Lavandula angustifolia 'Essence Purple'

Lavandula 'Essence Purple' English Lavender

Common Name: English Lavender

In our trials here at Walters Gardens, we have been trialing a lot of varieties of Lavender because it meets the needs of today’s home gardeners: it is long blooming, deer and rabbit resistant, drought tolerant, and very easy to grow.

‘Essence Purple’ forms a perfect rounded ball-shaped, uniform, dense clump of green, aromatic foliage. In our trials, the plants retained their shape all season without opening up or discoloring.

It starts to bloom about 10 days earlier than standard Lavenders such as ‘Hidcote’, producing a profusion of bright blueberry colored flower spikes for many weeks. The stems are just the right length for cutting for fresh or dried bouquets.

Lavender has been grown for centuries for its intensely fragrant flowers and beautiful appearance. It is a staple item of every sunny garden, and its dried flowers are widely used in potpourris and arrangements.

Height:

18.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Formal Prairie Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Edging Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Lavender must be grown in full sun to be able to produce flowers, so do not hesitate to plant them in those hot, dry areas where nothing else seems to grow. They will actually grow better in poor, gravelly soil than in rich humus; don't be tempted to enrich the soil when you plant it. Sharp drainage, especially in winter, is essential for preventing crown rot. Other than that, Lavender is known to have few problems with pests and diseases. Shearing back the evergreen foliage in early spring will rejuvenate plants and stimulate new growth.

Fun Facts

Though lavender is often used in potpourri, its flowers are also edible. They add a sweetly perfumed to spicy taste in both savory and sweet foods and drinks.

Characteristics