Riverina Thomas Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Riverina Thomas’) offers gardeners a desirable choice for its robust growth and abundant flowering. This particular lavender is a popular selection for both its ornamental appeal and its practical uses. Gardeners often seek out ‘Riverina Thomas’ for its notable attributes, making it a favored addition to various landscape designs.
Key Characteristics of Riverina Thomas Lavender
‘Riverina Thomas’ is a robust lavandin cultivar, typically forming a mounding shrub that reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and equally wide. Its growth rate is considered fast, establishing quickly in the garden. The foliage begins as green during active growth, maturing into an attractive gray-green, which is highly aromatic.
The flowers of ‘Riverina Thomas’ are a striking violet-blue to dark purple, resembling the amethyst mineral, and are notably large. These showy flowers appear on long peduncles, or flower stems, which can extend 2 to 3 feet in length. Bloom time occurs from early to mid-summer, with the added benefit of a significant rebloom in the fall.
A distinguishing feature of ‘Riverina Thomas’ is its intense fragrance and high essential oil yield, reportedly producing up to five times more aromatic oil than some other lavandin varieties. This characteristic makes it highly valued for commercial oil production, as well as for its strong, sweet scent in the garden.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Riverina Thomas Lavender thrives in full sun, requiring at least 8 hours of direct light daily to support its vigorous growth and abundant flowering. While it can tolerate some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates, consistent sunlight is important for optimal performance. Proper air circulation around the plant is also beneficial, which is achieved through appropriate spacing.
This lavender variety prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate overly wet conditions or “wet feet,” which can lead to root rot. It grows best in lean, loose, fast-draining soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Amending heavy clay soils with organic compost or small gravel can improve drainage.
For best results, plant ‘Riverina Thomas’ with the crown slightly above the soil level to prevent moisture accumulation around the base. When planting multiple specimens, space them 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for mature size and good air circulation. In colder regions (USDA Zone 5-6), spring or early summer planting is recommended, while in warmer zones (7-10), early fall planting allows roots to establish before summer heat.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
During its first growing season, Riverina Thomas Lavender requires regular watering to establish a strong root system. Once established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant, needing irrigation only occasionally or infrequently, allowing the soil to dry almost completely between waterings. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to floppy growth and root issues.
Fertilization needs for this lavender are minimal, as it is accustomed to nutrient-poor soils. Excessive fertilization can promote leggy growth, reduce winter hardiness, and increase susceptibility to pests. A single application of a slow-release, mineral-rich organic fertilizer in early spring, when new growth appears, is generally sufficient.
Pruning is an important aspect of maintaining the health and shape of ‘Riverina Thomas’ lavender. In the first year, it is beneficial to remove flower spikes as they form, directing the plant’s energy towards root and woody stem development. For established plants, prune after the first flush of blooms in mid-summer, cutting back spent flowers to promote continued rebloom. A more significant pruning can occur in late summer or early fall, cutting back about half of the plant’s height, ensuring not to cut into the woody part of the plant, which can hinder regrowth.
Uses and Landscaping Ideas
Riverina Thomas Lavender is a versatile plant that enhances various garden designs with its attractive form and fragrant blooms. Its compact, mounding growth habit makes it suitable for borders, mass plantings, or as an accent plant. Gardeners can also use it to create low hedges or incorporate it into herb gardens.
The plant’s vibrant violet-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage contribute significantly to sensory gardens. It is also an excellent choice for attracting pollinators, with its fragrant flowers drawing in bees and butterflies. Deer tend to leave lavender alone, adding to its appeal for many gardeners.
Beyond its ornamental value, the flowers of ‘Riverina Thomas’ are highly prized for their strong scent and high essential oil content. They are often used for fresh or dried bouquets, potpourri, and sachets. The flowers can also be used in culinary applications, adding a unique flavor to dishes, and their oil is popular for aromatherapy and other home products.