Fred Boutin Lavender is a French-style intermediate lavender that brings together the best of both worlds: stunning violet-blue blooms and the hardiness to thrive across zones 5 through 10. Developed in Southern California and released in 1984, this evergreen cultivar grows to a mature height of 30 to 36 inches when in full bloom, with the woody, silver-leaved base reaching about 18 inches and the flower spikes adding another 18 inches each summer. While not as intensely fragrant as some lavender varieties, it still delivers that signature heady scent that makes lavender so compelling in the garden. Its combination of heritage pedigree, disease resistance, and proven performance in hot climates makes it a natural choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and reliability.
Full Sun
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5-10
36in H x ?in W
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High
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Originally released in 1984 from Southern California breeding, Fred Boutin Lavender carries real pedigree in the world of intermediate lavenders. The plant's structure is particularly elegant: a compact evergreen woody base topped with generous violet-blue flower spikes that bloom reliably from July through September. This cultivar's moderate fragrance is deceptive in its appeal; it's not the knockout punch of some varieties, but rather a refined, heady presence that works beautifully in dried arrangements and as a pollinator magnet without overwhelming nearby plantings.
Fred Boutin Lavender serves multiple purposes in the garden and home. As a bee-friendly, pollinator-attracting plant, it brings living activity to summer gardens throughout July, August, and September. The flower spikes dry beautifully for crafts, arrangements, and sachets. Its disease resistance and proven performance in hot climates make it particularly valuable for gardeners in warmer regions who want reliable lavender without the fussiness of more tender varieties. The evergreen foliage provides year-round visual structure even when blooms fade.
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Light pruning after the bloom period ends in September helps maintain the plant's compact form and encourages bushier growth the following season. Avoid cutting into the old woody stems; instead, trim just the spent flower spikes and any leggy growth from the current year. As the plant matures over several years, judicious pruning keeps it from becoming too open or sparse at the base.
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“Fred Boutin Lavender emerged from Southern California breeding programs in 1984, a period when lavender cultivation in America was expanding beyond the traditional English and French varieties. The variety was specifically developed to combine the hardiness and garden performance of intermediate lavender hybrids with the aesthetic appeal and cultural associations of French-style lavenders. This deliberate breeding choice reflects the grower's intent to create a plant that could handle diverse American growing conditions while maintaining the romantic, heritage character that draws gardeners to lavender in the first place.”