Hybrid Lavender Lavandula x intermedia

Lavandin is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family, a hybrid cross between English Lavender and Portuguese Lavender.  Lavandin is somewhat less hardy than the parent plants, but grows larger (maturing to a 2 to 4 foot mound) and will produce more fragrant and showy flower spikes. Both the flowers and the leaves are highly aromatic. It also tends to bloom later than other Lavandula species, blooming from July to September. It will go to seed from August to October. The genus name comes from the Latin lavo meaning "I wash" referring to the plant's use as an aromatic wash.

Lavandin does best in dry to medium moist, well drained, alkaline soil. You need to site the plant in full sun as it will not grow in a shady area. If your location's winter temperatures dip to zero degrees, you will need to provide mulch or some other protective cover.

The leaves, petals, and flowering tips can be eaten raw as a condiment, or in stews, soups, and salads. Its strong flavor prevents using it in large quantities. The flowers, both fresh and dried, can be used for making tea. Oils from the blooms are used as a food flavoring.  

Lavender is grown in the garden to provide an ornamental plant, particularly in an herb garden. It is also grown commercially for the extraction of its oils. Its blooms are suitable for cut flowers and also dried.  

Deadhead faded flowers to encourage continued blooming. Trimming to keep the plant neat and tidy is best accomplished in the spring. Avoid fall trimming, as that will encourage new growth that may not be cold hardy.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: 

Provide good drainage to avoid root rot. Also susceptible to leaf spot.