; forms a rounded, bushy mound with upright flower spikes.
Mature size: approximately 24–30 inches tall and 30–36 inches wide.
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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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Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators flock to its nectar-rich blooms.
Deer and rabbits resistant due to aromatic oils in leaves and stems.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Blooms from early to late summer, depending on climate.
Foliage remains attractive throughout the year in mild climates.
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Ideal For
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– Borders, rock gardens, herb gardens, pollinator gardens, dried arrangements, and fragrant hedges |
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Leaf Description
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Evergreen to semi-evergreen, narrow gray-green leaves with a soft, velvety texture.
Highly aromatic when brushed or crushed, releasing the classic lavender scent.
Foliage provides year-round interest and contrast in the garden.
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Flower Description
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Produces tall, slender spikes of fragrant violet-blue flowers above the silvery foliage.
Blooms profusely from mid to late summer, longer in warm regions.
Excellent for fresh bouquets, dried arrangements, and essential oil use.
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Planting Instructions
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Choose a full sun location with well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil—lavender does not tolerate standing water.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.
If soil is heavy clay, amend with coarse sand, gravel, or small stones to enhance drainage.
Set the crown level with the soil surface; do not bury it deeply.
Backfill gently and water lightly to settle the soil.
Space plants 24–36 inches apart to allow for mature spread and airflow.
Apply a thin layer of gravel mulch to reduce weeds and keep foliage dry.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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In early spring, cut back to just above the woody base—avoid cutting into old wood.
Lightly deadhead spent blooms after the first flush to encourage a lighter second bloom.
Maintain a mounded shape to prevent the center from opening.
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Water Needs
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Water deeply but infrequently.
Once established, drought tolerant, but regular watering during extended dry spells encourages flowering.
Avoid overwatering and ensure the soil dries between watering sessions.
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Light Needs
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Requires full sun (6+ hours daily) for optimal growth and flowering.
In humid climates, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
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Harvesting
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Harvest flower spikes just before full bloom for best fragrance and oil content.
Hang stems upside down in a cool, dry, shaded place to preserve color and scent.
Produces small seed pods if flowers are left to mature, but seed is rarely collected—propagation by cuttings is preferred for uniformity.
Not grown for fruit; non-edible.
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Fertilizing
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Fertilize sparingly—lavender thrives in lean soil.
Use a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring (e.g., 5-10-10).
Too much fertilizer results in excessive foliage and reduced flowering.
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Pollination
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Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Self-fertile but primarily grown vegetatively for consistent form and flower color.
Excellent choice for pollinator gardens and sustainable landscapes.
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Companion Plants
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Perennials: Salvia, Nepeta, Echinacea, Coreopsis, and Gaura for pollinator-friendly designs.
Shrubs: Rosemary, Santolina, and dwarf conifers for Mediterranean-style plantings.
Grasses: Festuca glauca or Pennisetum for texture contrast.
Design tip: Ideal for pairing with stone pathways or containers where its fragrance can be enjoyed up close.
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