Grosso Lavender

Grosso Lavender (Lavandula ×intermedia ‘Grosso’) is the world’s most widely grown commercial lavender — a Lavandin hybrid (cross of L. angustifolia × L. latifolia) prized above all others for its extraordinary fragrance, exceptional oil yield, and vigorous, heat-tolerant constitution. It produces some of the longest flower spikes of any lavender, rising 18–24 inches on sturdy stems above a compact mound of silver-gray foliage, blooming in deep violet-purple in midsummer and often reblooming lightly into fall. The most cold-hardy of the French hybrid lavenders, highly drought-tolerant once established, and long-lived with minimal care. Hardy in zones 6–9.

Best for: Lavender hedges and borders, fragrance gardens, pollinator and butterfly gardens, cutting gardens, dried flower production, herb gardens, rock gardens, xeriscape plantings, coastal gardens, and any sunny, well-drained site where a large, dramatic, intensely fragrant lavender is needed.

Why Gardeners Choose Grosso Lavender

• The benchmark fragrance lavender: ‘Grosso’ is the variety most used by perfume producers and lavender oil distillers worldwide — its essential oil content is significantly higher than true L. angustifolia varieties, producing a richer, more complex, longer-lasting fragrance. If fragrance is the primary goal, ‘Grosso’ is the standard by which other lavenders are measured.
• Exceptionally long flower spikes: Produces flower spikes 18–24 inches tall — among the longest of any lavender. The deep violet-purple color and dramatic height create a visual impact in the garden that compact varieties cannot match. Outstanding as a cut flower, fresh or dried.
• Most cold-hardy French hybrid lavender: As a Lavandin hybrid, ‘Grosso’ is reliably hardy to zone 6 — making it accessible to a broader range of climates than most large-flowered hybrid lavenders. It combines the vigor and fragrance of its L. latifolia parent with better cold hardiness.
• Heat and drought tolerance: Once established, highly drought-tolerant and performs exceptionally well in hot, sunny, dry conditions. Thrives in coastal, xeriscape, and Mediterranean-style garden settings.
• Major pollinator magnet: The long, nectar-rich spikes are intensely attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the bloom season. One of the top pollinator plants available for sunny gardens.
• Long-lived with minimal care: With proper drainage and annual pruning, established plants are remarkably long-lived — 10–20 years is common in well-suited sites. Low fertilizer needs, minimal pest and disease issues.
• Outstanding for cutting and drying: Stems are long, sturdy, and hold color exceptionally well when dried — ideal for wreaths, sachets, potpourri, dried arrangements, and culinary use.

Planting & Care

• Light: Full sun — minimum 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. Lavender will not thrive or bloom reliably in partial shade. Site selection is critical.
• Soil: Well-drained to dry soil is essential. Lavender will not tolerate wet feet or heavy clay — root rot is the primary cause of failure. Amend heavy soils with coarse sand or gravel, or plant in raised beds. Lean, poor soils are preferred over rich, amended ones.
• Mature size: 24–36 inches tall in bloom; 24–30 inches wide.
• Spacing: 24–30 inches apart for individual specimens; 18–24 inches for a lavender hedge or mass planting that fills in over 2–3 seasons.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment (first growing season). Once established, extremely drought-tolerant — water only during extended dry periods. Overwatering is the most common mistake.
• Feeding: Minimal. A light top-dressing of lime or balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth is slow. Rich fertilization promotes foliage at the expense of blooms and fragrance.
• Pruning: Critical for longevity. Shear by one-third immediately after the main bloom flush — this encourages rebloom and keeps the plant from becoming woody and open at the base. Do not cut into old wood below the green foliage zone. In early spring, remove winter-damaged tips only.
• Air circulation: Plant in open, airy locations. Poor air circulation in humid climates can promote fungal issues — avoid crowding and dense plantings.

