Lavender Recommendation

Plantminded · 22 February

I'm looking for a lavender to grow in a medium sized container (H32cm x W38cm). I currently grow Hidcote and Munstead in the ground but want something with a stronger scent, either from the foliage or flowers or both! I don't mind if it needs winter protection. I've read that the Lavandula x intermedia varieties are the most highly scented. I'd welcome any recommendations please. Thank you.

Marlorena · 23 February

Lavender is clearly a rare and specialist plant these days.. my go to supplier Downderry nursery closed recently due to retirement, a great loss, they had such a good selection.

For intermedia types, the two most common are 'Grappenhall' which I've grown, and 'Grosso' which I haven't. A plantswoman I follow on Instagram, Rosie Irving, who produces garden t.v. programmes, and is the partner of Michael Marriott ex-David Austin Roses, always raves about 'Grosso', so as someone who has a keen eye for garden design, this may be the Lavender for you..

'Grappenhall' forms a big bulky Lavender, and makes an imposing evergreen in the winter garden. I used to cut off the old flowering spikes in late autumn. Very hardy here, I had it for some 10 years or so. Flowers continuously into autumn, highly scented and like they all do, attracts swarms of bees.

'Maillette' was another favourite. Difficult to find, but a long flowering plant, and supposedly the strongest scent, as it's used in lavender fields for production.

Now, I like 'Anouk', a French Lavender which seems very hardy here and is sold everywhere including Lidl's. There is a white version. Flowers from early May to mid August. Unfortunately, I'm finding it deteriorates after about 3 seasons, but they are easy to replace.
'Helmsdale' is almost identical and I couldn't tell one from the other.

'Anouk'..

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/ak/w46o2rn8d54v.jpg

..same plant taken yesterday.. this has been out unprotected all winter, some indications of winter wet, but growing through it ok, and already developing buds..

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/pi/5vkt3343it6a.jpg

'Anouk'..

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/jg/d9p0su3744f7.jpg

..these are 'Maillette'..

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/vm/7fzf78wli2bx.png

..this is 'Gros Bleu' an intermedia, very fragrant, can flop after rain but recovers..

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/05/pm7xsci3osa5.jpg

I lost my photos of Grappenhall. I'd like to get that one back at some point.

Plantminded · 23 February

Thank you very much for your detailed reply @Marlorena, that's really helpful. Your wonderful photos have tempted me to buy more than one! I like the look of Anouk and had read about Grosso, so that's two already! Time to get ordering now😊.

amancalledgeorge · 23 February

Anouk is really nice..we had some planted in the front garden. Bought at bargain price at Homebase. It was very neat but short-lived. Those were twelve plants.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/8g/vidgu8ui8wc6.jpg

Plantminded · 23 February

Thank you @amancalledgeorge, that looks really good!

Plantminded · 24 February

Hi @Marlorena, I'd welcome your thoughts please on the best growing medium for lavender in pots. I'm planning on using a mix of approximately 50% JINo3, 50% grit and a couple of handfuls of MPC. Does this seem OK to you?

Joyce Goldenlily · 24 February

I have found giving my lavenders an annual light dusting of lime seems to keep them going for longer.

Marlorena · 24 February

@Plantminded
Yes that's perfectly fine if that's what you have already, if somewhat overgenerous, but it won't hurt.

Remember, Lavenders enjoy the sharpest of drainage and the lowest nutrients - they should never be fed. JI no. 3 I would save for plants that require a higher nutrient value. I use no. 2 mixing 50/50 with cheap or spent MPC, but I throw in a couple of spadefuls of my sandy, stony and loamy soil and a generous amount of pea gravel for drainage as opposed to grit, also covering the surface with a thick layer.

I have grown garden Lavenders in little more than sand and rubble with a bit of compost thrown in to start them off. They really don't need much..

Plantminded · 24 February

Thank you @Marlorena, much appreciated! Thank you for that tip too @Joyce Goldenlily.

Lavender Recommendation

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