L.Angustifolia “Melissa”

Lavandula angustifolia 'Melissa', often simply called Melissa Lavender, is a charming cultivar of English lavender, prized for its unique flower color and delightful fragrance. Here's a description of its key characteristics:

Appearance:

* Flowers: Its most distinguishing feature is its blooms, which are typically soft pink to pale lilac, sometimes appearing almost white with a blush of pink. They emerge on medium to large spikes, creating a beautiful contrast against the foliage. Some descriptions note that the flowers may start white and mature to pink.

* Foliage: It has the classic aromatic, gray-green narrow leaves typical of English lavender. This evergreen foliage forms a compact, bushy mound.

* Size: 'Melissa' is a compact variety, generally growing to about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and wide, making it suitable for various garden spaces, including containers.

Fragrance and Uses:

* Scent: It's known for its delicate, sweet scent, which is often described as milder than some other lavender varieties.

* Culinary: The flowers of 'Melissa' are often highlighted for their mild and delicate flavor, making them a popular choice for culinary applications like baked goods, teas, and savory dishes.

* Aromatherapy: Like other Lavandula angustifolia varieties, its essential oil is valued in aromatherapy for its calming and stress-relieving properties.

* Ornamental: It's an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers, adding a subtle and elegant touch with its unique color.

* Pollinators: Its fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.

In essence, Lavandula angustifolia 'Melissa' is a lovely and versatile lavender cultivar that offers a softer color palette than the traditional purple, while retaining all the beloved qualities of English lavender, including its delightful fragrance and culinary uses.