Lavender

English Lavender is a large Mediterranean shrub, up to 1.8m (6ft) high, growing wild on dry, sun-baked hillsides. Numerous forms and hybrids have been selected for gardens, most of them much more compact and enjoying full sun, warmth and very good drainage. 'Imperial Gem' is a compact bushy variety, similar to 'Hidcote' but much more prolific in flower, as the dense grey bushes are covered in tight spikes of rich purple blooms. It is an excellent form for hedging and as a specimen evergreen for borders and formal gardens.