Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' (Lavandin 'Exceptional') — perennial shrub

Overview

Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' is a perennial shrub in the genus Lavandula, part of the Lamiaceae family. Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, hedging, containers, cut flowers and essential oil production.

About

Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' (Lavandin 'Exceptional') is a perennial shrub cultivar within the Lavandula genus, known for its strong, camphor-like lavender fragrance. It thrives best in full sun with a south-facing aspect and prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils that are neutral to alkaline in pH. This cultivar is drought tolerant once established and benefits from annual pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness. Suitable for borders, hedging, containers, and cut flowers, it is hardy in the UK (H5) and favoured for essential oil production.

About the genus

Lavandula is a genus of 47 known species of perennial flowering plants in the sage family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World, primarily found across the drier, warmer regions of the Mediterranean, with an affinity for maritime breezes.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lavandula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lavandula

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lavandula

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy
Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: open, airy
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial shrub
Suggested uses: borders, hedging, containers, cut flowers, essential oil production
Fragrance: strong, camphor-like lavender scent

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional'

Cultivation: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Pruning: Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation: semi-hardwood cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional'?

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.

Where is the best place to plant Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional'?

Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' prefers full sun. It suits open and airy positions.

What soil does Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' need?

Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional'?

Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Is Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' hardy in the UK?

Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Lavandula intermedia 'Exceptional'?

Semi-hardwood cuttings.

More in the Lavandula genus

Browse all Lavandula →