Lavandula angustifolia SHORT 'N SWEET 'Susan Belsinger'

Common name(s): English lavender

Description: evergreen shrub; a 1990s introduction by Thomas DeBaggio of Arlington, VA named for the herb cookbook author, Susan Belsinger. Open growth with gray-green foliage and fragrant, violet-blue flower spikes on short stems held just above the foliage. According to DeBaggio "the short and sweet part is the light blue flowerhead" which is typically only an inch long and densely barrel-shaped. Very unique and a reliable re-bloomer in autumn.

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

Stem length: 8-10 in.  

Corolla: dark violet-blue 

Calyx: mostly sage green with streaks of dark purple

Bloom season: early summer and again in autumn

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

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought