Plant of the week

IT’S hard to over-praise so beautiful and versatile a plant as lavender. Semi-evergreen silver grey foliage provides yearround interest. But in summer, coloured, intensely fragrant flowers of Lavandula angustifolia and L. x intermedia make it a star performer. Nectar-rich lavenders are loved by pollinating insects and will attract butterflies, moths and bees. The flower buds dry to make pot pourri, and the fresh blooms are lovely as floral decorations. Lavenders vary in size, habit and hardiness. Outstanding varieties include the robust Hidcote Giant, neat Compacta and silvery leaved Sawyers. Seek advice from specialist supplier Downderry, downderrynursery.co.uk.