FRENCH FIELDS

Species:  Lavandula angustifolia

Cultivar:  ‘French Fields’

Flower Color:  Bright Violet-blue

Stem Length:  12 –15 inches

Plant Height:  20-24 inches

This cultivar was introduced in the Pacific NW, by Andy & Melissa Van Hevelingen in Newberg, OR.  ‘French Fields’ is one of the first English lavenders to bloom early in June in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. 

This very fragrant lavender is said to have come from the perfume fields of France.  The plant forms a compact shrub with gray-green foliage. The long-lasting flowers are striking when they are planted in mass or as a hedge or border in the garden.  If the flower stems are harvested early in the bud stage in June, and the plant is cut back lightly in the summer, it may bloom again.

The fresh and dried bouquets and buds from this cultivar may be used as culinary lavender to flavor foods and beverages. The dried buds have many craft and fragrant uses.  The flowers are also distilled for lavender essential oil that can be used to make sweetly scented lavender products.