downderry - where lavender comes to life

nursery catalogue

Downderry’s National Plant Collections® of Lavender and Rosemary are designated by Plant Heritage, a registered charity which seeks to

conserve, document, promote and make available Britain and Ireland’s

rich biodiversity of garden plants for the benefit of everyone through horticulture, education and science. To find out more

visit www.nccpg.com.

downderrySet within the peaceful beauty of a

walled garden, nestling in an Area of Special Landscape Significance in the

Garden of England, Downderry is home to the world’s only Scientific National

Plant Collection® of Lavender.

Opening times 1st May-31st October 2010, 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and

Bank Holidays or visit us virtually atwww.downderry-nursery.co.uk

E info@downderry-nursery.co.uk

T 01732 810081 F 01732 811398

8 Very Hardy Lavender (-15ºC to -25ºC) Traditional and Evocative

22 Hardy Lavender (-10ºC to -15ºC) Velvet Lavender

24 Frost Hardy Lavenders (-5ºC to -10ºC) Flamboyant Beauties

30 Half-hardy Lavenders (0ºC to -5ºC) The Toothed Variety

32 Tender Lavenders (5ºC to 0ºC The Exotically Beautiful

3 Welcome

4 Events

5 Lavender - an introduction

5 Parts of a Lavender

6 Hardy Lavender Selection Table

7 Flowering Times

7 Plant list

©Dr S J Charlesworth. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, electronically, mechanically, by

photocopying, or recording, without prior permission of the author.

All images copyright Dr S J Charlesworth.

Downderry Nursery Ltd., Pillar Box Lane, Hadlow, Tonbridge, Kent. TN11 9SW

Company Registration No.: 5412877. Registered in Cardiff.

Director: Dr S J Charlesworth

34 Lavender Care

36 Lavender Use

37 Terms of Business (including post and packing rates)

38 How to find us

39 Eateries and places to visit

contents

welcometo our new catalogue

Welcome to our, seriously seductive, beautiful, informative and innovative lavender catalogue. This is the definitive guide to buying these evocative plants and a booklet to treasure.

We hope you enjoy browsing for your first lavender or adding something to your collection. Treat yourself or others to these wonderful plants.

We’ve distilled this stunning range of lavenders from over 350 species and cultivars in our expanding Scientific National Plant Collection®.We’re privileged and chuffed to bits that the collection achieved scientific status in 2009 and is the only one of its type in the world.

We carry the most diverse genetic pool of lavenders on earth, maintaining the planets biodiversity. Just as well as the UN has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity.

This catalogue provides a taster to the increasing range available from our website. Online you can find lavender goodies and rosemary plants too.

Downderry is the country’s premier lavender nursery yet remains a small company dedicated to offering unrivalled choice and expertise, so if you wish to find the right lavender for your situation we’re qualified and happy to help. Just call or email. You’ll be assured of a personal service.

As an extra assurance when buying from us you’ll be pleased to know that we propagate over 95% of all the plants we sell, guarantee our lavenders are true to type and never raise cultivars (named varieties) from seed, as that makes them inherently variable.

Regards

Simon and Dawn Charlesworth, & team

3

eventsSHOWS FOR 2010RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 25th-29th May. Stand GPD/8. Grand Pavilion.RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. 6th-11th July. Stand FM32. Floral Marquee and Plant Heritage Marquee.

LAVENDER WEEKEND26th-27th June. A popular weekend with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, in a heavenly location.Small charge for tours on each day to include distillation and light refreshments. Tour times on each day are 11am, 2pm, 3.30pm.

TALKSIllustrated talks are given to garden clubs and societies, WIs and other groups at their venue. We also accept group bookings for day or evening tours of the nursery. Call 01732 810081 for more details. Simon gives about 40 talks a year - so book early!

SUMMER TOURSThere are tours of the nursery and field at 3pm on July 18th, 25th August 1st, 8th, 22nd and 30th.Each tour lasts about an hour and includes:A talk on the great diversity of lavenders – you’ll be amazed!Demonstration lavender distillationA look behind the scenes at how we grow, show and breed lavenders.Call 01732 810081 for booking and prices. Group bookings are welcome for the above dates or on other occasions.

THE LAVENDER BAGThe Lavender Bag is a superb publication, available twice a year for all lavender enthusiasts, with contributions from all corners of the world. For more details send an SAE to Joan Head (DOW), 6 Church Gate, Clipston-on-the-Wolds, Keyworth, Nottingham. NG12 5PA

4

xangustifolia/ intermedia pedunculata/stoechas/dentata

fertile bract

apical orsterile bract

corollacalyx

peduncle

floral or fertile bract

spike

corolla

bracteole

calyx

whorl

peduncle

spike

parts of a lavender

lavender - an introductionThe genus Lavandula belongs to the family of plants known as Lamiacae (which means ‘lipped’ and refers to the lip-shaped flowers). It consists of about 39 species native to the Atlantic Islands, India, the Mediterranean region, Middle East, North Africa and West Asia. The name is derived from the Latin lavare meaning ‘to wash’. Lavenders are favoured for their scent and evergreen foliage whether planted as hedges or as specimens. They have a long and illustrious history of uses, both medicinally and decoratively.

NAMINGThere is a complex and confusing history in the naming of lavender species and cultivars (named varieties). This is particularly true when referring to any lavenders as spica, a term that different botanical and horticultural authorities in the past have applied to angustifolia, latifolia and x intermedia, on separate occasions. The resulting confusion led to the name spica becoming a nomen utique rejiciendum (name certainly rejected). It is now, or at least should be, completely redundant.

Referring to lavenders as English, French, Spanish, etc. is equally confusing, none of which are strictly true and all of which are best avoided. The Romans are believed to have introduced lavender to England, but there’s no evidence of live lavender plants in any part of the UK until the 13th Century. Thus there are no lavenders native to the UK. The common use of the terms French Lavender and Spanish Lavender, although often misapplied, has regrettably necessitated their inclusion in this catalogue where appropriate.

