Plant evergreen Lavendula 'Spring Break Princess' for scent in the garden
This typical French lavender is originally from the Western Mediterranean where it enjoys full sun and dry, well-drained soil. It is a small, evergreen aromatic shrub with greyish/green foliage requiring very little maintenance; if planted in its ideal situation. Its flowers are a purple/pink colour with purple tufts on top and are produced in dense spikes. Unfortunately it is quite short lived, becoming very sparse and woody after about 10 years. It is less hardy than the English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia), so may need to be protected in a harsh winter. Its uses range from culinary to medicinal to decorative, including: as an air freshener, insecticide, insect repellent, treating rheumatic pain, wounds and nausea. It can also be dried and used as a decoration around the house. It is a good plant for gardens where deer are a problem as they do not like the taste, and it is loved by the bees. It makes a good low hedge to edge a path or vegetable patch. Plant approximately 30 – 40cm (12 – 18”) apart.
Position
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun, with a southern or western aspect. It is not fussy about the pH but does need to be sheltered. If your soil is a heavy clay it may be better to grow it in a container; put plenty of crocks in the bottom, raise the pot off the ground using pot feet and plant in John Innes No2 with added horticultural grit to produce an open free-draining compost. Planting in a container has the added advantage of being able to move it to a sheltered spot in a harsh winter.
Planting
Plant to the same depth as it is in the pot. Do not enrich the soil. Water every week in the first summer until it is established. Don’t mulch with organic matter as this can lead to the plant rotting, use decorative glass or pebbles if it is in a container or gravel if planted in a dry garden scheme.
Aftercare
It requires very little maintenance, just cut off the flower spikes after flowering and every 2 – 3 years cut the plant back by approximately one third, making sure you are not cutting into old wood. Do not fertilise as this only produces a soft, leggy, sappy plant.
Pests and diseases
It is relatively free from pests and diseases.
