What more could we ask of a landscape plant? This has everything to offer. They're easy to grow, and there are suitable ones for every climate.
When you're choosing lavender, consider the hardiness and heat tolerance. Not all of them will thrive in hot, humid weather conditions or soggy soils during the winter. If necessary, grow them in raised beds or berms where the soil will be very well-drained.
If your conditions aren't suitable for perennial lavenders, don't despair. You can always grow 'Lavender Lady.' This All-America Selections winner blooms the first year from seed, so it can easily be grown as an annual. Just give them a sunny, well-drained spot with plenty of air circulation around the plants, and they should be fine.
If you aren't sure which lavenders might be suitable for your area, ask other gardeners what they're growing. One of my fellow Master Gardeners passed out lavender seed she collected from her own plants. It has done very well for me.
There are many species of lavender. For colder climates the English lavender and its cultivars are most suitable. In addition to the hardy ones, there are tender perennials, such as the French and Spanish lavenders. These are hardy only in zones 8 and 9. I grow these as well, but I overwinter them indoors.
Of the English lavender, 'Hidcote' is probably the most widely grown. It is hardy in zones 5 through 9. Now there is a compact version of this called 'Hidcote Superior.' This normally blooms from June through September. However, recent studies found it could be forced into bloom for winter use as an indoor pot plant.
In the landscape lavenders have many uses. The fine-textured foliage provides year-round color in the garden. Throughout the growing season from spring through fall they're constantly in bloom. Lavenders are suitable for butterfly and cottage gardens. Gertrude Jekyll used them in perennial borders. Mix or match lavenders with other herbs, such as germander or lavender cotton to create low hedges.
Is their exquisite beauty responsible for their popularity? Or could it be their beguiling fragrance? Whatever the cause, lavender has been around for thousands of years. It was present in Roman and medieval gardens. The Elizabethans used it in their famous knot gardens.
Regarding routine care, lavenders demand very little attention. Despite their delicate appearance, these are robust, trouble-free plants that thrive on neglect.
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