5

cm inch colourDARK PURPLE/BLUE MID PURPLE/BLUE PALE PURPLE/BLUE PINK WHITE

Up to 45 Up to 18 Peter Pan p15Thumbelina Leigh p16

Lavenite Petite p12Loddon Blue p13Miss Muffet p14

Lady Ann p12Little Lottie p13

Nana Alba p14

46-55 19-22 Backhouse Purple p9Hidcote p11Richard Gray p23

angustifolia p9Compacta p11

Ashdown Forest p9 Hidcote Pink p12

56-70 23-27 Betty’s Blue p10Imperial Gem p12Nana Atropurpurea p14Royal Velvet p16Gorgeous p23Sawyers p23

Beechwood Blue p9Folgate p11Maillette p13Melissa Lilac p13No. 9 p15

Blue Ice p10Cedar Blue p10

Miss Katherine p14Rosea p15St Jean p16

Blue Mountain White p10

71-80 28-32 Elizabeth p11Royal Purple p15Twickel Purple p16Gros Bleu p19Grosso p20

Abrialii p19 Fragrant Memories p19 Edelweiss p19

>80 >32 Impress Purple p20 Hidcote Giant p20Seal p21

Old English p20Provence p21Sussex p21Walberton’s Silver Edge p21

hardy lavender selection table For plant spacing see page p34

6

plant listWe’ve arranged the plant list in order of hardiness, with the tough stuff first and the tenders last. Details are based on our experience. We’re in SE England on a moderate clay loam with a pH of 7.0. We’ve added pea single/10mm grit at the rate of about 40kg /m2 to improve drainage and rotovated to a depth of around 30cm (12in). All the very hardy and hardy lavenders are planted in the ground, while the frost hardy lavenders are in troughs. Half-hardy and tender lavenders are in the ground and treated like annuals, but with backups inside for the winter!

All heights are approximate and are based on 12 year old plants, pruned as explained under Lavender Care. Plants may be more vigorous on

EU PVR – European Union Plant Variety Rights apply. Propagation prohibited except under license.

subsp. – subspecies.

var. – varietas (botanical variety).

lighter soils so allow for a 10% deviation on height and spread either way according to conditions.

All plants vary slightly in their characteristics according to soil, site, weather and climate.

ABBREVIATIONS

- AGM logo – Royal Horticultural Society of Garden Merit. This award requires a plant to be excellent for garden decoration, available from nurseries and with a good constitution. Plants must not require specialist care, be susceptible to pest or disease or be subject to reversion. The last lavender trials ended in 2002. Some of the lavenders in this catalogue were not available for inclusion in the trials, but may be of equal merit.

hardy lavender flowering times

MID JUNE - EARLY JULYAshdown ForestCedar BlueCompactaFolgateLavenite PetiteMelissa Lilac

LATE JUNE - MID JULY EARLY JULY - LATE JULY MID JULY - EARLY AUG LATE JULY - MID AUG EARLY AUG - LATE SEPangustifoliaBackhouse PurpleBeechwood BlueBlue IceHidcoteHidcote PinkImperial GemLady AnnLittle Lottie

MailletteMiss KatherineMiss MuffetNo. 9Nana AlbaNana AtropurpureaPeter PanRoseaSt JeanThumbelina Leigh

Betty’s BlueBlue Mountain WhiteElizabethGorgeousLoddon BlueRichard GrayRoyal PurpleRoyal VelvetTwickel PurpleSawyers

Hidcote GiantImpress PurpleSealSussex

AbrialiiEdelweissGros BleuGrossoProvenceWalberton’s Silver Edge

Fragrant MemoriesOld English

As observed on our display beds

7

very hardy lavender - angustifoliashort, traditional and evocative

These consistently popular tough lavenders are the most reliable and effective for the border or for hedging. Their unsurpassed scent and colour are evocative of the warm, lazy days of summer. Hardy to at least -15°C, they will cope with anything the British weather throws at them. They fall into two groups, True Lavender (angustifolia) and Lavandin (x intermedia). We offer a mouthwatering range of each.

angustifolia subspecies angustifolia* (True Lavender)Typically True Lavender has a compact habit and is narrow-leaved, to which the epithet angustifolia refers. The foliage is green-grey or grey-green and forms about half the height of the bush. It has short flower stalks and short cylindrical flowerheads. The flowers appear in June and July and have a rich sweet scent. In our olfactory experience the paler forms tend to have the stronger scent. This is the most popular species grown in England for oil extraction, yielding high quality, low camphor oils used in expensive perfumes and

aromatherapy. The richly coloured cultivars are excellent for colouring pot-pourri and for bunching (drying on the stalk).

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Central and south-west Europe.

*Commonly and sensibly referred to as angustifolia, although there is also an angustifolia subspecies pyrenaica, which is not available for sale.

Top Tip:Prune angustifolia as soon as the

flowers fade and by mid-August

at the latest.

8

angustifoliaThis selection is typical of the angustifolia species. A bushy plant with mid-purple flowers and less uniformity of flowering than named cultivars. An ideal lavender for historical planting schemes as it typifies angustifolia before selected named cultivars became available. Green-grey foliage.

90cm (36in)

60cm(24in)

‘Backhouse Purple’The earliest named dark purple cultivar first introduced in 1888. A good scent for a dark flowered lavender. Green-grey foliage. Makes a superb dense hedge.UK selection and introduction 1888. (10% of all sales of this lavender will be donated to Plant Heritage - conserving our garden plants).

65cm (26in)

50cm(20in)

£2.50

£3.00

‘Ashdown Forest’A marvellous, very bushy pale purple flowered lavender from a magical garden in Winnie-the-Pooh country. This highly scented lavender is ideal for a low hedge looking great in the green and exceptional in flower. Green-grey foliage.UK selection and introduction 1980s.

75cm (30in)

50cm(20in)

‘Beechwood Blue’ A lavender with a colour to die for! Rich purple-blue flowers with a sweet scent. Grey-green foliage.UK selection and introduction 1920s.

