Lavender is perhaps the archetypal Mediterranean plant with its wonderful aroma and distinctive flowers. The hallmark of the Mediterranean climate is its long, hot but very dry summer that is in stark contrast to the humidity and rainfall that is the norm along much of Australia’s east coast. Australian plant breeder John Robb was motivated by the poor performance of many lavender varieties in coastal NSW to breed a host of new ones that would be more reliable.
The result is two series of lavenders that are a superb addition to any garden. The ‘Bee Series’ are more typical of what is known as ‘Spanish Lavender’ (Lavandula stoechas ssp pedunculata)). The new addition to the Bee Series this year is ‘Bee Romantic’. This great new variety grows to around a metre with stunning dark pink flowers topped by deep pink wings with an upright, tidy growth habit.
The second range, the ‘Bella Series’, is more typical of what is known as ‘Italian Lavender’ (Lavandula stoechas ssp stoechas). The new addition to the Bella Series this year is ‘Bella Blue’. This outstanding variety is very compact, producing masses of flowers throughout the year. Flowers have light purple/blue wings and deep purple flowers.
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