Lavandula intermedia Grosso - Lavandin Grosso

Lavandula intermedia Grosso becomes a 2-3 foot diameter shrub. The flower stalks are a foot to 18 inches in length. Lavandula Grosso is about the most fragrant of the lavenders and is often used in perfumes and for aromatherapy. Lavandula Grosso, like many of the lavenders is a short lived woody shrub. I expect 3 or 4 years out of the Lavandin Grosso before the middle of the shrub starts to die back. In the meantime they are a wonderfully fragrant component of the herb or Mediterranean garden. Lavandula Grosso is hardier than most of the other lavenders but will be damaged when the winters dip into the low teens. Lavandin Grosso requires reasonable drainage and prefer full sun. Lavandula Grosso attracts a variety of butterflies to the garden including the Gray Hairstreak, Fiery Skipper, Mournful Duskywing, Sara Orangetip, and the California Dogface Butterfly. I find that Lavandula Grosso looks pretty scrappy unless the flower stalks are periodically removed. This is not as bad a chore as it might seem though if you plant a lot of them it can take a bit of time. The flowers dry nicely, and I often use them in dried arrangements. And the flowers add wonderful flavors when added to a brewing recipe, lemonade, or chocolate tarts. Edible varieties also include Lavendin Fred Boutin and Lavendin Provence