90cm (36in)

60cm(24in)

£2.50

£2.75

Heritage Plant

9

‘Betty’s Blue’A stunning, vibrant lavender with very uniform flowering and stiff erect stems that do not splay. The flowers have a soft sweet scent. Green-grey foliage. Good for drying.USA selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2005.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

‘Blue Mountain White’A rare and lovely lavender with pure white flowers and pale green-grey foliage. The flowers have a lingering scent.NZ selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2002.

80cm (32in)

60cm(24in)

£2.75

£2.75

‘Blue Ice’A gorgeously ghostly lavender with the palest blue flowers and calyces we’ve ever seen. A great complement for the darker cultivars. The flowers have a pleasant scent. Grey-green foliage.UK selection and introduction by Downderry 2003.EU PVR Grant No. 21996.

75cm (30in)

60cm(24in)

‘Cedar Blue’A handsome, pale-flowered lavender, slightly taller than ‘Ashdown Forest’. The dense foliage is topped with quite strongly scented flowers. Green-grey foliage.UK selection and introduction 1994.

90cm (36in)

60cm(24in)

£2.75

£2.50

10

‘Compacta’Steely-purple flowers and distinctly shaped grey-green foliage. The leaves seem to clasp the stems. The flowers have a sweet and lingering fragrance. Great for a dense hedge.USA selection. UK introduction 1913.

70cm (28in)

55cm(22in)

‘Folgate’A little known, but outstanding lavender, with a bluer hue than most. It makes a superb chunky hedge of mid-purple-blue flowers which are mildly aromatic. Grey-green foliage.UK selection and introduction early 1900s.

90cm (36in)

60cm(24in)

£2.50

£2.50

‘Elizabeth’A superb angustifolia with large fragrant spikes of dark purple flowers above grey foliage. Good for dry bunches.Jersey selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2007.EU PVR Application No. 2009/2524.

100cm (39in)

75cm(30in)

‘Hidcote’ The most famous of lavender and deservedly so in many respects. Deliciously dark purple flowers with grey-green foliage – greyer than most angustifolia cultivars. This is the real one, vegetatively propagated from the original plants. Beware of impostors!UK selection and introduction before 1958.

70cm (28in)

50cm(20in)

£2.75

£2.50

11

‘Hidcote Pink’This sweetly fragranced, very pale pink lavender looks fantastic with ‘Hidcote’. Grey-green foliage. The leaves are greyer and narrower, and flowers lighter, than ‘Rosea’.UK selection and introduction before 1957.

70cm (28in)

50cm(20in)

‘Lady Ann’A lovely little lavender with masses of mildly scented pale pink flowers. Grey-green foliage, that’s slightly greyer than ‘Little Lottie’.UK selection and introduction 2001.

60cm (24in)

40cm(15in)

£2.50

£2.75

‘Imperial Gem’Very similar to ‘Hidcote’, but with a slightly more silvery-grey foliage and chunkier habit. Dark purple mildly scented flowers.UK selection and introduction 1980s.

80cm (32in)

60cm(24in)

‘Lavenite Petite’A very tidy mid-purple flowered lavender. Wonderful pom-pom flowers (although sometimes cylindrical) and an erect habit. Grey-green foliage.NZ selection. UK introduction 2003.EU PVR Grant No. 13410.

55cm (22in)

35cm(14in)

£2.50

£3.00

12

LITTLE LOTTIE = ‘Clarmo’A bright little lavender with quite fragrant pink flowers. Green-grey foliage that’s greener than ‘Lady Ann’.UK selection and introduction 1998.

65cm (26in)

40cm(15in)

‘Maillette’The queen of angustifolia lavenders for oil production. Long mid-purple flowers above grey-green foliage. Very highly scented.French selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2000.

90cm (36in)

60cm(24in)

£2.75

£2.75

‘Loddon Blue’An excellent short hedging lavender with fragrant mid-purple-blue flowers above grey-green foliage.UK selection and introduction 1959.

70cm (28in)

45cm(18in)

‘Melissa Lilac’A real marshmallow of a lavender with beautiful furry calyces and powder purple, mildly scented flowers. So mouthwatering you feel you could eat it, so sumptuous you feel you could sleep on it! Broad grey-green foliage. NZ selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2003. EU PVR Grant No. 21995.

80cm (32in)

60cm(24in)

£2.75

£2.75

13

‘Miss Katherine’The darkest pink lavender available. Star shaped markings on the flowers when they first open. The flowers are quite fragrant. Grey-green foliage.UK selection and introduction 1992.EU PVR Grant No. 0600.

80cm (32in)

60cm(24in)

‘Nana Alba’A wonderful little strongly scented white lavender with green-grey foliage.UK selection and introduction before 1930.

65cm (26in)

40cm(15in)

£2.75

£2.75

MISS MUFFET = ‘Scholmis’A really compact little plant with faintly scented mid-purple flowers. Grey-green foliage.UK selection and introduction 1990.

50cm (20in)

30cm(12in)

‘Nana Atropurpurea’An early dark purple flowered cultivar with a liquid, flowing movement in a summer breeze. The flowers, borne above green-grey foliage, have a delicate scent. UK selection and introduction before 1950. (10% of all sales of this lavender will be donated to Plant Heritage – conserving our garden plants).

90cm (36in)

60cm(24in)

£3.00

£3.00

Heritage Plant

14

‘No. 9’A very floriferous and neat lavender that makes a neat hedge. An early cultivar used in oil production, with clear purple-blue flowers and a fairly strong scent.USA selection. UK introduction before 1960.

70cm (28in)

60cm(24in)

‘Rosea’Brilliant green foliage in spring makes this sweetly scented pale pink lavender distinctive. Green-grey foliage. The foliage is much greener than ‘Hidcote Pink’.UK selection and introduction before 1937.

70cm (28in)

60cm(24in)

£2.75

£2.50

‘Peter Pan’An astonishing little dark purple lavender that makes a smashing hedge. Grey-green foliage. The flowers are the same colour as ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Imperial Gem’, but slightly stubbier and stems shorter.UK selection and introduction 1990s.

