We grow three types of lavender. For years, all I could find locally was Munstead and Hidcote. But recently, Phenomenal has come on the scene. It’s carried by Lavocat’s Family Greenhouse and Nursery, best nursery around.
hidcote
Hidcote is a cultivar of Lavendula Augustifolia. This is the lavender known as “English Lavender.” The florets form the slender shape traditionally associated with lavender. The buds are dark purple, almost navy blue, with florets opening to voilet purple.
With L. augustifolias being native to Mediterranean climate, it makes sense that Hidcote is a bit tricky to grow in WNY. It doesn’t seem to like our winters. Spring finds me kneeling on the ground searching for signs of Hidcote survival, remembering the lush lavender we saw in Albania. Bushes the size of a motorcycle! Millions of stalks waved at us from higher than our waists. I wish.
munstead
Munstead is another Lavendula augustifolia. The florets form an almost round shape, softly blue in color, opening to pinky purple. Leaves are silvery grey.
Munstead is my favorite to dry. Bunches of dried Munstead are amazingly charming, bright and fresh-looking. I’ve learned to harvest lavender for drying early in the morning, and before 50% of the bloom opens. This way the dried bunches hold the most scent.
The name “Munstead” associates with Munstead Wood, the Surrey UK home of famous gardener Gertrude Jekyll.
phenomenal
Phenomenal is a hybrid l. augustifolia, called lavendula x intermedia “niko”. Commonly known as Lavandin or Dutch Lavender.
Phenomenal is a phenomenally hardy plant. That’s great news! We’ve planted three long rows of Phenomenal, and so far each plant has survived our winters.
Phenomenal stalks are longer than Munstead or Hidcote, and the scent a bit less sweet – clean, astringent, soothing. The harvest is amazing, and there’s a high ratio of essential oil in the buds. For the best distillation yield, choose flowers that have about 50-75% of the florets already open. And, harvest early, before the sun is fully shining.
I love waking up early, reading my Bible, then harvesting lavender as the sun begins to warm the earth. A great way to enjoy a summer morning!
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