LAVANDULA dentata var. candicans

Small evergreen bush with a thick foliage; it quickly grows till reaching maximum 80 cm of height and it is native to the north-western Mediterranean. Strongly branched from the base, it assumes a compact cushion-shape. Stems are woody at the base and herbaceous on the top, these last ones bear persistent, tomentose, opposite, longish and grey/green leaves, with serrated edges. From the start of spring and till late autumn, the plant fills of thick ears of fragrant and violet flowers.

It needs sunny positions and its soil must be well drained, dried and poor in nutrients. It tolerates drought ans salt very well so it is ideal for coastal gardens. It tolerates frosts even if intense and prolonged provided that these are not associated to high humidity. At the end of blooming (in the coldest areas in spring) a pruning could improve its shape and the next blooming. I can also be grown in pots, in full ground it can be used to realize low and flowered borders.