80cm (32in)

45cm(18in)

‘Royal Purple’A gorgeous variety with long fragrant purple flowers. Tall for an angustiolia. The flowers are widely spaced on the spike giving the bush a wispy, fluid appearance in a summer breeze. Green-grey foliage.UK selection and introduction 1944.

90cm (36in)

75cm(30in)

£2.75

£2.75

15

‘Royal Velvet’The latest flowering angustifolia available often just coming into bloom when others are over. The rich dark purple-blue flowers are well-fragranced for a dark lavender and are bluer than ‘Hidcote’. Grey-green foliage.USA selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2005.

80cm (32in)

60cm(24in)

‘Thumbelina Leigh’An absolute winner. Very short with rich dark purple flowers. Perfect for a really compact hedge or to edge a border. Green-grey foliage. Destined to become very popular!NZ selection. UK introduction 2007.EU PVR Grant No. 21998.

40cm (15in)

30cm(12in)

£3.00

£3.00

‘St. Jean’The longest pale pink flowers of all pink angustifolia. Grey-green foliage. The best pink choice to complement ‘Royal Purple’ or ‘Twickel Purple’.French selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2006.

80cm (32in)

60cm(24in)

‘Twickel Purple’The real one makes a welcome return. Long purple flowers with an excellent fragrance above green-grey foliage. Similar to ‘Royal Purple’, but with a more relaxed habit!. The name derives from Kasteel Twickel (Twickel Castle) in Holland.Dutch selection. UK introduction 1922.

100cm (39in)

75cm(30in)

£2.75

£2.75

16

17

x intermedia (Lavandin)tall, traditional and evocative

A sterile hybrid of angustifolia subspecies angustifolia and latifolia (Spike Lavender). The name intermedia just means ‘between’ and although the common name for the hybrid is Lavandin they are usually, if rather confusingly, referred to as lavender. Lavandins generally have a narrow base and upright habit. Leaves are usually grey-green and are broader than those of angustifolia.

Typically the foliage forms about a third of the height of the bush. The flower stalks are long, forming two-thirds of the height of the bush and most have lateral flowering shoots. In common with many plant hybrids Lavandins are more vigorous than True Lavenders.

Flower heads are conical and are strongly scented, mildly camphoraceous and appear during July and August, although some continue into autumn.

This is the most popular species grown for oil extraction, higher yielding than angustifolia, but producing lower quality camphoraceous

oils, used in cheaper perfumes, soaps, cosmetics and detergents. Widely used for drying off the stalk and stripped as grains for scenting pot-pourri.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: France, Italy, Spain.

Top Tip:Prune x intermedia as soon as the

flowers fade and by early autumn

at the latest.

18

‘Abrialii’A dainty x intermedia. With masses of strongly scented mid-purple flowers above grey-green foliage. Widely grown for oil until the introduction of the higher yielding cultivar ‘Grosso’.French selection. UK introduction 1997.

120cm (48in)

75cm(30in)

‘Fragrant Memories’A bushier and shorter form of the widely grown Dutch lavender. Similar silver-grey foliage and very late flowering with a terrifically strong scent. Dutch Group (90cm) and Lullingstone Castle (100cm) available on request.UK selection and introduction 1994.

140cm (55in)

75cm(30in)

£2.50

£2.50

‘Edelweiss’A splendid x intermedia forming a perfect sphere of strongly fragrant white flowers above green-grey foliage. ‘Edelweiss’ makes a stunning specimen feature.European selection. UK introduction before 1992.

160cm (63in)

75cm(30in)

‘Gros Bleu’The lavender many have been waiting for – tall, dark and handsome! The dark purple flowers are akin to ‘Hidcote’ and the frequently branched flowering stems gives this lavender great presence. Grey-green foliage. Wonderful for bunching, with a mild scent.French selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2003.

120cm (48in)

75cm(30in)

£2.50

£2.75

19

‘Grosso’An amazingly profuse and very aromatic purple-flowering lavender. The most widely grown in the world for oil production. Large conical heads above grey-green foliage. A chunkier version of ‘Abrialii’.French selection. UK introduction 1990.

160cm (63in)

75cm(30in)

‘Impress Purple’An impressive lavender, with great presence, forming a billowing pillow of rich purple, sweetly fragrant flowers. Green-grey foliage.The flower colour falls between ‘Gros Bleu’ and ‘Grosso’.NZ selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2000.

160cm (63in)

90cm(36in)

£2.50

£2.50

‘Hidcote Giant’Distinctive, bushy purple, sweetly fragrant flowers on stout stems, which makes for a great cut flower. Grey-green foliage.UK selection and introduction before 1957.

160cm (63in)

75cm(30in)

‘Old English’A truly heavenly lavender with pale purple flowers, a strong pleasant scent and broad green-grey foliage. Typical cottage garden appeal. Lost in the UK for many years until we unearthed it in New Zealand and brought it home!UK selection and introduction 1930s.

145cm (57in)

100cm(39in)

£2.75

£2.50

20

‘Provence’ NEWThis lavender conjures up a real feeling of Provence, despite coming from Canada! Pale purple flowers with a very fragrant, sweetly floral scent, appear above quite vibrant green foliage (for a x intermedia).Canadian selection. UK introduction 2007.

160cm (63in)

100cm(39in)

‘Sussex’This sweetly fragranced, pale purple flowered lavender has the longest flowers of any hardy lavender. Stunning when planted en masse. One of the earliest flowering x intermedia.French selection. UK introduction by Downderry 1999.

150cm (60in)

90cm(36in)

£3.00

£2.50

‘Seal’A superb large, bushy lavender with a fine display of clear blue-purple softly scented flowers above handsome green-grey foliage. ‘Seal’ looks like a super sized angustifolia.UK selection and introduction 1930s.

