Meerlo Lavender is a sought-after variety, recognized for its distinctive appearance and fragrant blooms. It enhances any garden with its beauty and characteristic scent.
Distinctive Features of Meerlo Lavender
Meerlo Lavender features striking variegated foliage, with vibrant green leaves edged in creamy yellow. Its leaf coloration provides year-round visual interest, even when not in bloom. The plant produces a strong, sweet fragrance that permeates the garden. Meerlo Lavender also exhibits heat and drought tolerance, thriving in challenging conditions. This cultivar is known for its fast growth rate, establishing more quickly than many other lavender types.
Cultivating Meerlo Lavender
Cultivating Meerlo Lavender begins with selecting a planting site that receives full sun, ideally six to eight hours daily. Well-draining soil is important for this plant to prevent root rot; a sandy or gravelly loam is preferred. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline to neutral (6.5 to 7.5) to support healthy growth. When planting, ensure two to three feet of spacing between plants for ample air circulation, which prevents fungal issues. After planting, thoroughly water new plants to settle the soil around their root systems.
Caring for Meerlo Lavender
Once established, Meerlo Lavender requires deep but infrequent watering, benefiting from drier conditions. Its drought tolerance means overwatering is a more common issue than underwatering. Pruning is important, typically performed after the initial bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers and maintain a compact shape. A more substantial pruning in late winter or early spring prevents woodiness and promotes robust new growth. Lavender thrives in lean soil and does not require fertilization.
Benefits and Applications
Meerlo Lavender offers ornamental value, with its variegated foliage and purple flowers providing visual appeal throughout the growing season. Its fragrant blooms attract beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Conversely, its strong scent acts as a natural deterrent for common garden pests like deer and rabbits. This drought-tolerant plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping or other low-water garden designs. Meerlo Lavender is also versatile, suitable for use in:
- Containers
- As a border plant
- In mass plantings
- As a striking specimen plant