Phenomenal Lavender: A Fragrant, Low-Maintenance Showstopper for Atlanta-Area Gardens

Lavandula × intermedia ‘Phenomenal’—widely known as Phenomenal Lavender, is a garden treasure that offers exceptional fragrance, striking beauty, and remarkable adaptability to the heat and humidity of the American South. For home gardeners in Zone 7, especially the Atlanta Metro area, this hardy lavender is one of the few varieties that can thrive when given the right conditions. However, it’s not like other plants, and its success hinges on soil drainage and strict watering discipline.

Lavender isn’t just a fragrant garden staple, it’s also a versatile star in the kitchen and floral design. As a cut flower, lavender adds a soft, elegant touch to bouquets and dries beautifully for long-lasting arrangements, wreaths, and sachets. Its aromatic blooms hold their scent for months when dried properly. In the culinary world, lavender is used to add a subtle floral note to ice creams, baked goods, teas, and even savory dishes. Just a pinch of finely ground, pesticide-free lavender buds can transform a simple vanilla ice cream or shortbread into something unexpectedly luxurious and aromatic, offering a truly sensory experience from garden to table.

We’re excited to announce that Chestatee Farms will have Phenomenal Lavender available in Fall 2025for just $9 each in 1-gallon containers—ideal for transplanting just before winter to give your plants a strong head start for the next growing season.

Origin of Phenomenal Lavender

Phenomenal Lavender is a hybrid lavender (Lavandula × intermedia), the result of crossing English lavender (L. angustifolia) with Portuguese lavender (L. latifolia). Bred by Lloyd Traven of Peace Tree Farm in Pennsylvania, this cultivar was selected for its cold hardiness, humidity resistance, and resilient structure, making it ideal for climates that challenge typical lavenders. Since its release in 2012, it has become one of the most sought-after varieties in the U.S, especially in areas with both high summer heat and humidity.

🌿 Why Lavender Is Not Like Other Plants

Unlike many ornamentals and herbs, lavender is native to the dry, rocky slopes of the Mediterranean, where rainfall is sparse, soils are loose, and humidity is low. It is naturally adapted to lean, fast-draining soiland will struggle—even die—if grown in rich, moisture-retaining soils like the clay found throughout much of Georgia.

The most common mistake gardeners make with lavender is overwatering. This is especially dangerous because lavender roots are prone to root rot, a fungal disease caused by soggy soil. Even occasional overwatering or extended rainfall can suffocate roots and lead to yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the plant.

The key to thriving lavender is to treat it less like a flower and more like a succulent. Give it bright sun, poor soil, and little water, and it will reward you with longevity, fragrance, and blooms.

Growing Phenomenal Lavender in Zone 7 (Atlanta Metro)

Sunlight

• Requires full sun, at least 6–8 hours daily.

• Without enough light, plants will become leggy and flower poorly.

Soil

Lavender needs quick-drying soil—moisture should pass through it rapidly after rain or irrigation.

To create ideal lavender soil for inground planting, mix:

• 50% native soil (if not pure clay)

• 25% coarse sand

• 25% perlite or crushed granite

This mixture replicates the natural conditions lavender thrives in and protects the roots from staying wet. If your garden has heavy clay, consider planting in mounds or raised beds, or grow lavender in containers.

pH Preference

• Lavender prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils: pH 6.5 to 7.5

• If your soil is acidic, add a handful of garden lime at planting time.

Watering

Water deeply but infrequently, especially during the first 6–8 weeks after planting.

• Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant.

• Water only when the top 2–3 inches of soil are bone dry.

• In containers, ensure pots are completely dry before rewatering.

Overwatering is the #1 killer of lavender, especially in humid Southern summers. Always err on the side of underwatering.

📏 Size, Bloom Time & Harvest

• Mature Height: 24–32 inches

• Mature Spread: 24–36 inches

• Bloom Period: Mid-June through August; occasional light fall rebloom

• Foliage: Evergreen in mild winters, with silver-gray color

✂️ Harvesting Tips

• Cut flower stalks just before full bloom to preserve oil content.

• Harvest in the early morning, when aromatic compounds are most potent.

• Hang small bundles upside-down to dry in a shaded, breezy spot.

• Use dried lavender for potpourri, teas, sachets, salves, and more.

Pests and Diseases

Pests

Lavender has natural pest resistance, but young plants may attract:

• Aphids

• Whiteflies

• Spittlebugs

Organic Controls

• Spray with castile soap + water (1 tsp soap per quart water)

• Use OMRI-listed insecticidal soaps

• Apply kaolin clay (Surround WP) to deter feeding

• Invite beneficial insects by planting dill, alyssum, and yarrow nearby

Diseases

The main disease threat is root rot, caused by overwatering or compacted soil.

Other potential issues include:

• Botrytis (gray mold)

• Fungal leaf spots

• Powdery mildew (rare in full sun)

Natural Disease Management

• Spray with 1:10 hydrogen peroxide + water as a preventative

• Use liquid copper fungicides sparingly (4 tsp. per gallon water sprayed on the entire plant)

• Improve air circulation with proper spacing (2–3 feet apart)

• Avoid overhead watering

Growing in Containers

Phenomenal Lavender thrives in containers—ideal for small spaces and decks where soil may be too rich or moist.

Best Containers:

• Material: Terra cotta, ceramic, or concrete (dries quickly)

• Size: At least 12–14 inches wide and deep

• Must have excellent drainage holes

🌱 Soil Mix for Pots:

• 50% high-quality potting mix (no moisture retainers and not topsoil)

• 25% coarse sand

• 25% perlite or fine gravel

• Add 1 tbsp lime per gallon of mix to boost pH

🛢️ Watering in Containers:

• Water only when soil is dry 2 inches down

• Containers should never sit in saucers of water

🌳 In-Ground Planting Tips

If planting directly into Georgia soil:

• Build a mound 8–12 inches high if drainage is poor

• Backfill with amended fast-draining soil

• Space plants 2–3 feet apart

• Do not mulch directly around the base—leave a 2-inch gap to prevent crown rot

Companion Plants for Lavender

Phenomenal Lavender pairs well with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants that prefer dry feet.

Companion	Benefits
Yarrow	Attracts pollinators, tolerates heat
Rosemary	Similar care needs and aroma synergy
Thyme	Groundcover that conserves soil moisture
Echinacea	Blooms complement lavender's color and form
Sage	Medicinal herb with similar soil preference
Ornamental grasses	Contrast in shape and motion

Avoid pairing with water-loving plants like hostas or impatiens.

Available Fall 2025 — Only $9

Chestatee Farms is proud to offer Phenomenal Lavender starting Fall 2025 in 1-gallon containers for just $9. This is the perfect time to plant lavender in the Atlanta area, as the roots will establish over winter and explode with growth and blooms in spring and summer 2026.

Quantities will be limited—reserve yours early!

🌺 A Low-Maintenance Marvel

Whether you're planting in containers, borders, raised beds, or herb gardens, Phenomenal Lavender offers a hardy, fragrant, pollinator-friendly solution that demands less water, less fuss, and more enjoyment. Just remember: quick-draining soil, full sun, and dry feet are the keys to success.