160cm (63in)

10cm(39in)

WALBERTON’S SILVER EDGE = ‘Walvera’A variegated lavender – amazing! Pale purple flowers atop the green-grey leaves with cream margins. A good foil for the darker flowered short lavenders.UK selection and introduction 1999.

110cm (43in)

75cm(30in)

£2.50

£2.75

21

hardy lavender - x chaytoraethe velvet lavenders

A hybrid of angustifolia and lanata (Woolly Lavender). The name x chaytorae is derived from Dorothy Chaytor who wrote a monograph on lavender in 1937. Hardy to about -10°C they are not quite as tough as the angustifolia and x intermedia lavenders due to the woolly foliage inherited from lanata, but these soft silver lovelies are so very attractive and richly scented.

Their soft silvery-grey foliage provides a marvellous contrast with the strongly-scented purple flowers which appear from late June to late July. They also complement the greener foliaged angustifolia cultivars.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Known only from cultivation.

Top Tip:Great for a really dry bed.

22

‘Gorgeous’As the name suggests, with the richest and darkest purple flowers from this crop of crosses. The flowers are sweetly aromatic.UK selection and introduction by Downderry 2003.

100cm (39in)

70cm(28in)

‘Sawyers’An outstanding tall form, with large conical, bushy, purple and sweetly aromatic flowers.UK selection and introduction 1980s.

120cm (48in)

70cm(28in)

£2.75

£2.75

‘Richard Gray’An exceptional lavender with purple, cylindrical, sweetly aromatic flowers and a compact habit.UK selection and introduction 1980s.

80cm (32in)

50cm(20in)

£2.75

23

frost-hardy lavenderthe flamboyant beauties

These are some of the most spectacular lavenders. The flowers all have ‘ears’ on top. These ‘ears’ are apical or sterile bracts and so have no flowers at their base, unlike the rest of the flower head. The flowers have a gentle, sweet honeyed scent that is easily masked by the very pungent camphoraceous foliage. Thanks to milder winters in the UK these lavenders are more widely grown. Happy to -5°C and below that for a few successive days. Very sharp drainage is crucial for survival through wet and snowy winters. Crisp dry winters are much better. Deadhead through the season for almost continuous flowering from May to September. Plant as specimens or in small groups rather than large swathes. There are many different series of these ‘eared’ lavenders - Barcelona, Bee, Madrid and Ruffles series. We’ve selected what we believe to be the best of these flamboyant beauties.

pedunculata subsp. pedunculataCommonly referred to as Spanish or Butterfly Lavender. The name pedunculata refers to

the long flower stem or peduncle, which the stoechas below don’t have. These are about the toughest of the frost hardy lavenders.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Spain, Portugal.

stoechas subsp. stoechasCommonly referred to as French Lavender. These lavenders are always found on acid soil in the wild so avoid chalky soil.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Mediterranean Basin.

Top Tip:Prune after the first flowering and

deadhead thereafter for repeat

flowering.

viridisCommonly referred to as Green Lavender. These are pretty vigorous and set loads of seed.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: South Portugal, south-west Spain.

The HybridsCrosses of two or more of the three species above. The hybrids often exhibit greater vigour and rich foliage scents. If grown in pots these will need feeding to maintain healthy growth and large blooms.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Known only from cultivation.

24

pedunculata subsp. pedunculataA graceful upright lavender. The long flower stalks are topped with purple flowers and beautiful, long magenta ‘ears’ that look magical fluttering in a summer’s breeze. They have very narrow pale green foliage.

75cm (30in)

75cm(30in)

‘Night of Passion’An extremely dark purple stoechas with a compact habit and a seriously seductive name! Great in a pot.Prefers acid soil.UK selection and introduction by Downderry 2008.

45cm (18in)

45cm(18in)

£2.50

£2.75

stoechas subsp. stoechasA compact lavender with rich purple flowers and short ‘ears’ on very short flower stalks. Good in a pot. Probably the first lavender to be used for its medicinal properties and oil (circa AD60), although not widely used today. Prefers acid soil.

45cm (18in)

45cm(18in)

‘With Love’A stunning, vibrant cerise-crimson flowered lavender with long, broad pale pink ‘ears’. Strictly speaking this is half-hardy, surviving only in a sunny, sheltered position in very well-drained soil, or pop in a pot! Prefers acid soil. Australian selection. UK introduction 2008.EU PVR Application No. 2007/1772.

45cm (18in)

45cm(18in)

£2.50

£3.00

25

forma leucantha(White French Lavender) A tidy rotund habit with masses of white flowers. Great in a pot. Prefers acid soil.

45cm (18in)

45cm(18in)

‘Ballerina’A brilliant bicolour hybrid, aptly named. The purple flowers are topped with white ‘ears’ that flush to pink with age. A vigorous plant with an upright habit. Excellent repeat flowering.NZ selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2003.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

£2.50

£2.75

viridisDistinctly different, with amazing yellow-green flowers and ‘ears’. Vibrant green foliage with a very pungent aroma, particularly when bruised.

70cm (28in)

60cm(24in)

‘Fathead’A distinctive hybrid with masses of long lasting, very plump, dark purple flowers, fading to pink with age. Slightly spreading habit.UK selection and introduction by Downderry 1997.

45cm (18in)

45cm(18in)

£2.50

£2.50

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‘Flaming Purple’A beautiful purple flowered and purple ‘eared’ (rather than the magenta of pedunculata) lavender. One of our own hand pollinated hybrids. The bracts are flame-like, licking the air, flickering in a summer breeze. Narrow pale green foliage.Bred and introduced by Downderry 2009.