Best Uses

• Lavender hedges, borders, and mass plantings
• Fragrance and sensory gardens
• Cutting and dried flower gardens
• Pollinator, butterfly, and bee gardens
• Herb and kitchen gardens
• Rock gardens and gravel gardens
• Xeriscape and drought-tolerant plantings
• Coastal garden plantings
• Container and patio gardens in full sun
• Low hedges and garden dividers

Grows Best In

• USDA Zones: 6–9
• Climate notes: Thrives in the Pacific Northwest, California, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Southwest. Performs best in climates with dry summers and good winter drainage. In zone 6, mulch lightly around the base for winter protection. In humid climates (zones 7b–9 Southeast), prioritize excellent drainage and air circulation to prevent root and crown issues.

Problem Solved

Grosso Lavender solves the challenge of finding a large, dramatic, intensely fragrant perennial for hot, dry, sunny sites where most plants struggle — poor soil, slopes, gravel gardens, and south-facing exposures where moisture-loving plants fail. It also solves the lavender fragrance question definitively: no other lavender matches ‘Grosso’ for essential oil richness and staying power, whether used fresh in the garden or dried for sachets and crafts.

For a companion that extends the lavender season earlier into summer with a more compact, tidier habit, pair with Hidcote Blue Lavender — a true L. angustifolia that blooms 2–3 weeks earlier than ‘Grosso’ and provides back-to-back lavender color and fragrance through the season.

Pro Tip

The single most important factor for success with ‘Grosso’ is drainage — plant it where water never puddles, even briefly. In heavy or clay soils, build a raised bed or mound 6–8 inches above grade with a lean, gritty mix (50% topsoil, 50% coarse sand or pea gravel) rather than rich amended soil. For a complete lavender collection that covers different bloom times, sizes, and uses, add Munstead Lavender — an early-blooming, compact true English lavender that pairs beautifully with ‘Grosso’ as a low edging in front of the taller Grosso mass.

Shipping Information

• Ships as container-grown plants — available in pint and quart pots.
• Ships to all 48 contiguous states with no restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes ‘Grosso’ different from English lavender?
‘Grosso’ is a Lavandin hybrid (L. angustifolia × L. latifolia) rather than a true English lavender. It is larger, more vigorous, and produces significantly more essential oil with a stronger fragrance than L. angustifolia varieties. It blooms later (midsummer vs. early summer for English types) and is sterile — it does not set seed. Its greater size and fragrance make it the top choice for cutting, drying, and fragrance production.

Why is drainage so important?
Lavender roots are highly susceptible to rot in wet, heavy, or poorly drained soils. The plant evolved in rocky, dry Mediterranean hillsides — it is physiologically adapted to survive drought but not to tolerate wet roots. Poor drainage is the leading cause of lavender death in gardens. If your soil holds moisture, amend heavily or plant in raised beds.

When should I prune it?
Prune by one-third immediately after the main bloom flush — typically late July to August. This encourages a second flush and prevents the plant from becoming woody and open. In early spring, remove only winter-damaged tips. Never cut into bare, old wood below the green foliage zone or the plant may not recover.

Can I use it for culinary purposes?
Lavandin hybrids including ‘Grosso’ have a higher camphor content than true English lavender (L. angustifolia), which gives a slightly more medicinal flavor in culinary applications. For baking and cooking, true English lavender such as Munstead is generally preferred. ‘Grosso’ is excellent for sachets, dried arrangements, and fragrance — and can be used culinarily in small quantities.

What lavenders pair well with ‘Grosso’?
Hidcote Blue Lavender blooms earlier and provides back-to-back color when planted alongside ‘Grosso’. Munstead Lavender is a compact early bloomer that works beautifully as a low edging in front of a ‘Grosso’ mass planting — covering earlier bloom times while ‘Grosso’ provides the peak midsummer fragrance display.

Related Collections

• Lavender Plants
• Fragrant Plants
• Drought Tolerant Plants
• Pollinator Garden Plants
• Herb Plants
• Xeriscape Landscape Plants