Description Description Lavender ‘Imperial Gem’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Imperial Gem’) is a fragrant, compact evergreen shrub up to 0.5m in height and width. It has narrow grey green leaves and dark, deep purple flower spikes from July through to September. To get the most out of this flowering period, before the flowers turn, dead head them to get an extra flush. ‘Imperial Gem’ is very similar to Lavender ‘Hidcote’ though it is more robust and easier to grow. Lavender ‘Imperial Gem’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Imperial Gem’) is part of the Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) family. Angustifolia means narrow leafed and these varieties originate originally from the Mediterranean and the mountains of northern Spain. It is hardy throughout most of the UK, having a RHS hardiness rating of H5 meaning it can tolerate temperatures down to -10 to -15C. Lavender should be positioned in full sun in soil with good drainage. Lavender is widely misunderstood in many ways. Many people think it hates water. From experience, I know this not to be true, lavender simply likes to be in well drained soil so it does not sit in the water for long periods of time. Though once established it is very tolerant of droughts. Given where it originates, this is hardly surprising. Despite not being native, despite its common name Lavender ‘Imperial Gem’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Imperial Gem’) is great for the local wildlife. Being high in pollen and nectar content, it attracts bees, moths, butterflies, birds and other pollinators. This makes them perfect for cottage, informal, low maintenance, city and courtyard gardens. Lavender ‘Imperial Gem’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Imperial Gem’) also makes for the perfect dwarf hedge, capable of flanking a path or dividing a garden in to sectors. Due to its love of sharp drainage, it is perfect for being put on steep banks and suits Mediterranean garden well. We offer these in 2, 5 and 10 litre pots. The later offering a striking, instant impact. Lavender ‘Imperial Gem’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Imperial Gem’) is in RHS Pruning group 10. This means it should be pruned in early to mid spring. Lavender ‘Imperial Gem’ (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Imperial Gem’) is not poisonous to livestock. Horses are generally fine to eat it and it can have a calming effect on them. Growth rate Slow Max dimensions Height up to 0.5m Width up to 0.5m Light levels Needs full sun Growing conditions Needs free draining soil Pruning RHS Pruning group 10, Prune after flowering when flowering is on the previous years growth Hardiness Hardiness level H5, meaning it can tolerate down from -10 to -15C Buying Lavender Here at Hedge Xpress we care about our environment. Help us great a more sustainable world by buying our peat free Lavenders turning your garden in to the perfect place for birds, bees and other pollinators, making your garden bustle with wildlife. When buying a lavender it is important to know the different forms of hedging. For more information visit our page on Bare root, root ball, potted plants. When purchasing a hedge it is important that you give it every chance it can to thrive. For more information on planting visit our Planting page. Other shrubs and lavender we stock Rosemary ‘Miss Jessop’s’ goes very well with Lavender, creating a Mediterranean feel to the garden. Other angustifolia varieties we stock include: Lavender ‘Dwarf Blue’ with soft violet flowers; Lavender ‘Anna’ with deep purple flower, bred for fungal resistance; Lavender ‘Miss Katherine’ which has a lovely pink flower and Lavender ‘Twickel Purple’a light purple flower
