Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’

An earlier-flowering Lavender, with very aromatic blooms that are a particularly deep purple. ‘Phenomenal’ is a low-growing, evergreen and compact hybrid with strong stems that tend not to flop. With flowers on, they reach around 75 cm in height and roughly the same in roundishness. This compact feature makes it especially pretty for low hedging and, if you’re so inclined, the kind of almost-disciplined geometry of a knot pattern or those little mazes you saw at Versailles and are determined to recreate. We won’t stop you: it’s a smashing little Lavender and the bees will go bananas for it as well. Essential for any Mediterranean garden: plant them in full sun and in well-drained fertile soil: we suggest spacing them around 1 metre apart to allow for good air circulation around each establishing plant. They are good in terracotta planters (of course) which is where they will do best if you’re anywhere near clay. Trim them lightly after flowering: around mid-September, to keep them compact. The flowers make excellent pot-pourri.