Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Larkman Hazel Lavender: A Big Spring Bloomer with Butterfly Roots
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Larkman Hazel lavender is a hybrid with one known parent: Lavandula pedunculata, the butterfly lavender, crossed with an unidentified lavender. You can see that heritage in its flowers, which carry the dark violet-purple color and showy look of the butterfly group. It grows into a substantial mound of gray-green foliage about 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
Its signature is timing. Larkman Hazel blooms profusely in spring, starting in early May, then comes back with a moderate rebloom in fall.
Larkman Hazel at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula hybrid 'Larkman Hazel' |
| Parentage | L. pedunculata crossed with an unidentified lavender |
| Flower color | Dark violet-purple |
| Foliage | Gray-green |
| Size | About 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early May, peaks mid-May, moderate fall rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 7a to 9b |
| Fragrance | Moderate; sweet lavender with fresh camphor notes |
A lavender for spring, not just summer
Most lavender color in a northern garden arrives in late June and July. Larkman Hazel shifts the calendar earlier, with its main show in May. That makes it a useful partner for spring bulbs and early perennials in a container display, and a welcome early nectar source; it is rated great for pollinators. Cut it back lightly after the spring flush and it will reward you with a second, smaller round in fall.
Its fragrance blends sweet lavender with fresh camphor notes, a profile people often describe as clean and bright. Culinary use is not recommended, so think of it as a garden and fragrance plant.
Growing a large hybrid in a cold climate
Rated for zones 7a to 9b, Larkman Hazel will not reliably come through a Michigan winter in the ground. You have two practical options:
- Big container: a 16 to 20 inch pot with gritty mix and drainage holes. Wheel it into a cool, bright, frost-free space for winter.
- Annual planting: set it out after frost in your sunniest, best-drained spot and enjoy a summer of growth and a fall bloom.
Either way, water deeply and infrequently, feed lightly and avoid wet mulch against the stems. If you are unsure of your zone, the USDA Zone Finder will tell you.
Pruning for shape and rebloom
After the spring flush fades, trim spent flower stems back to the foliage and lightly shape the mound. Avoid cutting into bare, leafless wood, which may not resprout. A second light trim after the fall flowers keeps the plant compact for its winter indoors. For overwintered plants, wait until new growth shows in spring before any shaping cuts.
Cutting and drying
Larkman Hazel rates good for both fresh and dried flowers. Cut when the heads are fully colored. The dark violet holds well when dried quickly in a dark, airy spot, and stems make attractive small bundles.
It is offered as a 3-inch plug, a 4-inch pot or a 1-gallon pot. Because the plant grows large, a gallon gives you a head start in a container. See the product page for current sizes and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is Larkman Hazel a Spanish lavender?
It is a hybrid. One parent is butterfly lavender, L. pedunculata, which is closely related to Spanish lavender, so the flowers have a similar showy style.
Why is it described as compact if it grows to 30 inches?
Compact describes its dense, mounding habit rather than its size. It fills out evenly instead of sprawling.
When does it bloom?
Mainly in May, starting early in the month, with a moderate rebloom in fall.
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