Lavandula 'Phenomenal'

Lavandula 'Phenomenal': Resilient Beauty and Endless Fragrance

Striking in both form and performance, Lavandula 'Phenomenal' lives up to its name with towering violet-blue spikes, cool silver foliage, and exceptional tolerance to heat, humidity, and cold. It carries the classic lavender fragrance gardeners love, while thriving where others struggle—an aromatic powerhouse with graceful poise.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a broad, symmetrical mound
• Flower Colour: Deep violet-blue
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer, with long-lasting blooms
• Foliage: Silvery-grey, narrow, evergreen in mild zones
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soils; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Lavandula 'Phenomenal' is an excellent choice for large borders, mass plantings, and dry slopes where durability and fragrance are key. Its broad, mounded form creates striking structure throughout the season, while the richly coloured flowers offer long-lasting visual and aromatic appeal. A magnet for bees and butterflies, it also makes superb cut or dried flowers. Hardy and reliable, it’s one of the best lavenders for Canadian gardens with varied climates.

Companion Plants: Complement Lavandula 'Phenomenal' with Nepeta 'Junior Walker', a soft-edged, sprawling catmint with blue-lavender flowers that echo the lavender tones in a looser form. Add the airy structure of Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace', whose silvery foliage and upright habit reinforce the lavender’s light-catching texture. Complete the trio with Festuca 'Cool As Ice', a compact ornamental grass whose powder-blue blades bring contrast and cohesion to sunny, dry landscapes.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid excess moisture, especially in winter. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape, and cut back by one-third in early spring to encourage fresh growth. Water sparingly once established. Divide or replace mature plants every 4–5 years for best form and bloom.

History: Lavandula 'Phenomenal' was introduced by Lloyd Traven of Peace Tree Farm in Pennsylvania, selected for its superior heat, cold, and humidity tolerance. It quickly became a game-changing lavender for regions with challenging growing conditions—broad, beautiful, and deeply fragrant.

Final Thoughts: Regal and reliable, Lavandula 'Phenomenal' brings enduring structure, scent, and colour to the garden. From prairie-inspired plantings to formal borders, it anchors the landscape with bold beauty and botanical resilience.