Provence

Name: Lavandula x intermedia ‘Provence,’ also known as "French lavender."

Flower Description: Large heads (3 inches by 7/8 inches). A few flowers may pop up below the actual flower head along the stem. Blooms are not as rich in color as ‘Grosso,’ but are solidly violet with light purple highlights. Aroma is milder/sweeter than other lavenders. Described as heady, grassy, fruity, herbaceous, and mildly woody scent. Becoming popular for potential use in perfumes, potpourris, sachets, lavender wands, and culinary uses.

Bloom Period: In eastern US, blooms from mid-June to mid-July. In moderate zones, blooms in early to late July (two to four weeks after L. angustifolia.

Plant and Foliage Description: Leaves longer, wider, and grayer than species form of English lavender. Foliage gray-green and 12-18 inches tall. Flower stems 12-16 inches above foliage. Trim after bloom for best results. Canopy can be cut back to 8-10 inches high and 1 foot wide. New growth will quickly fill in.

Hardiness and Planting Range: Hardy to 0 F perhaps a bit colder. Similar to ‘Grosso’.

Typical Landscape Use: Mass plantings, in pottery over 24 inches in diameter, and accent plant. Plant every 18 inches for quick foliage fill. At 24 inches plants will just touch.

Culinary Use: Its sweetness makes Provence ideal for desserts, ice cream, sorbets, and bread. Also can be used in heartier fare. Stronger than English lavender, so decrease amount if recipe calls for English. Heat and cooking affects flavor and strength of all lavenders/lavandins. Therefore, experimentation is advised.

Comment: Relative abundance of oil in comparison to English lavenders and sweet aroma lends ‘Provence’ to being a good choice for tinctures. Use 4 pounds of blossoms for 1 ounce of essential oil or 66 ½ pounds for 17 ounces. If using English lavenders, 8 to 16 pounds are needed for each ounce of oil.

source: The Lavender Garden by Robert Kourik