'Blue Cushion' lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Blue Cushion' PP#9119) is a popular and well-regarded cultivar of English lavender. It earns its name from its distinctive growth habit and attractive blue flowers, making it a favorite for gardeners looking for a tidy, reliable, and fragrant lavender.
Here are the distinctive qualities of 'Blue Cushion' lavender:
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Growth Habit: Perfectly Compact, Rounded Cushion:
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This is arguably its most distinctive feature. Unlike some other lavenders that can become leggy or splay open, 'Blue Cushion' forms a naturally dense, spherical, and incredibly compact mound. It lives up to its "cushion" name, maintaining a neat and tidy shape without much effort.
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It typically reaches a mature height and spread of 12-16 inches (30-40 cm), though some sources might extend that slightly to 18 inches. This dwarf size makes it ideal for many landscaping purposes.
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Flower Color: Deep Violet-Blue, Fading to Lighter Hues:
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'Blue Cushion' produces profuse spikes of deep violet-blue flowers. The color is rich and vibrant upon opening.
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A unique aspect is that these deep blue flowers lighten to pale blue and then even a grayish hue as they mature. This creates an attractive two-tone or bicolor effect on the plant, as different stages of blooms are present simultaneously.
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The flower spikes rise well above the foliage, ensuring a prominent display.
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Scent Profile: Classic Sweet English Lavender:
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As an Lavandula angustifolia cultivar, 'Blue Cushion' carries the quintessential sweet, pure, and appealing floral lavender fragrance with very low camphor content (typically less than 0.6% in its essential oil).
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This makes it an excellent choice for culinary applications, including baking, teas, and savory dishes, due to its mild and agreeable flavor.
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Its delightful aroma also makes it popular for aromatherapy, sachets, potpourri, and other crafts.
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Profuse and Extended Blooming:
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'Blue Cushion' is a prolific bloomer, covering the entire plant in flowers from late spring or early summer into late summer, and sometimes even into early fall.
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It often produces flowers in several flushes, giving the appearance of a near-continuous bloom, especially if deadheaded (removing spent flower spikes) to encourage rebloom.
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Hardiness and Adaptability:
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Cold Hardy: It is reliably cold-hardy, typically performing well in USDA Zones 5-9. This makes it a good option for northern climates, like Door County WI, as long as its critical drainage needs are met.
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Good Heat and Drought Tolerance: Like most lavenders, it thrives in summer heat and is very drought-tolerant once established.
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Tolerance to Moister Conditions (Relative): While it still absolutely requires well-drained soil, some sources suggest 'Blue Cushion' is more tolerant of slightly moister growing conditions than some other English lavenders. However, excellent drainage remains paramount, especially in winter, to prevent root rot. It prefers sandy or gravelly soil, or raised beds.
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Full Sun Essential: It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and health.
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Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its aromatic foliage generally deters Browse animals.
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Why 'Blue Cushion' is Distinctive and Popular:
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Exceptional Form: Its naturally compact, rounded, and uniform growth habit makes it stand out for formal plantings, edging, and containers.
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Dynamic Flower Color: The progression of its deep blue flowers to lighter shades provides continuous visual interest.
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Reliable Bloom: Its profuse and extended flowering season ensures a long period of color and fragrance.
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Classic English Lavender Scent & Culinary Use: It delivers the beloved sweet aroma perfect for various applications.
'Blue Cushion' lavender is a workhorse in the garden, providing consistent beauty and fragrance with a minimal footprint, making it a top choice for those looking to buy lavender online or from a lavender farm for their landscape.