75cm (30in)

75cm(30in)

‘Pretty Polly’ NEWA beautiful, well-behaved lavender. Very neat and tidy with lovely rich purple flowers topped with yellow-white ‘ears’ and a wonderfully sweetly scented foliage.Jersey selection. UK introduction 2007.EU PVR Application No. 2009/2523.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

£2.75

£3.00

‘Helmsdale’A densely foliaged and compact hybrid with burgundy-purple flower heads and blue florets.NZ selection. UK introduction 1995.EU PVR Grant No. 6538.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

‘Regal Splendour’A luxuriant, purple-crimson flowered hybrid with a neat habit. The ‘ears’ look like slivers of velvet. Foliage is sweetly scented. If older flowers are left to fade they look iridescent in the heart of the bush as the new flowers rise above in their rich colour.NZ selection. UK introduction 2001. EU PVR Grant No. 11301.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

£2.75

£2.75

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‘Tiara’ NEWA regal lavender with purple flowers and multi ‘eared’ greenish yellow ‘tiara’ above. Great contrast of flower and ‘ears’.NZ selection. UK introduction 2007.EU PVR Application No. 2006/0889.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

‘Whero Iti’Simply stunning! Distinctive reddish-crimson flowers above narrow green leaves. ‘Whero Iti’ means ‘Little Red’ in Maori.NZ selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2005.

50cm (20in)

50cm(20in)

£3.00

£2.75

‘Van Gogh’Subtle powder-purple flowers rise above green scented foliage. Mellower than ‘Pretty Polly’ and ‘Tiara’, with a spreading habit.NZ selection. UK introduction by Downderry 2003.

80cm (32in)

60cm(24in)

‘Willow Vale’A lovely hybrid with pale purple crinkly ‘ears’ above purple flowers. An upright habit. One of the toughest hybrids.Australian selection. UK introduction 1994.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

£2.75

£2.50

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half-hardy lavenderthe toothed variety

An interesting range of toothed lavenders that thrive outside if given just a little protection to keep them above 0°C. A dry bed at the base of a sheltered south facing wall is often sufficient. We offer lavenders from one species dentata and one hybrid x ginginsii (lanata x dentata).Try something different!

dentata (Fringed Lavender)These derive their name from the toothed (dentate) leaves which have a richly aromatic lavender-rosemary scent. Pale flowers with their little tuft of ‘ears’ appear throughout the summer and beyond if given the right conditions.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, south-west Asia, Arabian Peninsula.

x ginginsii (lanata x dentata)The name derives from Baron Frédéric Charles Jean Gingins de la Sarraz who wrote ‘Natural history of the lavenders’ in 1826, the first of its

type. The plant inherits the soft silver foliage of lanata and the dentate foliage of denata.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Known only from cultivation.

Top Tip:Grow in a dry, sheltered position

for success.

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dentata var. dentata ‘Dusky Maiden’Wonderfully bushy and compact with masses of dusky purple flowers. One of the toughest dentata.UK selection and introduction by Downderry 2001.

60cm (24in)

50cm(20in)

dentata forma roseaA delightful pale pink flowered dentata with an upright habit and very green foliage.UK introduction by Downderry 2003.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

£3.00

£3.00

dentata var. candicansA stunningly attractive, soft, silver leaved dentata with downy pale purple flowers.UK introduction 1980s.

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

x ginginsii ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’A remarkable, long-flowering bushy lavender. Very long electric blue flowers from June to September and beyond, with protection. Broad, toothed and velvet foliage.USA selection. UK introduction 1997.

75cm (30in)

75cm(30in)

£3.00

£3.00

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tender lavenderthe exotically beautiful

These are from a group of lavenders known as Pterostoechas and include some of the most delicate lavenders. Their spectacular flowers can be enjoyed all year round if grown in pots and moved in for the winter. They make a delightful display outside from May to October, but need to be brought in before the first frosts and kept warm at around 5°C. Alternatively treat them as annuals.

All have unscented spiralling trident flower heads on each long flower stalk. Most have unusually scented, lacy (pinnate) foliage and a spreading, but upright habit. Deadhead regularly to keep the blooms coming. Saving seed is a good policy. If planted close to each other the seedling can be of mixed parentage. The hybrids are sterile.

We offer two species and two hybrids. Top Tip:Gather them in before the frosts

begin.

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canariensis subsp. canariensisA breathtakingly beautiful lavender. The intense violet-blue flowers rising on long stalks above vibrant fresh green foliage are an astonishing sight in summer.NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Tenerife.

80cm (32in)

60cm(24in)

minutolii var. minutoliiA very attractive lavender with deliciously sweetly-scented foliage. The green-grey felt-like foliage has deeply cut arrowhead-shaped leaves, topped with blue-violet flowers on stout stems.UK introduction by Downderry 1997.NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Gran Canaria

60cm (24in)

60cm(24in)

£3.00

£3.00

x christianaThis vigorous hybrid has the most enormous violet-blue flowers rising on long stems above grey-green filigree foliage. (Often mistakenly sold as pinnata).UK introduction by Downderry 1998.NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Known only from cultivation.

80cm (32in)

75cm(30in)

‘Sky’A beautiful, vigorous hybrid with sky-blue flowers rising on long stems above lush green filigree foliage.UK introduction by Downderry 2005.NATURAL DISTRIBUTION: Known only from cultivation.

80cm (32in)

75cm(30in)

£3.00

£3.00

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lavender careIn summary, lavender requires just three things – full sun, well-drained soil and a jolly good prune…..at the right time!

SOILSoil needs to be neutral to alkaline, although the stoechas needs acid soil. If you want to grow anything, but these on an acid soil then add some lime to raise the pH. About a handful per square metre/yard should do. In heavy soil add grit to improve drainage and plant on a slight mound. Wet soil in winter is anathema to lavender and it’s wet soil rather than a light frost that’ll usually kill frost hardy and half-hardy lavenders.

SITEPlant lavender in a sunny position or at least where they are in the sun for most of the day. Don’t grow them under leaf canopies. Many can be grown in pots (see below).

SPACINGFor informal plantings we recommend 45-90cm (18-36in) between plants. For hedging, lavenders reaching 60cm (24in) are best planted 30-40cm (12-15in) apart and those growing taller are best planted 45cm (18in) apart. For a formal hedge use one cultivar – the effect is stunning! All angustifolia and x intermedia lavenders make fine hedges. If planting in a block then about 9 plants per square metre/yard is sufficient. Staggered planting will produce the best fit when plants are fully grown.

