Lavender (Lavandula ‘Silver Frost’)

Lavender

Features and Characteristics

Lavandula is a genus of around 30 species of subshrubs with highly aromatic flowers and foliage. The blue to violet, tubular flowers are held in terminal spikes. Hybrid cultivars vary somewhat in habit, flower color, aromatic intensity and bloom time.

Genus name comes from the Latin word lavo meaning I wash in reference to a former use of the plant as an aromatic wash.

‘Silver Frost’ is a compact, mounded, shrubby cultivar that grows to 18-24” tall and features silver foliage and fragrant purple flowers in summer

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Well-drained soils are a must, particularly in winter. Root rot commonly attacks plants grown in poorly drained soils. Prefers a light, sandy, alkaline soil with somewhat low fertility. Remove faded flowers to promote continued bloom. Prune to shape in spring after new leaves appears. Prune back to 8” in spring every 3 years to control plant size and to promote robust, new growth. Not reliably winter hardy in USDA Zone 5 where it appreciates a sheltered location and winter protection.

Lavender (Lavandula ‘Silver Frost’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

Susceptible to leaf spot and root rot. Plants may not survive in winter if soils are not well-drained and/or if temperatures dip below 0°F without protective snow cover.

Uses

This is a versatile garden perennial that should be considered for a wide variety of uses and not just relegated to a corner of the herb garden. Lavender flowers and gray-green leaves provide mid-summer color and contrast to the perennial border front, rock garden, herb garden or scented garden. Can be particularly effective when massed. Also effective as an edger or low hedge.

Lavender (Lavandula ‘Silver Frost’) Details

Common name	Lavender
Botanical name	Lavandula 'Silver Frost'
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Lamiaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Purple
Flowering period	June - August
Height	1.50 To 2 Ft.
Width	1.50 To 2 Ft.