Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Twickel Purple Lavender: A Heritage Cultivar with Big Fragrance
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Twickel Purple lavender has been around since before 1922, and it has held on for a good reason: the fragrance. Its vibrant violet flowers are described as very fragrant, and the foliage is aromatic too. The plant is erect but somewhat sprawling, spreading into a wide, bushy evergreen shrub with gray-green leaves and long flower stems that fan outward.
It is listed here as an English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia 'Twickel Purple'. Like other heritage cultivars it has a tangled naming history in reference books, but in the garden it is simply a generous, sweet-scented lavender that rewards a little extra room.
Twickel Purple at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula angustifolia 'Twickel Purple' |
| Flower color | Vibrant violet |
| Foliage | Gray-green, aromatic, evergreen |
| Size | About 30 inches tall and 39 inches wide |
| Stems and spikes | Stems to about 16 inches; loose spikes about 4 inches |
| Bloom | Starts mid-June, runs into late summer, peaking mid-August; moderate rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5a to 8b |
| Fragrance | Exceptional |
What sets it apart
Fragrance strength is listed as exceptional, the top of the scale. Pair that with long stems, about 16 inches, and loose four-inch spikes, and Twickel Purple becomes a natural for fresh bouquets, dried bundles and anything where scent matters. Its cut-flower and dried-flower ratings are both excellent, and pollinators rate it excellent as well.
The spreading, fan-shaped habit is part of its charm. Stems arch outward around the plant like a fountain, which looks lovely spilling over the edge of a raised bed or softening a stone path.
Giving it room
At about 30 inches tall and nearly 40 inches wide, Twickel Purple needs more space than a typical English lavender. Plant it three to three and a half feet from its neighbors, and keep it a step back from walkways so the arching stems do not brush every passerby (unless that is the idea, in which case, enjoy).
Full sun and fast drainage are essential. On clay, plant on a raised bed or mound with grit worked in, and use gravel rather than bark mulch near the crown.
Care through the year
- First season: water deeply whenever the top few inches dry. After that, water needs are low.
- Bloom season: flowering starts in mid-June and can run into late summer. Cut as you need stems.
- After the main bloom: shear spent stems and shape the plant, taking a little of the leafy growth so the center does not open up. Do not cut into bare wood.
- Winter: it carries a hardy H5 rating in the UK system and needs winter chill to bloom. Good drainage matters more than covering.
Use the Pruning Calendar to time your cuts.
Harvesting
For dried bundles and sachets, cut when the buds are fully colored and only a few flowers are open. For fresh bouquets, wait until a few more flowers have opened for the best scent in the room. Cut low on the stem to capture the full length. Its culinary rating is great, like most English lavenders; for cooking, use buds from food-grown plants and go easy, since a very fragrant lavender can be strong in a recipe.
Choosing a plant size
It is offered as 3-inch plugs, 4-inch pots and 1-gallon pots. See the product page for current sizes and availability, and use Notify Me there if the size you want is not ready.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Twickel Purple?
It is a heritage cultivar documented from before 1922.
Why does it look floppy?
Its habit is naturally erect but somewhat sprawling, with stems that fan outward. Lean soil, full sun and shearing after bloom keep it tidy.
Is it a good bouquet lavender?
Yes. Long stems, exceptional fragrance and an excellent cut-flower rating make it one of the better choices for arrangements.
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