Provence

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

Flower Description; Large heads, 3 in. by 7/8 in. A few flowers may pop up below the actual flower head along the stem. Blooms not as rich in color as ‘Grosso’, but solid violet with light purple highlights. Aroma is milder/sweeter than other lavenders. Described as heady, grassy, fruity, herbaceous, and mildly woody. Becoming popular for potential use in perfumes, potpourris, sachets, lavender wands, and culinary uses. Bloom Period In eastern US, mid-June-mid-July. In moderate zones early to late July, two or four weeks after L. angustifolia.

Plant and Foliage Description; Leaves longer, wider, and grayer than species form of English lavender. Foliage gray-green, 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 ft. wide, new growth will quickly fill in. Hardiness and Planting Range Hardy to 0 degrees 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 Sweetness makes ideal for desserts, ice cream, sorbets, and bread. Also can be used in heartier fare. Stronger than English lavender so decreases amount if recipe calls for English. Heat and cooking affects flavor and strength of all lavenders/lavandins so experimentation is advised.

Comment: Relative abundance of oil in comparison to English lavenders and sweet aroma lends ‘Provence’ to 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.

(The Lavender Garden, Robert Kourik)