PLANTING IN THE GARDENEnsure the soil and site are as described above. Moisten the plant compost, but don’t waterlog. Dig a hole as deep as the pot, add a dusting of bone meal to the hole and the soil removed

HARVESTINGTo use lavender for drying and pot-pourri, harvest in full coloured bud, just before the flowers emerge. Hang upside down in bunches in a dry dark room. Use an elastic band to secure the stems as the stems shrink as they dry. Flower heads will turn from purple to blue as they dry. Handle bunches carefully once dry as they’re prone to shed. They are in an ideal condition to strip the grains and pop into lavender bags or pot-pourri.

OVERWINTERINGTender, half-hardy and the more delicate frost hardy lavenders in pots can be given protection in light, well ventilated conditions. They’ll suffer in still, moist air. These plants will need very little water from November to February. Wait until the pots are noticeably light before watering on the compost, never over the plant.

PRUNINGWe field more enquiries about pruning than any other and it’s a very important task that demands a strong constitution. Generally, the harder lavenders are pruned the longer they’ll last, but different treatment is required according to hardiness (see below).

VERY HARDY AND HARDY LAVENDERSThese normally flower just once. Ignore any weaker second flush. To keep these lavenders really under control don’t wuss about above the foliage, but cut mature bushes back to just 22cm (9in) immediately after flowering….they love it! A third into the foliage is a general rule whatever their age. If there’s a good smattering of small shoots visible below where

from it and lightly mix in. Fill the hole with water and allow to drain away. Place the plant in the hole ensuring that the top of the compost is just below the level of the surrounding soil. Fill in and lightly firm. In dry conditions water the soil around the plant, but don’t over water. It’s easier to add water than to dry out the soil! Be attentive for about two weeks, especially if the weather is dry. If you wish to mulch, use gravel – it reflects light under the plants, improving growth and looks right with lavenders, unlike bark.

PLANTING IN POTSAny lavender can be grown in pots. Use a mix of one third each of soilless compost, soil based compost (e.g. John Innes No.3) and coarse grit, to provide the right texture and body. To feed pop in some slow release fertilizer to feed all season, but top up with liquid feed when the plants are flowering. They will need watering on the compost, never overhead, in the summer, but little from autumn to spring. Be aware that the stoechas lavenders make loads of fibrous roots and will need re-potting annually.

WATERINGThis should be unnecessary for plants in the ground after establishment, but essential for potted plants (see above).

FEEDINGLittle feeding is required, although a sprinkling of rock potash around the base of plants in spring will perk them up if they’re flagging. Don’t add manure or a high nitrogen feed as your lavenders will grow very sappy, flower less and flop open.

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you cut they’ll grow strongly even from old wood, but don’t cut the old wood if it’s thicker than a pencil. Pruning severely if there are no shoots may kill your lavender! If pruned at the correct time re-growth in early autumn should leave your lavenders overwintering as lovely leafy hummocks. The only exception to this pruning regime are the very late flowering x intermedia. With these remove the flower stems after flowering and prune into the foliage when the sap’s up in the spring. These lavenders may last 20 years.

You can even try to save that old gnarled lavender that has an arm’s length of bare wood topped with a mass of growth. Prune to within a hand’s width of the bare wood to see if this encourages sprouting further down the plant. If it does sprout, then when you next prune do the same again, until you can’t see the ground beneath the foliage. Of course if it doesn’t sprout after the first prune put it on the bonfire and enjoy its last lingering smoky perfume……and then buy some more!

FROST HARDY LAVENDERSTypically these have ‘ears’ and because they have a succession of flowering from early summer to autumn it’s difficult to know when to take the plunge. Either reduce the height by a third of the foliage after the first flowering and enjoy a second flowering in August and then trim stems off at the end of August. Alternatively just dead head as the flowers go over through the season and trim to remove any late flowers and stems at the end of August. These lavenders may last 5 years.

HALF HARDY AND TENDER LAVENDERSThese are the toothed and three-headed exotics that flower almost continuously given the right conditions, so there never seems to be an opportunity to get out the secateurs! Generally, dead-head throughout flowering and prune to shape in autumn if they’re brought under cover immediately afterwards. Keep compost dry after pruning with just an occasional light watering, increasing as plants flush. These lavenders may last 3-5 years….so try some cuttings or save seed.

HARDY LAVENDER PRUNINGMid-August for angustifolia and early September for x intermedia.

Leave small shoots below where you cut.

Day of pruning.

Four to six weeks later, lovely leafy hummocks. End of September.

Comparison of pruned and unpruned.

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lavender useCULINARYLavender has long been used for its distinct culinary qualities and this is a growing trend with more adventurous cooking and cosmopolitan tastes. All our lavenders can be used for culinary purposes, although some are more preferable than others.

Individual flowers, and on stoechas lavender the ‘ears’, can be used to decorate salads and cold desserts. Use fresh flowers as the colours are more vibrant and they’re not shrivelled.

The calyces or grains are the main lavender ingredient in recipes. They have a strong flavour in their raw state, so should be used sparingly. Once cooked the flavour mellows. Use in ice cream, biscuits, scones, cakes, conserves and many savoury dishes. Lavender honey is a must!

Lavender can be used in place of rosemary where that herb is commonly used.

MEDICINALLavender is one of the most highly prized plants for medicinal use. It is well known as an antiseptic and anaesthetic and is fantastic for relieving anxiety and stress. A few drops of oil on a pillow will help with sleep. Lavender is commonly and increasingly used as an oil in aromatherapy. It is great as a massage oil when mixed with a carrier oil for relieving muscular tension and rheumatic pain. Lavender oil can be used to soothe burns, insect bites and stings.

DECORATIVEDried lavender is used in bunches, bags and pot-pourri for its scent and as a moth and insect repellent. Around the house dried lavender is better than any canned or plug-in air freshener for getting rid of nasty niffs and giving an air of calm – and being real lavender it smells better too!It almost goes without saying that lavender is well known in perfumery.

