Re: Lavenders

Susannah wrote:
In my garden (Eugene, OR), L. latifolia and L. dentata have a long bloom season - from spring until frost. L. dentata even blooms in mid-winter mild spells. L. heterophylla starts a little later (because it dies back in winter and has to regrow) but it also goes 'til fall. L. stoechas starts earliest, with the tulips in April, and blooms off and on all summer. For me it is just the angustifolia types ('grosso' included) that have the short season. L. latifolia is very angustifolia- looking, but with the longer bloom, so it might be what you're wanting?

This has been my experience too. However I do grow angustifolia varieties nevertheless, because they have by far the best scent. My favourite variety in this group is one which came to me unnamed from a friend, as it grows into an exceptionally vigorous handsome plant with shining silvery foliage, which makes it look good for the rest of the year.

Stochas varieties form the backbone of my lavender planting because here it is mild enough for them even to flower sporadically in winter, but I find to keep them vigorous and tidy it is well worth taking the time to cut them back fairly lightly after every bout of blooming.

Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan,
Wainuiomata, North Island, NZ.     Pictures of our garden at:-
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cherie1/Garden/TonyandMoira/index.htm
NEW PICTURES ADDED 4/Feb/2004

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