‘Merlot Lavender’ is a specific variety of English lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia. It is valued for its deep, wine-red, or plum-colored blooms, offering striking visual appeal and a classic, calming fragrance.
Unique Characteristics of Merlot Lavender
‘Merlot Lavender’ stands out with its distinctive deep purple, almost burgundy or wine-red flower spikes. The plant maintains a compact growth habit, generally reaching a mature size of about 2 to 3 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in width.
Its aromatic profile is a classic sweet, calming lavender fragrance. ‘Merlot Lavender’ can offer an extended bloom time, often producing flowers in mid to late summer. This variety is also noted for its variegated foliage, featuring narrow, pale gray-green leaves with creamy-yellow, slightly serrated edges, providing year-round visual interest.
Planting and Growing Merlot Lavender
‘Merlot Lavender’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. While it can tolerate some partial shade, full sun promotes the best results.
Well-draining soil is crucial for ‘Merlot Lavender’, as it is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Ideal soil types include sandy or gravelly compositions, and a slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is preferred. If your soil is heavy clay, amending it with sand, gravel, or organic matter such as coarse compost can significantly improve drainage.
When planting, ensure the hole is twice as wide as the root ball, and plant the lavender 1 to 2 inches above the ground soil level to enhance drainage. Initial watering should be deep to help establish the plant, but once established, ‘Merlot Lavender’ is quite drought-tolerant and requires low water. Optimal planting times are typically in spring after the last frost or in the fall. For multiple specimens, space them approximately 24 to 30 inches apart for mature growth and air circulation.
Care and Maintenance for Merlot Lavender
Pruning is important to maintain the plant’s compact shape, encourage new growth, and promote abundant bloom production while preventing woodiness. The best time to prune is after the first flush of flowers has faded, typically in late summer or early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost.
When pruning, aim to remove about one-third of the plant’s height, or cut back to just above the bottom two sets of leaves on each stem. Avoid cutting into old, woody parts, as lavender does not readily regrow from old wood. A lighter trim in mid-spring can encourage a second flush of blooms.
‘Merlot Lavender’ has minimal fertilization needs and thrives in lean soil. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. The plant is resistant to most pests and diseases. ‘Merlot Lavender’ is hardy in USDA Zones 9a to 10b; for colder climates, provide winter protection or bring potted plants indoors.
Uses and Applications of Merlot Lavender
The aesthetic appeal of ‘Merlot Lavender’ makes it a versatile choice in garden design. Its compact mound and striking foliage make it suitable for borders, rock gardens, and containers. Mass plantings create visual impact.
The flowers and foliage possess a sweet, floral flavor, making them suitable for culinary uses such as in teas, baked goods, and savory dishes. Its strong fragrance also makes it popular for aromatherapy, potpourri, sachets, and other crafts. The aromatic foliage helps repel mosquitoes and flies.