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terms of businessPLEASE READ CAREFULLY

PLANT SIZEOur plants are sold in 9cm (3½in) pots as culinary herbs.The plants are about 7-10cm (3-4in) high when despatched.

DISCOUNT5% on 50-99 plants10% on 100-149 plants15% on 150-249 plants20% on 250 plants or more

PAYMENTStrictly payment with order before despatch. Debit cards (Maestro or Delta) or credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) are preferred, but we also accept cheques and limit cheques (i.e. don’t complete the amount, just write ‘Not to exceed £…..s’ across the bottom) or postal orders. Cheques should be made payable to Downderry Nursery Ltd. If payment is received with an order it will not be processed until we have notified you that your order is ready.

AVAILABILITYAll plants are offered subject to availability. We endeavour to fulfil orders swiftly, but due to demand some plants may be sold out. Early ordering is essential! There may be delays in June and July when shows and the retail nursery take precedence. Customers requiring large quantities should ‘phone or email before placing an order as plants may need to be grown to order. Generally, plants are available from April to October. We don’t recommend planting stoechas lavender after September as

POST AND PACKING RATES FOR MAINLAND UK ONLY

Quantity Cost1-10 £6.5011-25 £9.0026-40 £12.0041-100 £15.00Over 100 £18.00

We welcome international orders for which post and packing charges are by arrangement.

Placing an order signifies acceptance of these terms.

This catalogue supersedes all previous editions.

Downderry Nursery Ltd.,Pillar Box Lane,Hadlow,Tonbridge,Kent.TN11 9SWT 01732 810081F 01732 811398E info@downderry-nursery.co.ukwww.downderry-nursery.co.uk

Company Registration No.: 5412877. Registered in Cardiff. Director: Dr S J Charlesworth.

they struggle to establish before the weather deteriorates. No substitutes will be made unless specific instructions are given on the order form. Orders are compiled in strict rotation. Acceptance of orders does not guarantee supply. Customers have the right to cancel at any time.

PLANT QUALITYEvery effort is made to ensure plants are despatched in good condition, true to name and pest and disease free, but are sold without warranty. No liability is accepted for any consequential problems after inspection on arrival, although any complaints are dealt with on their own merits. Liability is limited to the purchase price of the plants.

TRANSITPlants are sent by next day carrier (signature required). Smaller orders may be sent by First Class Royal Mail. If your plants do not arrive on the day we specify or are damaged in transit, report this to us and the carrier immediately on the due delivery date by ‘phone , fax or email and confirm it in writing. We cannot accept responsibility if we’re not notified on that day.

POST AND PACKINGPlants are mailed in cardboard boxes, packed fairly tightly on their sides in newspaper to stop them moving about. Despite some compost spillage this is a far better method than plastic bubble packing with its humidity problems. On receipt open the box and stand up the plants. Within 48 hours they should expand to their normal shape. Each different lavender variety has a descriptive label.

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M25

J5

M26

M20

M20J2A

A20

A20

J4

A21

SEVENOAKS MAIDSTONE

TONBRIDGE

Hadlow

A21A26

A26

A228

A26

A228

A227

B2016

ROYALTUNBRIDGEWELLS

DUNKSGREEN

Roughway Lane

Hamptons Rd Park Rd

DOWNDERRYNURSERY

Gover Hill

Carpenters Lane

Pillar Box Lane

WESTPECKHAM

Forge Lane

Ashes Lane

HadlowCollege

HADLOW

Common Rd

A26

Ma

tth

ew

sLa

ne

Oxe

nhoa

thRd

how to find usDIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTHExit M20 at J4. Take A228 towards Tonbridge for 4.5 miles, then A26 for 3.2 miles. Just before Hadlow turn right….....

DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTHTake A26 from Tonbridge through Hadlow. After long straight out of village turn left……..

then

at ‘Downderry Lavender’ brown tourist sign into Common Road, then follow small brown tourist signs with red rosettes with the word ‘Downderry’ beside, taking the 3rd right after 1.6 miles into Park Road and then 1st right into Pillar Box Lane.

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local eateries and places to visitEATERIESTimes shown when food is served.

The Kentish Rifleman01732 810727Dunks Green Rd, Dunks Green TN11 9RUwww.thekentishrifleman.co.ukCountry PubMon-Sat 12-2, Sun 12-3

The Swan on the Green01622 812271The Green, West Peckham ME18 5JWwww.the-swan-on-the-green.co.uk MicrobreweryMon-Sat 12-2, Sun 12-3

The Carpenters Arms01732 850307Three Elms Lane, Tonbridge TN11 0ADwww.carpentersarms.netGastro PubEvery day 12-9

The Harrow01732 850386Maidstone Rd, Hadlow TN11 0HPShepherd Neame chainMon-Sat 11 onwards, Sun 12 onwards.

PLACES TO VISITWithin 15 minutes.

Broadview Gardens0500 551434Hadlow College. TN11 0ALwww.hadlow.ac.ukLate March-End Oct. Wed-Sun 10-5Also has a tea room!

Great Comp Garden and Dyson’s Nurseries (Salvia Specialist)01732 886154Comp Lane, Platt, Borough Green, Sevenoaks.TN15 8QSwww.greatcomp.co.uk1st April-31st Oct daily.Also has a tea room!

Ightham Mote01732 811145Mote Road, Sevenoaks. TN15 0NTwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote13th March-31st October 11-5also has a restaurant!

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Opening times 1st May-31st October 2010, 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holidays or visit us virtually at www.downderry-nursery.co.uk

E info@downderry-nursery.co.uk T 01732 810081 F 01732 811398

Pillar Box Lane, Hadlow, Tonbridge, Kent. TN11 9SW

Opening times 1st May-31st October 2010, 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holidays or visit us virtually at www.downderry-nursery.co.uk

E info@downderry-nursery.co.uk T 01732 810081 F 01732 811398

Pillar Box Lane, Hadlow, Tonbridge, Kent. TN11 9SW