Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Gros Bleu Lavender: Exceptionally Long Stems of Deep Violet
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Gros Bleu lavender is an erect lavandin known for one standout trait: exceptionally long flowering stems, documented at around 31 inches, each topped with a deep violet-purple spike about 3 inches long. The plant itself grows about 3 feet tall and wide, with green foliage and an upright habit.
For anyone who makes dried bundles, wreaths or tall arrangements, stems like that are the whole point. It rates excellent for drying and for oil.
Gros Bleu at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula × intermedia 'Gros Bleu' |
| Parentage | L. angustifolia × L. latifolia |
| Flowers | Deep violet-purple spikes, about 3.1 inches long |
| Stems | Exceptionally long, about 31.5 inches |
| Foliage | Green |
| Mature size | About 36 inches tall and 36 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks mid-July, single flush |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5a to 9a |
Why stem length matters
Short-stemmed lavender is fine for sachets, but for bundles, wreaths, wands and tall vases, length is everything. Long stems let you tie generous bunches with plenty of room for ribbon, and they stand up in floor vases and big arrangements. Gros Bleu's dried flower rating is excellent, and its deep color holds up well as it dries. Fresh cutting rates good.
Its scent is described as sweetly fragrant, with moderate overall strength, which suits it to dried decor where you want lavender color and a gentle aroma rather than an overwhelming one.
Planting and site
- Sun: full sun. Long stems stay straighter with strong light.
- Soil: lean and well drained. Rich soil makes stems soft and floppy.
- Spacing: about 36 inches between plants; wider rows for harvest access.
- Wind: a site with some shelter helps keep tall stems upright in summer storms.
Gros Bleu needs a winter chill to flower well. Note that its range tops out at zone 9a. Check yours with the USDA Zone Finder.
Harvesting for drying
Cut stems when the buds are fully colored and only the first few flowers have opened; this keeps the spike tight and the color deep. Cut long, close to the foliage, and bundle 50 to 100 stems with a rubber band that tightens as they shrink. Hang upside down in a dark, dry, airy space for a week or two. The Harvest Calendar can help with timing.
Lavandin rates good for culinary use, though its camphor is stronger than English lavender, so use it lightly in food if at all.
Pruning
After harvest, shear the plant into a rounded mound, leaving a few inches of green growth above the woody base. Finish by early fall so the plant can harden off. Annual pruning keeps it dense and productive.
Plants, plugs and trays
Gros Bleu is offered as 3-inch plugs, 4-inch pots and 1-gallon pots for home gardens, and as 72-cell and deep 20-cell plug trays for growers planting rows. See each product page for current sizes and availability, or the Wholesale Hub for tray orders.
Frequently asked questions
How long are Gros Bleu stems really?
They are documented at about 31.5 inches, which is exceptionally long for lavender. Actual length varies with soil, sun and plant age.
Is Gros Bleu strongly scented?
Its fragrance is sweet, with moderate strength. It is grown more for its stems, color and oil than for a knockout perfume.
Does it rebloom?
Rebloom is low. Plan on one main harvest.
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