Lavandula ×intermedia 'Impress Purple'

Common name(s): lavandin

Description: evergreen shrub; robust, bushy growth and mildly fragrant, dark violet flower spikes on long stems.

Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 5 ft.

Stem length: 12-18 in.  

Corolla: mid violet

Calyx: dark purple

Bloom season: mid summer

Best Uses: landscaping, bouquets, crafts

Origin: imported to New Zealand as a French field cultivar ('41/70') in 1983 but determined to produce an inferior quality oil. In 1994 it was renamed to 'Impress Purple' by Peter Smale of the Redbank Research Centre and marketed for its ornamental appeal

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought