Tell me about 'Violet Intrigue' lavender.

'Violet Intrigue' lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Violet Intrigue' PP#15344, also sometimes referred to as 'Lavang 21') is a highly regarded English lavender cultivar known for its intense color, strong stems, and overall robust performance. It's a popular choice for both ornamental gardens and for those interested in cutting or drying lavender.

Here are the key characteristics of 'Violet Intrigue' lavender:

1. Vibrant, Deep Violet Flowers:

   • The most prominent feature of 'Violet Intrigue' is its exceptionally vibrant, deep violet-blue to rich purple flowers. The color is consistently strong and holds well, making a striking visual impact. The calyxes (the base of the flower) are often a saturated violet-blue, contributing to the deep hue of the overall bloom.

   • The flowers are produced on long, straight, and strong upright stems. This is a significant advantage, as it prevents flopping and makes the variety excellent for cutting.

2. Excellent Fragrance (Culinary Quality):

   • As an Lavandula angustifolia cultivar, 'Violet Intrigue' possesses the classic sweet, pure, and appealing floral lavender fragrance. It has a low camphor content (typically less than 0.6% in its essential oil), ensuring a clean and pleasant aroma.

   • This makes it an ideal choice for culinary applications, from baked goods and teas to syrups and savory dishes, due to its mild and agreeable flavor.

   • Its strong, sweet scent also makes it highly desirable for aromatherapy, sachets, potpourri, and other fragrant crafts.

3. Superior for Cutting and Drying:

   • 'Violet Intrigue' is particularly singled out for its outstanding qualities as a cut flower and for drying. The long, strong stems and vibrant color are retained exceptionally well when dried, making it a favorite for floral arrangements, wreaths, and any craft that uses dried lavender. Its high oil content contributes to the long-lasting fragrance of dried material.

4. Growth Habit: Upright and Bushy:

   • This variety forms a dense, upright, and bushy mound. It typically reaches a mature height of 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall and about 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) wide. Its upright habit is a notable trait, especially compared to some other English lavenders that might tend to splay open.

   • The foliage is aromatic, narrow, and typically gray-green, providing a good contrast to the rich purple flowers. It is evergreen in milder climates.

5. Hardiness and Adaptability:

   • Cold Hardy: 'Violet Intrigue' is a robust English lavender, generally hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. This makes it a reliable perennial for many northern climates, including regions like Door County WI, provided it has the necessary growing conditions. It is noted to tolerate cold down to -20°F to -10°F.

   • Improved Humidity Tolerance: While all lavenders prefer dry conditions, 'Violet Intrigue' is cited as having improved tolerance to humidity compared to some other English lavenders, making it a better fit for areas with humid summers.

   • Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant, preferring dry to medium moisture levels.

   • Full Sun & Well-Drained Soil: As with all lavenders, it requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) and exceptionally well-drained, lean (low-fertility), sandy, or rocky soil with a neutral to alkaline pH (pH 6.7-7.5). Good drainage is crucial for its winter survival.

   • Pest and Disease Resistant: It is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, and its improved humidity tolerance helps mitigate some common fungal issues.

6. Extended Bloom Time:

   • It typically produces a profusion of blooms from early summer to early fall (June to August in many regions). Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a longer blooming season or a rebloom.

In summary, 'Violet Intrigue' lavender stands out due to its:

• Vibrant, deep violet-blue flowers on long, strong, upright stems.

• Exceptional quality for cutting and drying, maintaining both color and fragrance.

• Classic, sweet, culinary-grade English lavender fragrance.

• Robust, upright, and bushy growth habit.

• Excellent cold hardiness (Zone 5-9) combined with improved humidity tolerance, making it adaptable to a wider range of conditions.

These features make 'Violet Intrigue' a standout choice for gardeners looking for a beautiful, fragrant, and highly functional lavender, whether for garden aesthetics, culinary uses, or as a commercial crop for a lavender farm. It is widely available when you buy lavender online.