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Lavandula × intermedia 'Provence' (Provence Lavender)
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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Subshrubs

Lavandula intermedia 'Provence'

Provence Lavender

Lamiaceae
Garden hybrid; L. angustifolia × L. latifolia; evokes the lavender fields of Provence, France

At a Glance

TypeSubshrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Width30-36 inches (75-90 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (strong)Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence' is a lavandin that captures the look and fragrance of the French lavender fields. Plants grow 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) wide. Soft lavender-blue to pale violet flowers in long terminal spikes in July and August. 'Provence' is selected for the highest essential oil content among garden lavandins, suiting the cultivar to sachets, potpourri, essential oil extraction, and culinary use. The fragrance is the richest and most complex of the lavandins, with the sweet floral depth that defines the lavender fields of southeastern France. The color is softer and lighter than 'Phenomenal', a hazy lavender-blue rather than the more saturated violet. Slightly larger overall than 'Phenomenal'. The long flower stems work well for cutting and drying. Same lavandin cultural needs: lean, alkaline, sharply drained soil in full sun. Silver-gray evergreen foliage. Deer avoid the aromatic foliage.

Native Range

Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence' is a garden hybrid (L. angustifolia × L. latifolia).

Suggested Uses

Used for essential oil production, sachets, potpourri, culinary use, and as a large fragrant hedge. The lavandin with the highest essential oil content among garden cultivars. The lavender that evokes the Provencal fields. Container culture (7 gallons / 26 liters). 'Provence' is the choice when fragrance is the priority; 'Phenomenal' is the choice when humidity tolerance is the priority.

How to Identify

Identified by soft lavender-blue (lighter and softer than 'Phenomenal') long flower spikes on a large silver-gray mound. The softer color and the highest fragrance/oil content separate 'Provence' from the more saturated 'Phenomenal'. Both are lavandins; both are larger and later-blooming than English lavenders.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2'6" - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

lavender
blue
violet

Foliage Colors

silver
gray

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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Summer
Flowering in July and August, approximately 5 weeks. Soft lavender-blue long spikes.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Soft lavender-blue to pale violet; in long terminal spikes

Foliage Description

Silver-gray; narrow, aromatic; evergreen

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)
357912
Soil Types
sandloam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Sited in full sun. Lean, sharply drained, alkaline soil. Pruned in early spring; never into old brown wood. Sheared after bloom. Suited to essential oil and fragrance use.

Pruning

Pruned in early spring to green growth. Sheared after bloom. Never cut into old brown wood.

Pruning Schedule

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early springsummer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic