Lavandula angustifolia Sweet Romance® – 'Sweet Romance' Lavender

'Sweet Romance' Lavender is a perennial that intensely seduces the senses. This variety stands out for its particularly dark violet-purple flower spikes and its powerful fragrance that perfumes the garden. It forms a compact mound of silvery foliage, offering an early and abundant bloom that makes it a top choice for borders, rock gardens, and sunny spots.

Characteristics

• Foliage: It develops highly aromatic foliage. The fine leaves, a magnificent silvery-green colour during the growing season, form a dense and bright cushion that contrasts superbly with the dark flowers.
• Flowering: Starting in early summer, long, sturdy flower stems rise well above the foliage. They carry dense spikes of small, deep violet-purple, and very fragrant flowers. A trim after the first bloom can encourage a second flowering later in the season.
• Light: It demands full sun for dense growth and maximum flowering.
• Habit: It forms a uniform, compact, and mounded shrub.
• Growth: With a medium growth rate, it reaches a height and spread of 30 to 45 cm (12-18 inches).
• Moisture: It prefers soil that dries out completely between waterings.
• Soil: It thrives in poor, sandy, or gravelly soil. Impeccable drainage is the key to its success; it absolutely will not tolerate heavy, wet soils, especially in winter.
• Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 4, provided it has excellent drainage and good snow cover to protect it from extreme cold.
• Resistance: This robust plant admirably resists White-tailed deer and rabbits.

Uses

• Types of Use: Its compact size makes it perfect for border fronts, rock gardens, herb gardens, or for growing in containers. Planted in mass, it creates a striking effect.
• Ornamental Features: The contrast between its silvery foliage and dark violet flowers is spectacular. It brings texture, colour, and fragrance to the garden. Its flowers are excellent for fresh or dried bouquets.

Care

• Watering: Water moderately upon planting, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It is very drought tolerant.
• Fertilizing: It requires no fertilization and prefers poor soils.
• Pruning: Prune the entire plant by about one-third in early spring to encourage dense growth. After the first bloom, shear off the spent flower stems to promote a possible second flowering.
• Planting: Plant it in a full-sun location with perfect drainage. Amend the soil with sand or gravel if necessary.
• Winter Protection: The most important thing is to ensure excellent drainage to prevent the roots from rotting during the winter. A mulch of fallen leaves can offer additional protection.