Lovin' Lavender

L. x intermedia ‘Provence’. These hybrids are almost as hardy as their English lavender parent and are better suited to warm, humid climates. Lavender-blue flower spikes mingled with gray foliage grow 2 to 3 feet tall.

On all varieties, flowers last a long time. To keep plants neat, prune in early spring or late fall. For low-growing varieties, cut back foliage 1 to 2 inches. Taller varieties can be trimmed by about a third to a half.

Companion Plants

Because most lavenders are some shade of purple, the soft, muted tone of silver foliage plants contrasts nicely. Try a container of Spanish lavender underplanted with lacy artemesia (Artemesia ‘Powis Castle’).

Yellow is another striking combination with lavender. Pots of lavender grouped in an arrangement with pots of coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’) will create a cheery look on any patio or deck.

Whatever your image of lavender, let a pot or two of it find its way home with you. This sturdy, sun-loving perennial deserves to be a permanent resident in your garden.

This article is part of the Suite101 "Container Gardening" topic area. For the other Suite101 articles and discussion forums on Container Gardening, see the Welcome Page on Suite101.

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