Lavandula Butterfly Giant Summer

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Butterfly’ – Giant Summer Lavender

Plant Fact File:

• Plant Type: Perennial Herb
• Common Name: Giant Summer Lavender
• Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Butterfly’
• Height: Varies, typically 50-60 centimeters (20-24 inches)
• Spread: 50-60 centimeters (20-24 inches)
• Foliage: Gray-green, narrow leaves
• Flower Color: Lavender-blue
• Flowering Period: Summer
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy
• Aspect: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
• Uses: Herb gardens, borders, containers, dried flower arrangements, aromatherapy

Description:

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Butterfly’, commonly known as Giant Summer Lavender, is a perennial herb prized for its fragrant foliage and abundant lavender-blue flowers. This cultivar is noted for its large and showy flower spikes, which create a stunning visual display in the summer garden. The gray-green, narrow leaves add to the plant’s appeal, releasing a soothing aroma when brushed against.

Key Features:

• Large Flower Spikes: ‘Butterfly’ produces exceptionally large flower spikes compared to other lavender varieties, making it a standout feature in the garden. The lavender-blue flowers are arranged densely along the spikes, attracting pollinators and adding a pop of color to the landscape.
• Fragrant Foliage: The foliage of Giant Summer Lavender emits a delightful fragrance, characterized by the classic lavender scent. This aromatic quality makes it a popular choice for herb gardens, where it can be enjoyed not only for its visual beauty but also for its sensory appeal.
• Long Flowering Period: Lavandula ‘Butterfly’ blooms profusely throughout the summer months, providing continuous color and fragrance to the garden. The extended flowering period ensures a prolonged display of lavender-blue blooms, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Compact Growth Habit: This cultivar typically grows to a height and spread of around 50-60 centimeters (20-24 inches), making it well-suited for borders, containers, and garden beds. Its compact growth habit also makes it easy to maintain and ideal for smaller garden spaces.
• Versatile Uses: Giant Summer Lavender is versatile in its uses, serving as a decorative element in herb gardens, mixed borders, or container plantings. The flowers can be harvested for fresh or dried arrangements, potpourri, or sachets, while the aromatic foliage can be used for culinary purposes or in aromatherapy.
• Low Maintenance: Like other lavender varieties, ‘Butterfly’ is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring minimal water and pruning to maintain its shape and vigor.