Lavender

Lavandula x intermedia Grosso

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: vigorous
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This vigorous English lavender produces masses of slender spikes of vivid violet flowers between July and August, above grey-green leaves. It makes a gorgeous, flowering, informal hedge, especially along a path, where its fragrance can be appreciated. It works well in a Mediterranean garden, or clipped into a formal sphere for a contemporary look. The flower-spikes are also a magnet for bees and other nectar-loving insects.
  
  
• Garden care: Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded to retain a compact shape. Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.