Comparing Lavender varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Lavender family and have some observations to share. permanent woody structure providing year-round garden framework varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — mulching around the base annually to feed and retain moisture applies across all of them.

box blight and box moth caterpillar on Buxus species affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a wildlife garden with berrying and nectaring shrubs which works well for most varieties. summer flowering on the current season's growth is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.