L. stoechas Helmsdale is one of the darkest and its flowers contrasts beautifully with its mid green foliage. Helmsdale seems to stand up to our winters ok, whereas the Madrid White is not quite as hardy.
Over the next month I am going to post pictures of what lavender is currently blooming. The important thing is not so much when it they are blooming because that is so weather dependent, but, instead the order in which they bloom. Even that is not a sure thing because areas within gardens or between gardens can differ in terms of sun, exposure, etc, but still, it’s a guide. Lavendula stoechas (often referred to as spanish lavender or butterfly lavender) is pretty much the first to bloom and they will continue to bloom although more lightly for a good part of the summer. There are many new varieties on the market but I propagate some older varieties that provide good contrast to one another and seem to survive most winters. The spanish lavenders are particularly robust when it comes to heat and limited watering which is a good thing here on Gabriola.
This is a big, old lavender that I really should pull up, but it still puts on a good show and, once flush with new foliage, continues to look good.
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