Lavandula angustifolia 'Imperial Gem'

Common name(s): English lavender

Description: evergreen shrub; similar to 'Hidcote' but taller with denser flower spikes. Compact, upright growth with gray-green foliage and strongly fragrant, dark violet flower spikes on mid-length stems. Ideal for dried bouquets and potpourri.

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.

Stem length: 10-14 in.  

Corolla: vibrant violet-blue

Calyx: dark violet, woolly

Bloom season: early summer

Best Uses: landscaping, culinary, bouquets, potpourri, crafts

Origin: raised in the 1960s during field trials by Norfolk Lavender under the name 'Nana 1' and later introduced to the trade as 'Imperial Gem' in the mid 1980s

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought