Lavandula stoechas 'Javelin Forte Rose' (Common Names: French Lavender, Rose Spanish Lavender)
Detailed Description:
Lavandula stoechas 'Javelin Forte Rose' is a striking evergreen shrub, valued for its fragrant, silvery-green foliage and eye-catching rose-pink flower bracts. At full growth, this compact lavender variety forms a neat mound, with upright flower spikes topped by large, butterfly-like pink bracts that sit above deep purple flowerheads. The combination of aromatic foliage and vibrant blooms makes it a perfect addition to Mediterranean-style gardens or sunny borders. Known for its long-lasting flowers and drought tolerance, 'Javelin Forte Rose' brings both beauty and fragrance to your garden throughout the summer.
Flowering Period:
This lavender blooms prolifically from late spring through summer (May to August), with its rose-pink bracts creating a vivid display. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Plant Height:
At full maturity, 'Javelin Forte Rose' grows to a height of 30-50 cm, with a similar spread. It’s an ideal plant for low hedging, borders, or for adding a pop of color in containers.
Planting Location:
Lavandula stoechas 'Javelin Forte Rose' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s well-suited for sunny borders, rockeries, or Mediterranean-style gardens. It also performs beautifully in containers, where its compact habit and fragrant blooms can be enjoyed close to seating areas or entrances. Plant it near pathways or patios to take advantage of its lovely scent.
Best Uses:
'Javelin Forte Rose' is a versatile plant perfect for adding color to borders, creating fragrant low hedges, or brightening up containers. Its rose-pink flowers offer a unique twist on traditional lavender, making it an excellent choice for adding a splash of soft color to garden designs. It can also be used in herb gardens or cutting gardens, where its blooms can be harvested for dried arrangements, potpourri, or sachets. It is a pollinator magnet, so planting it in wildlife-friendly spaces will encourage bees and butterflies to visit.
Care Tips:
Lavandula stoechas 'Javelin Forte Rose' is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for dry, sunny locations. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its compact shape and encourage more blooms. In colder regions, consider protecting the plant from frost or bringing container-grown specimens indoors during winter.
Interesting Facts:
Did you know? French lavender, or Lavandula stoechas, is native to the Mediterranean and is often used in perfumes and aromatherapy for its calming and soothing properties. 'Javelin Forte Rose' adds a unique twist with its rose-colored bracts, making it stand out from more traditional lavender varieties.