Exceptional™ Lavender

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

24-32 Inches

Mature Spread

24-30 Inches

Growing Zones

5 to 9

Exceptional™ Lavender stands out for its crisp white flower spikes, a rare look in a plant most shoppers expect to bloom purple. Growing about 30 to 32 inches tall and just as wide, it forms a rounded, substantial clump that brings fragrance and structure without feeling stiff. Lavandula x intermedia 'Exceptional' also carries the toughness that made its breeding line famous, with better tolerance for heat, humidity, drought, and winter cold than many older lavenders. We have found the white flowers especially useful when a garden needs the scent and texture of lavender without adding another purple note.

This introduced hybrid is evergreen to semi-evergreen in warmer parts of its range, with silvery green foliage and long stems that hold well for fresh cuts and dried bundles. Its strong root system and noted resistance to common leaf and root issues give it a longer, steadier garden presence than less adaptable lavender selections. The fragrant blooms attract bees and butterflies from midsummer into fall, and the pale flower color shows up beautifully at dusk or against dark mulch and stone. Use Exceptional™ in gravel gardens, herb plantings, low hedges, patio containers, or along walks where the scent can be noticed as you pass.

Exceptional™ Lavender Care

Plant Exceptional™ Lavender in full sun and in sharply drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Sandy, gravelly, or lean soils are ideal, while heavy clay should be amended before planting. Good drainage is non-negotiable, especially through winter.

Water newly planted lavender until it settles in, then let the soil dry well between soakings. Once established, this plant handles dry conditions with ease and usually needs extra water only during extended hot spells or while setting buds in very dry ground. Fertilizer is rarely needed, and rich soil can lead to loose growth and fewer flowers.

Trim plants in spring once new growth begins, shaping lightly without cutting into old woody stems that may not leaf back out. After the main bloom, shear off spent flower stalks to keep the mound tidy and encourage a later flush. In colder zone 5 gardens, gravel mulch around the crown helps shed winter moisture better than bark or compost.

Exceptional™ Lavender Spacing

Space Exceptional™ Lavender about 30 to 32 inches apart for individual mounds, or a bit closer when planting a low hedge that will grow together over time. Choose a container at least 18 to 20 inches wide with fast-draining potting mix, and keep companion choices on the dry side. In the landscape, pair this lavender with rosemary and thyme for a long-season planting with contrasting flower form, fragrance, and similar sun needs. In containers, combine it with euphorbia and lantana for a bright, heat-ready mix that will not compete with lavender’s preference for drier roots.

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