VIOLET INTRIGUE

Species:  Lavandula angustifolia

Cultivar: ‘Violet Intrigue’ /  ‘Lavang21’ patented

Flower Color: Dark, vibrant violet-purple

Stem Length:  10 – 12 inches

Plant Height:  18 – 20 inches

Plant Spread: 30 inches

Origin:  Introduced by Virginia McNaughton and Dennis Mathews in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2002.  This lavender has been grown in New Zealand since 1995 and is known for its exceptionally striking flowers when in bloom.  The flowers are also distilled in New Zealand where the sweet, fragrant essential oil has won awards.   

‘Violet Intrigue’ is a hardy lavender, growing in USDA zones 5 – 8.  It has a compact, robust, upright growth habit, and it blooms from mid-June through early-July in the Pacific NW.  The buds (calyces) have a rich, deep violet-purple color, and the flowers (corollas) are a deep violet color, which makes this cultivar especially striking when planted in mass or as a low border in the garden.  The fresh and dried flowers also hold the deep violet color well, making ‘Violet Intrigue’ a beautiful lavender to use in fresh and dried bouquets, arrangements, and other lavender crafts.

The dried calyces have a nice scent and can be used to fill sachets or for culinary applications.  The essential oil has a strong and pleasant aroma and can be used to make a variety of lavender products.

Photo credits: Barn Owl Nursery & RavenCroft