Lavandula ‘Grosso’ is another one of the stunning European bred lavenders that have finally reached Australia. It is a floriferous medium sized lavender (0.85 x 0.8m) that is renown for its oil production. In fact it is the world’s most widely used oil lavender. It was bred in france by a Monsieur Grosso in 1972. It is a lavandin (the hybrid between L. angustifolia asnd L. latifolia) which means it flowers from Summer through to Autumn, has long peduncles and a camphoraceous scent. The flowers are dark violet in colour and are excellent for drying and pot-pourri.
Like all lavenders L. ‘Grosso’ requires good drainage, slightly alkaline soils and plenty of sun. Raised beds bulked up with good compost will produce vigorous, healthy plants. Keep moist and feed annually with Osmocote Outdoor Trees and Shrubs. Prune and apply lime after flowering to promote further flower production. L’Grosso’ is tolerant of moderate frosts and will grow in most parts of Australia.
