Provence Lavender

Lavandula x. intermedia

Provence Lavender is considered one of the “English Hybrids.” It’s main use is for it’s dried buds. Like most lavenders, it’s perennial and evergreen, but will need infrequent watering over the winter. It does well in a very well-drained container, but for best results should be planted in a raised bed or raised container with a sandy soil or a gravel drained soil. It needs full sun.

Care and Chores

After blooming, it should be pruned back. It may take several years to reach it’s full size and may not bloom until then. From Mountain Valley Growers:

It takes about three years for a Lavender to reach full size. Plants should be pruned every year immediately after bloom. Pruning should not be confused with harvesting. Pruning is necessary to extend the life of the plant. Lavender flower wand stems are usually a bright green while Lavender leaves are gray. Cut back not only the flower stem, but also about a third of the gray-leaved stems as well. If the plant has been neglected, it can be cut back further, but avoid pruning back so far that only woody stems with no leaves are showing. A plant pruned into the wood may push out latent (sleeping) buds or it may die.

My Notes

  • I’m planning to place the Lavender in the middle of the garden to act as an attractor for pollinators. I picked the Provence cultivar because it’s the easiest to strip flowers from, and my mom adores Lavender scented things. I can use the dried flowers as gifts.
  • Since I’m planning on moving, maybe I should plant it in a large container this year with some gravel in the bottom? I can still place it in the middle of the garden on a post.

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