Meerlo Lavender is a distinctive and popular hybrid cultivar. Developed to offer unique attributes, it provides a fresh appeal for gardeners looking to enhance their landscapes. It is a noteworthy addition to many outdoor spaces.
Unique Characteristics of Meerlo Lavender
Meerlo Lavender possesses several distinct qualities, starting with its striking appearance. Its variegated foliage displays a vibrant mix of green and creamy yellow or white, providing visual interest even when not in bloom. Tall, upright flower spikes with purple-blue blossoms emerge above the leaves.
The plant also emits a strong, aromatic scent, often more intense than other lavender types. This robust fragrance makes it a popular choice for sensory gardens.
Meerlo Lavender demonstrates admirable resilience in various growing conditions. It exhibits notable heat and drought tolerance once established, allowing it to thrive in warmer climates with less supplemental water. This cultivar also possesses natural resistance to common garden pests like deer and rabbits, which avoid its aromatic foliage.
Planting and Growing Meerlo Lavender
Successful cultivation of Meerlo Lavender begins with careful site selection. It requires full sun exposure, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote robust growth and abundant flowering. The plant also benefits from well-draining soil, ideally with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH, which prevents waterlogging around its roots.
Proper watering is important during the initial establishment phase. Young plants require consistent moisture to develop a strong root system, typically needing water every few days until they are well-rooted. Once mature, Meerlo Lavender becomes highly drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation, as overwatering can lead to root rot and plant decline.
Pruning is an important practice for maintaining the plant’s shape, promoting healthy growth, and encouraging continuous flowering. A light trim after the main bloom period helps to tidy the plant and may encourage a second flush of flowers. A more substantial pruning in early spring, before new growth emerges, helps to rejuvenate the plant and prevent it from becoming woody.
Meerlo Lavender generally thrives in lean soil and requires minimal fertilization. Applying too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and can also reduce the plant’s overall hardiness. If soil nutrients are very poor, a very light application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring may be beneficial, but this is rarely necessary.
Meerlo Lavender in the Landscape
Meerlo Lavender offers remarkable versatility in garden designs. Its upright growth habit and distinct foliage make it suitable for containers, serving as a striking specimen on patios or balconies. It also performs well in mixed borders, providing vertical interest and contrasting texture among other perennials.
The plant’s strong fragrance and upright form make it an excellent choice for creating a fragrant hedge or border along pathways or property lines. Its variegated foliage ensures year-round visual appeal, even when not adorned with its purple-blue flowers. The vertical appeal of its flower spikes adds a strong structural element to any garden composition.
Meerlo Lavender pairs effectively with other drought-tolerant perennials that share similar cultural requirements. Plants such as coneflowers, sedum, and ornamental grasses complement its form and texture. Roses also make suitable companions, as both plants appreciate full sun and good air circulation, creating a harmonious display.