There are hundreds of Lavender cultivars and hybrids and, among the latter, Lavender × chaytoriae varieties are particularly prized by true Lavender lovers…
All Lavender × chaytoriae (the name honours the renowned Lavender expert, Dorothy Chaytor ) are hybrids of the ever-reliable Lavandula Angustifolia (English Lavender) and Lavandula Lanata (Woolly Lavender), a shrubby native of southern Spain, renowned for the silvery hairs on its leaves. The resulting varieties, collectively known as the Velvet Lavenders, are hardy to around -10°C and have a glorious scent, attractive soft, silvery foliage and a mass of rich purple flowers from June to July.
As easy to maintain as any other Lavender, they are an excellent addition to any garden, in the ground or containers, whether you plant them on their own or alongside other varieties. In particular, they contrast beautifully with the greener foliage of angustifolia cultivars.
If you would like to introduce Lavender x chaytoriae into your garden, two versatile cultivars come to mind: Lavender x chaytoriae Richard Gray (pictured) and Lavender × chaytoriae ‘Sawyers’.
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