Thumbelina Leigh English Lavender

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a formal appearance, shear annually after flowering.

A versatile small lavender renowned for a size well suited to containers. But like its full size predecessors it remains valuable for dry slopes, banks and rock gardens. Exceptional component of Mediterranean style gardens both formal and casual. With similar requirements as western natives, it is suitable for xeriscape or wild gardens. Equally suited to traditional mixed borders with perennials and flowering shrubs provided soil is well drained. Performs best in artistic pots and particularly beautiful in aged classical terra cotta.

Plant this little one with diminutive Lavender Cotton, (Santolina chamaecyparissus), Brilliancy Rockrose, (Cistus x 'Brilliancy'), and Huntington Carpet Rosemary, (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Huntington Carpet') A great choice with western natives such as Graham's Sage, (Salvia grahamii), Siskiyou Evening Primrose, (Oenothera speciosa 'Siskiyou') and Hartweg Penstemon, (Penstemon gentainoides).

The lavenders have been grown in Europe long before Linnaeus' time and he named both this genus and species. Lavandula is derived from the Latin verb lavo or lavandus - to wash, because the Romans used it extensively in their ablutions. French lavender is not native to France, but hot, dry Spain, Greece and North Africa. Its common name is derived merely from the region where it is grown commercially, Province, France. The plants originally classified as L. spica and L. vera are how collectively grouped under L. angustifolia. The species and well over fifty cultivars are considered the most cold hardy and produce what many say is the sweetest of all lavender oils.

Oil rich lavender has long been used in bathing so it's scent is an age old favorite for bed and bath preparations, fragrances and cosmetics.