Lavandula x intermedia 'Phenomenal'

Our favourite variety of Lavender here at Smarty Plants HQ. The name 'Phenomenal' wasn't just picked out of thin air! It is a hybrid variety of Lavender larger than other varieties, is more tolerant of cold, damp temperatures, and survives very well in our Irish climate.

- This variety tends to start its flowering earlier than other Lavenders, but still continues long throughout summer and into the autumn. Spikes of purple flowers are larger and more elongated than other Lavender species, and are borne on long, wispy stems that have an elegant movement to them as they catch the breeze. 

- Narrow, grey green, highly aromatic evergreen foliage forms a tidy mound beneath the flowers. 

- This really is a stunning plant for softening beds and borders, and is very suitable for growing in a pot too. It requires full sun, and will tolerate a range of soil types so long as it is very well draining. A great choice for coastal areas, sensory gardens and rockeries, and for filling out borders. Reasonably drought tolerant once established. Works well for fresh cut or dried flower arrangements.  

 - Guaranteed to be swarmed with beneficial pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, all throughout its flowering time.

- The first flush of flowers may become spent by mid to late July, when they can be pruned back to the foliage, which will be soon followed by a second flush that will last into the autumn. 

- Like all Lavender, it is important to prune the plant at the end of its flowering time to prevent the plant becoming sparse and woody. In October, when flowering has more or less finished, cut all flowering stems back and lightly trim the foliage, giving the mound a nice rounded shape. 

- The main rule with Lavender is not to cut back into woody stems. Always ensure there is healthy foliage beneath where you are pruning. If a light prune is done on a yearly basis, this should be enough to maintain a healthy plant without it going sparse or woody.

- Height and Spread approx. 60-80cm x 60-80cm. 

- Supplied in a 9cm pot