Grosso

Name: Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' (L.angustifolia 'Grosso') also known as 'Fat Spike lavender'

Flower Description: The flower heads are 3 to 6 inches long and up to 1 inch wide. Flower is on a stem up to 2 feet. long. Flower buds are a mix of green and violet. Blooming corollas are rich violet with some dark purple.

Grosso is a member of the Pterostacjys (winged spikes) group of lavenders.

Bloom Period: Mid-June to mid-July in eastern US. Here in Northern California, it mainly blooms in June.

Plant and Foliage Description: Evergreen if not too cold. Has thick, medium-width, true blue-gray-green leaves which are long and tapered. Forms a dense, well-behaved canopy that is quite nice, even when the plant is not blooming. Differs from other lavenders in that it grows wider than its height. Averages 8-16 inches tall with a width of 3 feet. Has curved flower stems, especially if planted alone.

Hardiness and Planting Range: Hardy to 0 F but not as cold-resistant as L. Angustifolia. Unable to withstand continuous cold without snow cover or protective covering. Some catalogs say hardy to -20 degrees F, but it's safer to assume zone 6 (-10 degrees F to 0 degrees F).

Typical Landscape Use: Nice in mass plantings. Plant close in parallel rows (about 36 in. apart). Curved flower stems bunch up and stand tall, and the stems from opposing rows meet to form a noticeably darker, more richly colored violet band where they mingle midrow. If planted tight enough in both directions, a lovely crosshatching of shimmering dark purple-violet coloration becomes visible between the rows. If planted alone, leave plenty of space for the curved stems to arc out from the plant. Mulch helps keep dirt from splattering on plant. In humid areas, a sand mulch (white, salt-free sand) 1-2 inches deep may make for a healthier plant and increase oil content dramatically.

Culinary Use: Due to a strong, hearty flavor and aroma, Grosso is not used in most dessert and bread recipes. Leaves and flowers are good to experiment with for grilled meats and hearty stews. Perhaps also use in marinades.

Comments: Sterile seeds mean cuttings are necessary to propagate.

from The Lavender Garden by Robert Kourik