is lavender an herb or flower Sharon Roberts English Lavender Plants – Fragrant & Hardy

is lavender an herb or flower Sharon Roberts English Lavender Plants – Fragrant & HardyLavandula angustifolia Sharon Roberts is a distinctive English lavender cultivar valued for its long flower stems, strong rebloom in autumn, and excellent oil quality. Bred by Don Roberts, this variety was selected specifically for aromatic performance and extended seasonal interest. The flowers feature dark purple calyces with violet corollas, creating attractive contrast on tall, elegant stems. Sharon Roberts tends to have a more relaxed, slightly

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Sharon Roberts’ is a distinctive English lavender cultivar valued for its long flower stems, strong rebloom in autumn, and excellent oil quality. Bred by Don Roberts, this variety was selected specifically for aromatic performance and extended seasonal interest.

The flowers feature dark purple calyces with violet corollas, creating attractive contrast on tall, elegant stems. ‘Sharon Roberts’ tends to have a more relaxed, slightly floppy growth habit than some English lavenders, which makes it especially well suited for cutting and harvesting, where stem length is an advantage.

This cultivar is best planted in very well-drained soil, as it is less tolerant of wet conditions than many other English lavenders. When grown in the right site—full sun and excellent drainage—it rewards gardeners with vigorous growth, reliable rebloom, and high-quality aromatic harvests.

We chose to include ‘Sharon Roberts’ in our lavender production rows because of its oil potential and extended flowering habit, making it a strong choice for growers who understand its cultural needs.

Plant Highlights

• English lavender with long, usable flower stems
• Reliable rebloom in autumn
• Dark purple calyces with violet corollas
• Bred for high oil quality
• Excellent for harvesting and production use
• Performs best in well-drained soils

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia ‘Sharon Roberts’
• Common name: Sharon Roberts English lavender
• Plant type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature size: Approx. 2½ ft. tall × 3 ft. wide
• Flower color: Violet
• Calyx color: Dark purple
• Bloom season: Early summer with repeat bloom in fall
• Growth habit: Upright with slightly floppy stems
• Fragrance: Strong, suitable for oil production
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Very well-drained soil
• USDA Zones: 5–9

Best Uses

• Essential oil production
• Cut flower harvesting
• Dried lavender and crafts
• Lavender rows and production plantings
• Garden beds with excellent drainage

Good to know:

‘Sharon Roberts’ prefers excellent drainage and may be less forgiving in wet soils. In the right conditions, it rewards growers with long stems, strong fragrance, and reliable rebloom.

Why Choose ‘Sharon Roberts’

This variety is best suited to gardeners and growers who value oil quality and extended bloom and are willing to give lavender the drainage it needs to thrive.