Growers and consumers rave about this hardy and consistent lavender. Lavandula x intermedia 'Niko' PPAF needs to be located in full sunlight within Zones 5-10. Its height is 3- to 4-feet and width 2- to 3-feet with vibrant purple flowers.

Peace Tree Farm and Cultivaris introduced Lavender Phenomenal, a new intermedia type lavender to the horticulture market. Hardy to Zone 5, Phenomenal winter survival and overall performance surpasses other hardy lavenders. It also stands up to heat and humidity, making it an ideal choice for growers across the country.

"Phenomenal lives up to its name with its dense, bushy habit, and spectacular performance," said Lloyd Traven of Peace Tree Farm. Traven, with his wife Candy, discovered Phenomenal while propagating thousands of lavenders for Carousel Farm Lavender from an intermedia selection made by Niko Christou.

The uniform growth habit makes it an excellent choice for bench-run production that requires little maintenance after transplanting. Phenomenal also demonstrates high disease resistance and can be grown in any size from 1-quart to 3-gallon pots.

Many are intrigued by the striking silvery foliage that nicely complements its long-lasting purple blooms, making Phenomenal a beautiful year-round landscape feature. For growers looking for specific flowering dates, it can be vernalized and programmed to dependably bloom on schedule.

"Phenomenal' is swiftly becoming the standard for all hardy lavenders with growers and a household name with consumers. Several growers who have trialed "Phenomenal' in early 2013 noted its superior performance over other hardy varieties. Tom Wheeler of Bell Nursery says "Phenomenal' is "very hardy and consistent." Raved about by garden bloggers and named one of the Top 25 New Perennials for 2013 by Better Homes & Gardens1, "Phenomenal' has recognition at the consumer level.

Lavender "Phenomenal' is a must-grow for 2014. Rooted liners are available from partnering licensed growers across the country, and as un-rooted cuttings from HMA Plants. To learn more about Lavender Phenomenal, visit www.facebook.com/lavenderphenomenal.