Sensational French Lavender

Sensational French Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Sensational')

Sensational French Lavender, Lavandula x intermedia 'Sensational', is a vigorous French hybrid lavender prized for its thick silver foliage, large flower spikes, and strong classic lavender fragrance. Plants form a broad, rounded mound that looks impressive even before bloom, then send up stout, violet purple flower wands in summer that sway in the breeze and perfume the air. With its bold presence, heavy flower production, and reliable performance in sunny, well drained sites, Sensational Lavender works beautifully as a focal point, low hedge, or high impact accent along paths, in mixed borders, and in large containers.

Distinctive Features

Sensational Lavender typically grows about 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide, forming a dense, shrub like clump with a sturdy framework of woody stems and a full crown of leafy shoots. Broad, silver gray leaves give the plant a striking, almost shimmering look that stands out in the landscape, and the foliage remains attractive well beyond the flowering season. Thick, upright flower stalks rise above the mound and carry large, full spikes of violet purple florets, creating a big wash of color and fragrance when plants are in bloom. The combination of bold foliage, showy flowers, and strong scent makes this variety especially valuable where you want a lavender that reads clearly from a distance and still looks refined up close.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily for best flowering, fragrance, and a compact, sturdy habit.
• Soil: Thrives in well drained, lean to average soils; avoid heavy, wet ground and favor sandy or gravelly conditions that keep roots on the dry side.
• Water: Water regularly after planting to establish; once rooted in, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top of the soil to dry between waterings.
• Hardiness: Well suited to many temperate regions where French hybrid lavenders are grown outdoors, especially when provided with sharp drainage in winter.
• Size: Generally forms a mound about 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide at maturity, depending on climate and care.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that fills in steadily and develops a substantial presence without quickly outgrowing beds or large containers.

Ideal Uses

• Bold Focal Point: Use as a single specimen or in small groups in sunny borders and herb gardens where the thick silver foliage and tall flower wands create a natural focal point.
• Edging and Low Hedges: Plant in a row along paths, drives, or terrace edges to form a low, fragrant hedge of silver foliage and violet purple blooms.
• Containers and Patio Pots: Well suited to large pots and tubs where the mounded form and tall flower spikes add height, scent, and movement around outdoor seating areas.
• Herb and Cutting Gardens: Ideal in spaces dedicated to herbs and cut flowers, providing long, sturdy stems for fresh bouquets, bundles, and drying projects.
• Cottage and Mediterranean Gardens: Mix with roses, salvias, ornamental grasses, and other sun lovers for relaxed cottage combinations, or set into gravel and stone for a dry, Mediterranean inspired look.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water when the top inch of soil is dry; avoid constant moisture or soggy conditions that can lead to root and crown problems.
• Pruning: Shear lightly after the main flush of bloom to remove spent spikes and shape the mound; avoid cutting back into old, bare wood below the leafy growth.
• Fertilizing: Requires only light feeding; in spring, apply a small amount of balanced, slow release fertilizer if soil is very lean, since excessive nutrients can cause soft, floppy growth.
• Mulching: Use a thin layer of gravel or coarse mulch around the base to improve drainage and keep foliage off wet soil, avoiding heavy organic mulches against the stems.
• Seasonal Care: In colder climates, provide excellent drainage and a sunny, sheltered spot; in late winter or early spring, tidy lightly to remove any winter damage and keep the plant compact and productive.

Why Choose Sensational Lavender?

• Striking Silver Foliage: Broad gray leaves create a bold, silvery mound that looks ornamental even when the plant is not in bloom.
• Large, Showy Flower Spikes: Thick violet purple wands provide impressive color and movement and are excellent for cutting and drying.
• Intense Fragrance: Strongly scented flowers and foliage make it a standout choice for scented paths, patios, and indoor projects.
• Robust Garden Performance: Vigorous, well branched habit holds up in sunny, exposed sites when planted in well drained soil.
• Versatile Design Use: Works as a focal shrub, low hedge, mass planting, or feature in herb, cottage, and Mediterranean style gardens wherever you want bold color, fragrance, and structure in full sun.

With its broad silver mound, large violet purple flower spikes, and intense fragrance, Sensational French Lavender is an excellent choice for adding strong color, scent, and a reliable focal point to sunny borders, hedges, cutting gardens, and large containers.