Lavender x intermedia 'Phenomenal' sends up spikes of deep lavender flowers that are extremely fragrant in the summer. This variety has a high oil content and very tight, dense foliage. It is an adaptable plant that works well in beds, borders, and containers. A mutation of Lavandula 'Grosso'; 'Phenomenal' is also known as 'Niko'.
Uses: Borders, Containers, Cut Flower
Nature Attraction: Butterflies, Bees
Critter Resistance: Deer, Rabbit
Notable Features: Drought Tolerant, Evergreen, Fragrant
Growth Habit: Mounding
Homeowner Growing Tips: Lavender requires full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Mulch only with gravel and avoid organic mulches, which can hold too much moisture and lead to rot. In early-mid spring, trim back flowered shoots just to within 1/2" to 1" of the previous year's growth, and remove any dead material. Trim tips lightly again after flowering. To harvest for drying, cut the flowers before the buds are fully open.
Purchased five of these about five months ago. Two have died--one from too much watering, and the other from too little watering. It was tough to get it right. The remaining three are doing fine in our clay soil with some good compost around them when they were planted. The trick is to NOT irrigate them, but plant them where they will get ground water from other sources.
