The cultivar ‘Meerlo Lavender’ (Lavandula x allardii ‘Meerlo’) is a hybrid cross between French lavender (L. dentata) and Spike lavender (L. latifolia). This specific hybrid combines the best attributes of both parent species. Its popularity stems from its unique leaf coloration, which provides year-round interest, and its robust performance across a range of growing conditions that challenge more traditional lavender varieties. The plant offers an upright, shrub-like form, maturing to a compact size that fits well into diverse garden settings.
The Distinct Variegated Foliage and Scent
The primary appeal of ‘Meerlo Lavender’ is its variegated foliage, an uncommon trait among the Lavandula genus. Each narrow, pale gray-green leaf is distinctly edged with a creamy-yellow or near-white margin, creating a bright contrast that makes the plant stand out even when not in bloom. This stable variegation provides visual interest throughout the year, differentiating it from the standard solid-colored leaves of many other lavender types. The leaves are slightly serrated, inheriting this characteristic from its French lavender parent, Lavandula dentata.
The foliage possesses a highly concentrated oil content, resulting in a strong, clean, and aromatic scent. This fragrance is released easily when the leaves are brushed or crushed, making the plant useful for dried materials like potpourri. In mid-summer, the plant produces pale blue to purple-blue flowers on long, wiry stems held upright above the foliage. While the blooms are attractive, the patterned, fragrant leaves remain the cultivar’s main ornamental feature.
Essential Cultivation Requirements
To maximize coloring and robust growth, ‘Meerlo Lavender’ requires specific cultivation practices centered on light, drainage, and pruning. The plant thrives best in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to maintain its compact shape and intense variegation. While it can tolerate partial shade, insufficient light will cause the stems to stretch and the variegation to become less pronounced.
Optimal soil conditions are important for the health of this hybrid. It demands a very well-draining substrate, such as a sandy, loamy, or chalky mixture; heavy clay soils should be avoided or amended significantly. Excellent drainage prevents the root rot that lavenders are prone to. The plant generally prefers poor, less fertile soil, meaning little supplemental fertilizer is necessary. Once established, water needs are minimal; deep, infrequent watering is the preferred method, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between applications.
Pruning is a necessary maintenance task to keep the subshrub dense and prevent it from becoming woody and leggy. The best time for pruning is lightly after the main flowering period in summer. Gardeners should aim to shape the plant and remove spent flower stalks. It is important to avoid cutting back into the old, leafless, woody stems; trimming only the soft, green growth will encourage fresh, bushy growth.
Landscape Placement and Environmental Resilience
‘Meerlo Lavender’ demonstrates environmental toughness, making it a reliable choice for challenging garden locations. This hybrid is particularly tolerant of heat and humidity, a trait that sets it apart from many Lavandula varieties that struggle in moist, warm conditions. It is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 9 through 10, tolerating temperatures down to approximately 23°F, making it suitable for warmer climates where it often remains evergreen.
The plant’s compact dimensions, typically reaching two to three feet in both height and width, make it versatile for various landscape applications. It performs well as a low hedge, a border planting, or a specimen plant in a rock garden. Its tolerance for restricted root space also makes it suitable for long-term container gardening, provided the pot has excellent drainage. The high concentration of aromatic oils in the leaves renders the plant naturally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.