L.Angustifolia “Sachet”

'Sachet' is a popular cultivar of English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), prized for its strong fragrance and beautiful dark purple flowers. Here's a deep dive into its characteristics, uses, and growing requirements:

Key Characteristics of 'Sachet' Lavender:

* Type: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), known for its sweet scent and suitability for culinary and aromatic uses.

* Fragrance: Extremely sweet-smelling, often considered one of the most prominent and desirable lavender scents.

* Flower Color: Lovely dark purple, which holds its color well, especially when dried.

* Size: Typically grows to be 18-24 inches (about 45-60 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (about 45-60 cm) wide, sometimes up to 28 inches (70 cm) tall. It has a compact, rounded growth habit.

* Foliage: Narrow, silver-green to gray foliage that turns to a hardened gray in summer after new spring growth.

* Bloom Time: Primarily blooms in early spring to early summer (June-July), lasting about 3-4 weeks. It can often have a second flush of blooms in August or September, though not as spectacular as the first.

* Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 5-8. It can struggle with intense heat in Zone 8, benefiting from some afternoon shade in hotter areas. It's relatively cold-tolerant for an English lavender.

* Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.

* Evergreen: Yes, it maintains its foliage year-round in suitable climates.

Growing Conditions:

* Sunlight: Requires full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It thrives in Mediterranean-like climates with hot, dry summers.

* Soil: Crucially, 'Sachet' lavender needs well-drained soil. It prefers sandy, slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. Avoid heavy clay soils, as poor drainage is the leading cause of root rot and plant death. If your soil is heavy, amend it with builder's sand (not regular sand with clay, which can create concrete) or grow in raised beds or containers.

* Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water young plants regularly until established, then reduce watering. Water mature plants every 2-3 weeks until buds form, then once or twice weekly until harvest. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering.

* Air Circulation: Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues, especially in humid conditions.

* Pruning: After the first bloom, trimming and shaping the plant helps maintain its form and can encourage a second bloom. After the second year, prune once or twice a year, cutting back about a third of its foliage to maintain shape and encourage new growth, preventing woodiness.

* Winter Care: In colder zones (like zone 5), 'Sachet' lavender undergoes dormancy. Do not prune or cover plants extensively in winter. A light layer of leaves around the base can provide some warmth. If growing in containers in very cold areas, you can bring them indoors to a cool, sunny room for the winter.

Uses:

* Culinary: 'Sachet' is a preferred variety for culinary use due to its sweet and prominent fragrance.

* Aromatic/Crafts: Highly valued for its strong scent, making it ideal for:

* Sachets: The namesake use! Excellent for freshening drawers, closets, cars, and gifts.

* Potpourris: Adds a beautiful and long-lasting aroma.

* Essential Oils: Its high oil content contributes to its strong fragrance.

* Dried Flowers: The dark purple flowers retain their color well when dried, making them great for arrangements and crafts.

* Ornamental: A beautiful addition to gardens, borders, rock gardens, and containers. Its silver-green foliage and vibrant purple blooms provide year-round interest.

* Pollinator Attractor: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.

* Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid lavender.

Similar Cultivars:

If you are looking for similar English lavender varieties with dark purple flowers and good growth habits, you might consider 'Hidcote' or 'Royal Purple'.

'Sachet' lavender is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a highly fragrant and versatile English lavender that performs well in a range of climates within its hardiness zones, provided its basic needs for sun and drainage are met.