Lavandula 'Grosso'

Lavandula 'Grosso': The Fragrant Workhorse of the Sun Garden

Towering with elegant poise, Lavandula 'Grosso' is one of the most aromatic and robust lavenders available. Its long violet-blue flower spikes rise above broad mounds of silvery foliage, filling the air with intense perfume from midsummer onward. Ideal for both ornamental and herbal use, it offers beauty, structure, and exceptional scent in equal measure.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 75–90 cm, forming a wide, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Deep violet-blue
• Flowering Period: Midsummer into early fall
• Foliage: Silver-green, narrow, evergreen in mild climates
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Lavandula 'Grosso' is prized for its high essential oil content, making it ideal for dried arrangements, sachets, and lavender crafts. In the landscape, it’s perfect for edging paths, anchoring sun-drenched borders, or creating fragrant drifts in xeriscapes. A pollinator favourite and deer-resistant, it brings both utility and elegance to sunny, well-drained spaces.

Companion Plants: Surround Lavandula 'Grosso' with Salvia 'Caradonna', whose upright spikes and deep purple hues harmonize beautifully. Introduce Achillea 'Moonshine' for soft yellow contrast and similar sun-loving tolerance. Ground the planting with Festuca 'Buddy Blue', whose fine-textured foliage reflects lavender’s silvery tones and offers drought-resistant structure.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Avoid rich or wet soils. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape, then cut back more firmly in early spring to encourage dense new growth. Avoid cutting into old wood. Water sparingly once established.

History: Lavandula 'Grosso' is a French hybrid introduced in the 1970s, bred from English and Portuguese species for improved oil yield and vigour. It is widely grown commercially in Provence and beyond for its intense fragrance and reliable performance in hot, dry climates.

Final Thoughts: Stately and deeply scented, Lavandula 'Grosso' is the lavender lover’s lavender—an enduring symbol of beauty, utility, and calm in every sunlit landscape.