Lavandula x intermedia or Hybrid Lavender

Care of the shrub Lavandula x intermedia or Hybrid Lavender

The genus Lavandula, family of the Lamiaceae, comprises some 20 species of sub-shrub plants originating from the Azores and Canary Islands and the Mediterranean basin. Some species are: Lavandula x intermedia (hybrid), Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula dentata, Lavandula lanata, Lavandula spica, Lavandula latifolia.

Common names: Hybrid Lavender, Lavandin. It is a hybrid between the species Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia.

They are rounded evergreen shrubs that reach 90 cm (2.95 feet) in height and width. The small, narrow leaves are grayish in color. The aromatic bluish-purple flowers appear on long erect spikes. They bloom throughout the summer.

They are used in borders, in rockeries, in low hedges, in pots for patios and terraces, in gardens of aromatic plants and as dried flower and cut flower. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. They attract butterflies and bees. The leaves and petals are edible and are used as a seasoning in cooking.

Lavandula x intermedia needs full sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. They resist frost well up to -15 ºC (5 ºF).

They grow in any soil that has good drainage; use normal garden soil with 20% coarse sand.

They are drought resistant plants that need moderate watering waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Planting is done at the beginning of spring at a distance of 70 cm (2.29 feet) between specimens.

Fertilize lightly with compost at the end of winter, although it is not strictly necessary.

Prune in early spring to maintain a compact habit.

They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering.

They are propagated from seed sown in a seedbed in late winter or early spring.