Lavandula angustifolia 'Ardèche Blue'

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is adored by gardeners and flower enthusiasts all over the world. One particular variety, Lavandula angustifolia 'Ardèche Blue,' stands out with its stunning blue-dark violet blue flowers and lanceolate or linear-shaped leaves.

The 'Ardèche Blue' lavender has a unique leaf arrangement, with leaves positioned in a crosswise opposite pattern. This adds an interesting visual appeal to the plant, making it a standout in any garden or landscape. The leaves are also pleasantly scented, adding to the overall sensory experience of this lavender variety.

In terms of size, the 'Ardèche Blue' lavender can vary between 10-30 cm in height, depending on its growth conditions. The plant produces spike-like inflorescences, with the flowers blooming from May to September. These inflorescences are relatively short, measuring less than 5 cm in length and less than 1 cm in diameter.

The flower color distribution of 'Ardèche Blue' lavender is unicolored, meaning that the entire flower is uniform in its blue-dark violet blue hue. This consistency in color adds to the visual appeal of the plant and creates a harmonious look when planted in mass or as a focal point in a garden bed.

While the 'Ardèche Blue' lavender is known for its sweet scent, it also has limited winter hardiness. It can thrive in USDA-Zone 8 but is not hardy in USDA-Zones 9, 10, and 11. This means that gardeners in colder regions should take extra precautions to protect the plant during the winter months.

Despite its limited winter hardiness, the 'Ardèche Blue' lavender is a semi-evergreen plant, meaning it retains its leaves throughout most of the year. The leaves themselves are approximately 3-4 cm in size and have a grey-green color, adding to the plant's overall aesthetic appeal.

Overall, Lavandula angustifolia 'Ardèche Blue' is a striking lavender variety that captivates with its beautiful blue-dark violet blue flowers and pleasantly scented leaves. While its winter hardiness may be limited, the rewards of growing this lavender in the right conditions far outweigh the challenges. Whether used in a garden bed, container, or as a fragrant addition to a floral arrangement, 'Ardèche Blue' lavender is sure to bring joy and beauty to any space it inhabits.

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