Lavandin 'Old English'

'Old English' is a classic hybrid lavender known for its vigorous growth and exceptionally long, elegant flower spikes. It forms a large, rounded shrub that can reach up to a metre in height and width, making it ideal for a medium-sized aromatic hedge. The flower heads are a vibrant lavender-blue and are held well above the silvery-grey foliage on long, sturdy stems, which are perfect for cutting and drying. This variety is slightly more tolerant of the UK's damp winters than the angustifolia types, provided the soil is well-drained (H5). It has a strong, pungent camphorous scent that is characteristic of the intermedia hybrids, making it excellent for potpourri. It should be planted in full sun and pruned annually in late summer after flowering to keep it from becoming woody and splayed. It is a magnet for bees and butterflies throughout the summer months.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.