Stephanie E. Whitehouse

Peace Tree Farm Sales & Marketing Manager

stephanie@peacetreefarm.com O 610-847-8152 C 315-657-7643 F 610-847-5287

Visit us at www.peacetreefarm.com

Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ (PPAF)

Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ is an interspecific intermedia type (similar to Grosso), with excellent winter

hardiness , tested and hardy to Zone 4! A hallmark of the variety is that ‘Phenomenal’ does not die back

from the bottom, as is commonly seen in other hardy lavenders. Instead, ‘Phenomenal’ remains full and

thick throughout the entire plant.

Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ is positioned not only as a valuable mainstay for perennial and herb programs,

but also as a regular programmed flowering crop. Consistent growth with a uniform, mounding shape

make ‘Phenomenal’ an excellent bench-run crop. ‘Phenomenal’ branches strongly and evenly, unlike

Hidcote or Munstead, which tends to create off-kilter side branches. The silvery foliage, excellent oil

content, and elegant flower presentation make ‘Phenomenal’ an excellent ornamental landscape plant.

With exceptional winter hardiness and tolerance to extreme heat and humidity, ‘Phenomenal’ is

positioned to become the new standard for all lavender varieties.

CULTURE

Height: 24-32” Width: 24” pH: prefers alkaline soils , 6.8-7.2 optimal, but fine at lower pH

Temperature: (Temperatures for transplanting, establishing root system). ‘Phenomenal’ requires

vernalization to flower in the spring. For gallon production, bulk plants beginning at Labor Day, and then

chill down and hold temperatures at 36-38F in winter for 6 week minimum, 10 weeks optimal for

greatest flowering. Any temperature below 50F will vernalize, but 36-38F is better. For quart

production, hold plugs in liners for the same vernalization period in the winter for planting in the spring,

or plant in October/November in quarts, bulk, then chill.

Moisture: ‘Phenomenal’ will easily tolerate extremely dry conditions, but it will definitely slow growth.

Recommended to irrigate thoroughly immediately after plant is dry thoroughly, during the vernalization

phase. During active growth periods, such as bulking and flowering, ‘Phenomenal’ will tolerate regular

irrigation. Do NOT let stand in water ever. Media should dry thoroughly between irrigations, especially

during winter months.

Pinching: ‘Phenomenal’ responds nicely to pinching. We recommend EITHER pinching the liner and

allowing it to flush BEFORE transplanting, OR planting the liner and allowing it to establish a good root

system BEFORE pinching. It is NOT recommended to pinch and transplant in the same week.

Fertilizer Applications: As with other hardy lavender varieties, feed ‘Phenomenal’ lightly. Recommend

125-150 PPM Nitrate-form nitrogen, no more than 2x/month during vernalization. Additional calcium is

a great advantage, as Lavenders are calcareous plants.

Fungicides/Pesticides: Although ‘Phenomenal’ is Pythium resistant, we recommend a soil treatment.

Rootshield is recommended, though Alude, Subdue, and Companion are suitable substitutes. If an

outbreak does occur, Truban or Cease can be used. Botrytis can become an issue if foliage is kept wet at

night. ‘Phenomenal’ has not demonstrated any attraction to thrips or whitefly. Aphids are generally

NOT an issue.

Peace Tree Farm Sizes: Split 102 tray (order in increments of 50)

CROP TIMING

4.5”/Quart container: 8 weeks from transplant (Split 102 tray)

1 gallon container: 12 weeks from transplant (Split 102 tray)

Flowering: In the Northeast, one can force flowering as early as Week 10 by chilling ‘Phenomenal’ at 36-

38F (under 50 is effective, but colder is optimal)for 6-10 weeks and then lighting for 8 to 10 weeks and

raising temperatures to 60F. Without lights, chilled plants will begin blooming in week 15/17 in a

greenhouse. Flowering can be accelerated with 6 weeks of warmer conditions. Follow Michigan State

protocols for flowering as standard techniques. ‘Phenomenal’ begins to flower Week 22 when planted

outdoors in the Northeast; Week 16-18 in the South.

MARKETING/PACKAGING

Tags: Mandatory Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ tags are available for all growers through John Henry,

MasterTag and Peace Tree Farm. Tags from one of these suppliers must accompany every plant sold.

Social: There is an active Facebook page for Lavender ‘Phenomenal’=’Pure Platinum’, and a website for

Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ is currently being developed, with an estimated launch date of July 1, 2013.

Cultural information, suggested plant pairings, recipes and container designs will be listed. This website

will also include links to a Facebook page and other social media outlets.

PRICING

Contact a Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ licensed grower or your favorite broker representative for pricing.

PHOTOS

Early Spring growth on second year-old plant of Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ in field trials

Uniform growth seen among gallons of Lavender ‘Phenomenal’

Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ in bloom Lavender ‘Phenomenal’ in Split 102 tray at Peace Tree