lavender

Early season bloomers are forms of Lavandula angustifolia and are typical of the winter hardy lavenders grown in England. They are winter hardy in our climate and burst into flower in late May or early June, but they do not usually flower later in the year. These stalwart, decorative plants offer a wide variety of flower color, shape and size. Although the varieties we offer were all introduced in the 20th century, their genetic lines go back hundreds of years.

Lavandin

These mid-season blooming lavender varieties are unique, dramatic, highly ornamental hybrids with beautifully rounded shapes, long, elegant stems, and substantial flower heads. To distinguish them from other lavender, the French call them 'Lavandin' (Lavandula xintermedia). They begin blooming in mid-June just as the English lavender are losing their punch. Unlike Lavandula angustifolia cultivars, these are sterile hybrids, crosses of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia. This mixing of genes has created dazzling lavandins with silver-gray pointed leaves that are as vibrant in winter as in summer. Their long flower stems and bright flowers make them natural for crafting lavender fans, wands and swags. These lavandin varieties are only slightly less winter hardy because of their mixed genetic backgrounds. Lavandins generally are more tolerant of our humid summers than lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).