Lavandula angustifolia Essence Purple - True Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia 'Essence Purple' is a variety of lavender, also known as English lavender. It is unique for its dense and compact habit, as well as its long-flowering period, from June to August, which is not the case for many other varieties. Its short and compact spikes of purple-blue flowers are carried on long, leafy stems. Add to this a touch of fragrance: the flowering and evergreen foliage of this small bush are surrounded by a powerful yet remarkably delicate scent that gives it a unique charm. This very hardy variety is perfect for those who are still unsure about adding this iconic plant from Mediterranean hills to their garden. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

Lavandula angustifolia is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, related to sage, thyme, and rosemary. The 'Essence Purple' variety forms a small bush with a compact and vigorous habit, measuring about 50 cm (20in) in all directions. Its decorative and evergreen foliage is composed of narrow aromatic leaves which are a beautiful silver-green colour. In summer, this lavender is covered with numerous highly fragrant and nectar-rich purple-blue flowers, carried on short cylindrical spikes at the ends of thin woody and leafy stems. In reality, it is the coloured calyces surrounding the flowers that influence the perception of the flower colour when viewed from a distance.

Lavender 'Essence Purple' is very hardy, but like most lavenders, it requires full sun and well-drained soil (even rocky soil). In sunny and warm locations, its silver-green foliage will be more vibrant, and its flowers will emit an intense fragrance. An ornamental and Mediterranean plant par excellence, lavender can be used in borders, as a specimen plant, in rock gardens, in pots, by the seaside, and even as a low-flowering hedge.

The gardener has endless possibilities with this plant's graphic and wild appearance, the colour of its foliage, and its purple flowers. Lavender 'Essence Purple' can be paired with grasses like Stipa pennata or Stipa tenuifolia, which, with their tousled habit, will contrast with its rounded form and create a harmonious association often found in nature. It also looks wonderful when combined with evening primroses, perennial flax, astragalus, euphorbias, or shrubs such as cistus, landscape roses, coronillas, and shrubby salvias. It pairs well with Iris germanica, daylilies, and the corollas of poppies. You can also create beautiful pots to place on the patio or balcony. 

It is also possible to mix several varieties of lavender together, creating an elegant display with a variety of flower and foliage colours, as well as different plant sizes.

Properties: As lavender is a very nectar-rich plant, it contributes to the conservation of bees: the nectar from its flowers attracts bees, making some of the best honey.  The plant can be distilled to obtain highly sought-after essential oil for perfume and aromatherapy. Its numerous therapeutic properties are still widely used: its essential oil has antiseptic, antispasmodic, healing, cleansing, diuretic, and other properties.