New and Notable Lavender at Chatfield Farms

The lavender collection at Chatfield Farms has been growing strong since 2015. Several of the cultivars from the original installation can still be found in the collection today! But while the lavender plants persist for anywhere from five to 15 years, there are new and noteworthy additions each season. Whether replacing an old row, or trying out a new cultivar, the number of lavender varieties at Chatfield Farms continue to grow.  

Lavandula ‘Ana Luisa’ is a cross between English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and woolly lavender (Lavandula lanata). This variety’s blue-grey foliage and very long flower stalks can be found among the perennial borders, blooming for the first time this summer. ‘Ana Luisa’ is a new hybrid species to the collection and increases the total species count in the collection. 

Also, among the borders is Lavandula angustifolia ‘Maillette’. This French cultivar is often used in essential oil production due to its high-quality oils and is known to be one of the sweeter smelling lavender cultivars. Make sure to spy ‘Maillette’ on your next walk through the Lavender Garden. 

Making its debut in the Lavender Garden is Lavandula multifida ‘Torch Minty Ice’ (fernleaf lavender). This species originates in the much warmer climates of North Africa and is also known as Egyptian lavender. While not suitable for Colorado winters, Lavandula multifida can be grown as an annual herb. The scent of this species is very different than a typical lavender smell. Find Lavandula multifida in the borders this summer give it a sniff for yourself!

In the east lavender fields, you may find a new name. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Wyckoff’ is a cultivar originating from the Pacific Northwest of the United States. While it is difficult to get started, once established, this cultivar is an excellent choice for dried arrangements and culinary purposes. 

Looking way across to the western lavender fields is Lavandula angustifolia ‘New Zealand Blue’. This sweet-smelling cultivar comes all the way from…New Zealand! While many are familiar with lavender production in France and Mediterranean areas, modern lavender production has led to over 450 varieties cultivated all around the globe. New hybrids and varieties are regularly introduced into cultivation so there is always something new to see.

The lavender will be in full bloom for the month of July. Be sure to stop by and visit all the old and new lavender varieties at Chatfield Farms during Lavender Festival, July 19 and 20. Tickets are still available – get yours today.