What is special about 'Phenomenal' lavender?

'Phenomenal' lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Phenomenal' PP#24193) has rapidly become one of the most popular and highly acclaimed lavender varieties, especially among commercial growers and home gardeners in challenging climates. Its name truly reflects its exceptional performance and unique combination of desirable traits.

Here's what makes 'Phenomenal' lavender special:

1. Unparalleled Hardiness and Adaptability:

   • Exceptional Cold Hardiness: This is arguably its most celebrated feature. 'Phenomenal' is a lavandin (a hybrid between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia), but it boasts remarkable cold hardiness, reliably performing in USDA Zones 4-8, and even potentially Zone 3 with good snow cover. This makes it a game-changer for gardeners in many northern climates (like Door County WI) where other lavandins or even some English lavenders might struggle to survive harsh winters.

   • Superior Heat and Humidity Tolerance: Unlike many lavenders that suffer in hot, humid summers, 'Phenomenal' shows excellent resistance to these conditions. It's less prone to root rot and fungal diseases that can plague other varieties in damp or humid environments. This resilience broadens the geographical areas where lavender can be successfully grown, including places with hot, humid summers such as the southeastern U.S.

   • Drought Tolerant: Once established, it's highly drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes.

2. Robust Growth and Striking Appearance:

   • Vigorous and Large Plant: 'Phenomenal' grows into a substantial, bushy, and vigorous plant, typically reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and spread, though some sources say it can get up to 32 inches x 32 inches. This makes it ideal for creating impactful mass plantings or low hedges.

   • Beautiful Silvery Foliage: It features attractive, silvery-gray-green foliage that provides year-round interest and beautiful contrast in the garden. The leaves are broad and aromatic.

   • Tall, Deep Purple-Blue Flower Spikes: It produces long, sturdy flower spikes that are a vibrant, deep purple-blue. These spikes are very floriferous and rise well above the foliage, creating an impressive floral display.

3. High Fragrance and Versatile Uses:

   • Highly Fragrant: 'Phenomenal' is known for its strong, clean, and pleasing lavender fragrance. As a lavandin, its scent has notes of both the sweet floral English lavender and the more herbaceous, camphoraceous spike lavender, making it robust and long-lasting. Its essential oil content is notably high.

   • Culinary Use: Despite being a lavandin, its camphor levels are relatively low for a lavandin (often around 1-3%), making it widely considered edible and suitable for culinary applications, like teas, baked goods, and savory dishes. While some connoisseurs might still prefer the absolute lowest camphor content of true English lavender for very delicate flavors, 'Phenomenal' is a versatile option.

   • Excellent for Cutting and Drying: The long, strong stems and vibrant color of its blooms make it an outstanding choice for fresh bouquets and dried arrangements. Its high oil content means it retains its fragrance exceptionally well when dried, making it perfect for sachets, potpourri, and crafting.

4. Disease and Pest Resistance:

   • 'Phenomenal' exhibits strong resistance to common lavender diseases like root rot and fungal issues, which is a major advantage, particularly in humid climates.

   • It is also reliably deer and rabbit resistant, thanks to its aromatic foliage.

   • It thrives on minimal care once established, making it a low-maintenance plant.

In summary, 'Phenomenal' lavender stands out due to its:

• Exceptional cold hardiness (down to Zone 4) combined with superior heat and humidity tolerance, making it adaptable to a much wider range of climates than most other lavenders.

• Vigorous, substantial growth habit with attractive silvery foliage.

• Abundant, deep purple-blue flowers on long, strong stems, ideal for cutting.

• Strong, pleasant fragrance suitable for both aromatic and culinary uses.

• Remarkable disease and pest resistance, ensuring a healthy and thriving plant with less effort.

These combined traits have earned 'Phenomenal' numerous accolades and made it a "must-grow" perennial for many gardeners and lavender farm operators looking for a truly reliable and high-performing lavender. Its availability to buy lavender online from various nurseries speaks to its widespread popularity and proven success.