Lavender ‘Ashdown Forest’
Lavender ‘Ashdown Forest’ is a compact and fragrant variety of English lavender, celebrated for its delicate pale purple flower spikes and lush silvery-green foliage. This cultivar is particularly attractive to pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden.Reaching a height and spread of approximately 50 cm (20 inches), this evergreen plant features a bushy growth habit with upright, well-branched stems. Its narrow, linear leaves are not only aromatic but also contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. In midsummer, from June to August, it produces short spikes adorned with soft violet-purple flowers, enhancing the garden’s visual charm.Fully hardy in the UK, Lavender ‘Ashdown Forest’ can withstand temperatures as low as -15 °C. It flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, showing adaptability to various soil types, including sand, chalk, loam, and clay. Moderate watering is essential, particularly during dry spells, while avoiding waterlogging. This lavender variety is highly beneficial for wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, with its seeds also providing nourishment for birds. Regular maintenance involves cutting back spent flower stems post-bloom and trimming foliage in April to promote healthy growth and shape.
