Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender)

Species photo — your cultivar may vary

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Lavandula angustifolia 'Phenomenal'

Phenomenal Lavender

Lamiaceae

Western Mediterranean (species); cultivated origin in USA

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Lavandula angustifolia 'Phenomenal' is an evergreen subshrub reaching 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall and 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) wide at maturity, with a compact rounded habit. Stems are square, woody at the base, and clothed with linear gray-green to silver leaves 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) long and 0.25 inch (6 mm) wide. Foliage holds year-round in zones 6-9; partial dieback occurs in zones 4-5 after extended winter cold below -10°F (-23°C). Spike-like inflorescences 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long bear violet-blue flowers in whorled clusters, opening from June through August. Stem length to bloom tip is 24-28 inches (60-70 cm), longer than most L. angustifolia cultivars. Flower fragrance is strong and persists in dried form. Plants show greater humidity tolerance than older lavandins, with reduced root rot risk on poorly drained soils compared to L. angustifolia 'Munstead'. Released by Lloyd Traven of Peace Tree Farm in Pennsylvania in 2012 and patented as PP24,193. Mature size requires 2-3 years from a 1-gallon (3.8 L) starter plant.

Native Range

The species Lavandula angustifolia is native to the western Mediterranean region from Spain through France to Italy, growing on dry rocky slopes and limestone hillsides at 1,500-5,500 feet (450-1,675 m) elevation. 'Phenomenal' is a cultivar released in 2012 by Peace Tree Farm in Pennsylvania, USA; growth habits resemble lavandin hybrids and the cultivar is sometimes reclassified as Lavandula × intermedia.

Suggested Uses

Used in herb gardens, perennial borders, mass plantings on slopes, and as a low hedge spaced 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) apart. Suits dry, well-drained sites with low to moderate humidity; coastal plantings and Mediterranean-style gardens are typical sites. Cut flowers dry well and hold fragrance for 2-3 years; harvested when one-third to one-half of flowers in the spike are open.

How to Identify

Distinguished from L. angustifolia 'Munstead' by larger plant size of 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall versus 12-18 inches (30-45 cm), and by stronger humidity tolerance in foliage. Compared to lavandin hybrids like L. × intermedia 'Grosso', flower spikes are slightly shorter at 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) versus 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and stems remain straight without flopping. Foliage is silvery gray rather than the green of typical L. angustifolia cultivars.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 2'6"

Width/Spread2'6" - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer

Violet-blue flowers in dense whorled spikes open from June through August in zones 5-7, extending into early September with regular deadheading. Bloom begins 2-3 weeks earlier in zones 8-9 (mid-May) and ends by mid-July. Total bloom period extends 8-10 weeks. Individual spikes hold for 2-3 weeks before fading; cut at full color for drying or essential oil extraction.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Silver-gray

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 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 - 7.5 (Neutral to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water deeply once weekly during the first growing season with 2-4 gallons (7.5-15 L) per session in the absence of rain. Established plants tolerate 4-6 weeks of drought; overwatering causes root rot, particularly in clay soils or during winter. Plant in alkaline to neutral soils (pH 6.5-7.5) with sand or gravel amendment to improve drainage. Heavy mulch around the crown traps moisture and causes rot; gravel or thin organic mulch is used instead. Annual cutback in early spring to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) above ground level promotes branching and reduces woody, sparse growth. Lavender bud disease (caused by Phoma species) appears as black flower spikes in cool wet springs; affected stems are cut back to healthy wood and discarded.

Pruning

Cut plants back to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) above ground level in early spring (March-April) before new growth emerges to maintain compact form. Light shearing after the first bloom flush in mid- to late July triggers a second smaller flush in September. Cuts should fall on green wood, not on bare older wood, where regrowth fails. Plants left unpruned develop sparse foliage on bare lower stems within 3-4 years.

Pruning Schedule

early spring