French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), Description: Evergreen perennial herb. ?- Long, intensely-colored purple bracts above a pinecone-shaped head of long lasting, compact flowers that bloom in early summer; gray-green, fragrant, evergreen foliage Habit: Grows 1-3 feet high and wide; bushy habit Culture: Prefers full sun and well-drained, dry and sandy soil Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8 Origin: Europe Attributes: Attracts butterflies and bees, Fragrant flowers, Fragrant foliage, Container, Deer and rabbit resistant, Drought tolerant French or Spanish Lavender (also once known as Stickadove Lavender) is native to the Mediterranean coastline of Europe. British herbalist John Gerard noted in 1633 that the apothecaries used it as a cure for headaches and chest colds and he recommended that the plants be protected during winter or put into pots or tubs and brought indoors. In fact, north of Zone 8, this lavender species should be maintained in an unheated room or porch during the winter months. Thomas Jefferson cultivated the hardier English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).Arrives in a 4" pot.