Lavender 'Rosea' (Lavandula angustifolia) - fragrant honey-producing perennial - 11 cm pot - Height 25 cm

Lavandula angustifolia 'Rosea' is one of the hardiest lavender species. It easily withstands temperatures down to around -15°C, provided the soil is well-drained. In mainland France, including cold-winter regions such as the Grand Est or Auvergne, Rosea lavender overwinters in the ground without any special winter protection. The main threat is not the cold itself but the combination of frost and moisture: soil that retains water around the crown can cause root rot.

Lavandula rosea stands out from classic lavenders with its soft, luminous pink flowers, halfway between white and the usual mauve. The flower spikes rise above the silvery foliage from July to August, depending on the region and exposure. This pastel shade is a valuable addition to the garden because it contrasts with the dominant purple of other Lavandula angustifolia and pairs easily with roses, salvias, or perennial geraniums. Like all true lavenders, its flowers are highly fragrant and produce nectar enjoyed by bees, bumblebees, and butterflies.

Yes, Rosa Lavandula grows very well in a pot or planter on a terrace or balcony that receives plenty of sunlight. Choose a container at least 20 to 25 cm in diameter with effective drainage at the bottom. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of potting soil and coarse sand or expanded clay pellets, to prevent water from pooling around the base. When grown in a pot, water sparingly: allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. Place the pot in the sunniest spot on your terrace, where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Pink Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Rosea') lends itself to beautiful color combinations. Its pale pink contrasts elegantly with dark purple-flowered lavenders such as 'Hidcote' or more subtly with 'Munstead', creating a very natural shade of pinks and mauves. For a Mediterranean border, pair it with common sage, rosemary, silver-grey santolina, or thyme, plants that share the same preferences for dry, sunny soil. With prairie perennials such as yellow yarrow or pink coneflower, it creates a wild and melliferous scene.

Lavandula rosea is a compact to medium-sized plant. At maturity, it forms a beautiful rounded cushion d'about 40 to 60 cm high with a similar diameter, including the flower spikes. Its growth is considered moderate: allow two to three seasons to obtain a well-formed and full plant. The plants delivered in 11 cm pots already measure 15 to 25 cm and are ready to b'e planted in the ground or in a larger pot.

Pruning is a key step to keep the Pink Rosea lavender vigorous and well-shaped over time. Carry out the main pruning just after flowering, in August or early September, by cutting off the faded flower spikes and trimming back the foliage by about a third. This pruning prevents the plant from becoming bare at the base and falling over with the years. It is imperative never to cut into old woody growth without leaves: unlike many shrubs, Lavandula angustifolia does not regrow from dead wood.

Lavandula rosea is 'one of the most popular nectar-producing plants for pollinators. Its nectar- and pollen-rich pink tubular flowers attract large numbers of honeybees and wild bees, bumblebees, and many butterfly species, such as the red admiral and the swallowtail. 'It 'is one of the reasons why beekeepers traditionally plant lavender near their hives. Flowering in midsummer, a time when many other perennials are often out of bloom, it provides a valuable food source for pollinating wildlife.