Lavender 'Phenomenal'
Lavandula × intermedia 'Phenomenal' is a remarkable and hardy lavender cultivar that stands out for its exceptional qualities, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. This lavender hybrid, often referred to as Lavandin, is known for its vigorous growth, striking appearance, and resilience. 'Phenomenal' Lavender features silvery-gray foliage that forms compact, bushy mounds, creating an attractive and aromatic landscape presence. The plant's distinctive spikes of lavender-blue flowers add a burst of color to the garden, and its blooms are not only visually appealing but also highly fragrant.
One of the outstanding characteristics of 'Phenomenal' Lavender is its adaptability to various environmental conditions. It thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, showcasing its resilience to heat and drought once established. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens, borders, and even large containers. 'Phenomenal' Lavender's ability to maintain its neat and compact form without compromising on the abundance of flowers contributes to its widespread popularity.
In addition to its ornamental value, 'Phenomenal' Lavender is prized for its versatile uses. The aromatic flowers and foliage can be harvested for culinary applications, such as making lavender-infused oils, teas, or culinary garnishes. The plant's essential oils are also valued in the production of lavender-scented products. With its combination of beauty, adaptability, and usefulness, Lavandula × intermedia 'Phenomenal' stands as an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and visually striking lavender variety.
One of the outstanding characteristics of 'Phenomenal' Lavender is its adaptability to various environmental conditions. It thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, showcasing its resilience to heat and drought once established. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens, borders, and even large containers. 'Phenomenal' Lavender's ability to maintain its neat and compact form without compromising on the abundance of flowers contributes to its widespread popularity.
In addition to its ornamental value, 'Phenomenal' Lavender is prized for its versatile uses. The aromatic flowers and foliage can be harvested for culinary applications, such as making lavender-infused oils, teas, or culinary garnishes. The plant's essential oils are also valued in the production of lavender-scented products. With its combination of beauty, adaptability, and usefulness, Lavandula × intermedia 'Phenomenal' stands as an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and visually striking lavender variety.
Lavandula × intermedia 'Phenomenal,' or Phenomenal Lavender, thrives under specific growing conditions that cater to its natural preferences. Here are the key conditions to provide when cultivating Phenomenal Lavender:
- Sunlight: Phenomenal Lavender requires full sunlight to flourish. It should be planted in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ample sunlight promotes robust growth, enhances the fragrance of the blooms, and ensures the development of essential oils.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for Phenomenal Lavender. It prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil with good drainage. Amending the soil with sand or gravel can improve drainage, preventing waterlogged conditions that may lead to root rot.
- Temperature: Phenomenal Lavender is known for its resilience to both hot and cold temperatures. It can withstand heat and drought conditions once established, and it's also moderately cold-hardy. Planting it in an area with a temperate climate ensures optimal growth.
- Watering: While Phenomenal Lavender is drought-tolerant, it benefits from regular watering, especially during the establishment phase. Once established, it requires less frequent watering. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
- Spacing: When planting Phenomenal Lavender, provide adequate spacing between plants to encourage air circulation and prevent overcrowding. This helps reduce the risk of diseases and ensures each plant receives sufficient sunlight. Space the plants about 24 to 36 inches apart.
- Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of Phenomenal Lavender and encourages bushier growth. Prune after flowering or in early spring, removing spent flower spikes and shaping the plant. Avoid cutting into the woody parts of the plant.
- Fertilizing: Phenomenal Lavender generally doesn't require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can support healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as lavenders, in general, prefer lean soils.
Here's a simple recipe for making lavender herbal salt:
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coarse sea salt
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers (culinary grade)
- In a bowl, combine the coarse sea salt and dried lavender flowers.
- Mix the ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of lavender throughout the salt.
- If you'd like a finer texture, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor for a few seconds. Be careful not to over-process, as you still want the salt to have some texture.
- Transfer the lavender-infused salt to a clean, airtight container.
- Allow the salt to sit for at least 24 hours to let the lavender flavor infuse into the salt. This will enhance the aromatic quality of the herbal salt.
- After the resting period, your lavender herbal salt is ready to use! Sprinkle it on dishes like roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even desserts for a unique and fragrant twist.