Lavandula stoechas 'Bandera Purple'

Lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula stoechas 'Bandera Purple,' is a delightful flowering plant that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. Its sweet scent and stunning blue and purple flowers make it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.

One important thing to note about Lavandula stoechas 'Bandera Purple' is its limited winter hardness. It can thrive in USDA hardiness zone 8 and may struggle in colder regions. Therefore, gardeners in colder areas should provide extra protection to ensure the plant's survival during the winter months.

The flower color of this lavender variety is a combination of blue and dark blue, with a touch of purpleish-blue violet. The flowers are relatively small, ranging from 1 to 10 mm in diameter. However, despite their size, they make a strong visual impact, particularly when the plant is covered in a dense cluster of blossoms.

The general shape of the leaves is linear, and they measure approximately 2 to 3 cm in length. Not only are the leaves attractive, but they also emit a pleasantly scented aroma, adding an extra sensory pleasure to this plant.

Lavandula stoechas 'Bandera Purple' has an average height of 20 to 30 cm, making it ideal for use as a border plant or as part of a low growing herb garden. Its compact size allows for easy integration into various garden designs.

The inflorescence of this lavender is in the form of a spike, which means that multiple flowers bloom closely together along a single stem. The inflorescence length typically measures less than 5 cm, with a diameter of 1 to 2 cm. This unique arrangement adds a touch of architectural interest to the plant.

When it comes to flowering, Lavandula stoechas 'Bandera Purple' blooms from May to September, making it a long-lasting and reliable addition to any garden. The evergreen leaves ensure that the plant remains visually appealing throughout the year.

In terms of soil pH requirements, this lavender variety is indifferent, meaning it can tolerate a wide range of soil acidity levels. However, like most lavenders, it thrives in well-drained soil. Therefore, it is essential to ensure proper drainage to prevent the root system from rotting.

Lavandula stoechas 'Bandera Purple' prefers to be planted in sunny areas. It loves basking in the sun, and full sunlight encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering. Therefore, it is important to choose a location in the garden that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.

Moisture-wise, this lavender variety prefers well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is crucial to strike a balance between providing enough moisture and avoiding waterlogged conditions.

In conclusion, Lavandula stoechas 'Bandera Purple' is a delightful lavender variety with sweet-scented flowers and beautifully linear leaves. Its compact size, stunning blue and purple flowers, and evergreen nature make it a wonderful addition to any garden. Although it requires some extra care in winter and well-drained soil, it rewards gardeners with its enchanting fragrance and visual appeal.

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