Grosso Lavender

Grosso Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso') is the big, heavily scented lavender, reaching about 90cm tall and wide. Long stems of dark violet flowers open from summer into autumn over grey-green foliage, and the oil content is so high that Grosso is the most widely used lavender for oils and perfume. Plant one and you will smell it before you see it.

Why you'll love it

• Scent that carries. Oil-rich flowers and leaves release a deep, clean lavender fragrance on warm days.
• A proper hedging size. At 90cm by 90cm it fills a bed quickly and clips into a generous low hedge where smaller lavenders only edge.
• Late colour. Flowers open from summer to autumn, so the bush is still in bloom when the spring lavenders have finished.
• Long stems for drying. Tall flower stems cut well for bunches, arrangements and potpourri.
• Frost hardy and drought tolerant. Cold winters and dry spells are no trouble once it is established, as long as the soil drains.

Where it works best

Low hedges and borders. Plant 60cm apart in a single row. At that spacing the bushes meet within two seasons and form a flowing hedge about 90cm high, trimmed twice a year.

Cottage gardens and rockeries. Grey-green foliage tones down brighter flowers, so it sits happily beside roses, salvias and daisies or on a sunny rock bank.

Large pots. In a pot 40cm or wider of gritty mix it makes a fragrant patio shrub, which also suits gardens where the ground is too heavy to drain.

Growing Grosso Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and an open, airy spot, which keeps grey mould at bay. It suits Mediterranean, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens with dry summers. In humid subtropical gardens it is harder, so give it every bit of airflow and drainage you can.

Soil. Free-draining soil is the one firm rule, because lavender hates wet feet. On clay, plant on a mound 20 to 30cm high and mulch with gravel rather than bark.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then water only in long dry spells. Feed once a year with a slow release fertiliser after flowering, and skip manures, which grow soft, weak plants.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, removing no more than a third of the foliage and never cutting into old wood. A trim after flowering and a light tidy in early spring keeps the shrub compact.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Grosso Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, leafy plant that settles within a couple of weeks and bulks up as the soil warms, reaching hedge size in a season or two. Our tube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have plants ready. When there are none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our full lavender range
• Lavender care guide for Australian gardens
• Best hedging plants for Australian gardens
• More fragrant plants for the garden

Common questions

How far apart should I plant Grosso for a hedge?

Plant 60cm apart in a single row. The bushes reach 90cm across, so they knit together in about two seasons without crowding each other at the base.

When does Grosso flower?

From summer into autumn, later than English and Italian lavenders. Cut stems for drying once the lowest flowers on each spike have opened.

Is it safe for pets?

Lavender contains compounds that can upset cats and dogs if they eat a lot, so we do not list it as pet friendly. Most animals avoid the strong scent, but keep it away from a plant-chewing puppy.