Lavender

Lavender Provence

Botanical name: Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence' 

Bloom type: Perennial

Lavender is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and is highly valued for its aromatic flowers and numerous medicinal properties. Lavender is widely used in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and as an ornamental plant in gardens. 

Appearance: Leaves: The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and gray-green. They have a slightly fuzzy texture and emit a mild fragrance when crushed.

Flowers: Lavender produces small, tubular flowers that are typically purple or lavender-blue. The flowers bloom in dense spikes at the top of long stems from late spring to early summer.

Bloom Type: The flowers are arranged in spikes, with each spike consisting of multiple small flowers clustered closely together. The spikes are upright and can range from 2 to 8 inches (5 to 20 cm) in length.

Size: This plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and can spread about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide, forming a bushy, rounded clump.

A sub-shrub in the mint family that is very well suited to hot, humid southern summers.  It is tolerant of deer and rabbit browsing, dry soils, and drought.  Mass plant it in an herb or rock garden, along a border or as a hedge.  Prune after flowering to encourage more blooms or in spring after new leaves appear to improve the shape. It is often dried and used in scented sachets.

Information sourced from the NC Master Gardener Plant Toolbox