Lavandula angustifolia 'Martha Roderick'

Common name(s): English lavender

Description: evergreen shrub; found as a seedling in the garden of Margaret Williams near Reno, NV in 1976 by Martha Roderick and subsequently grown as a hedge in her own California garden. In 1980, M. Nevin Smith of Watsonville, CA saw the hedge and was most impressed. It was introduced by Wintergreen Nursery in 1981 and named for Martha. Compact growth and fragrant, vibrant violet flower spikes on short stems held just above the foliage. A heavy bloomer that has been widely used in the U.S. for dried floral bouquets.

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

Stem length: 6-8 in.  

Corolla: vibrant violet 

Calyx: violet, sage green at the base, woolly

Bloom season: early summer

Best Uses: landscaping, culinary, bouquets

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought