Mystified by Latin plant names? We hear you, and we’re here to help. Once deciphered, those tongue-twisters can actually tell us a lot. For example:

Lavandula angustifolia

This classic species charms both the optical and olfactory senses. Even before the eye spies it, the nose knows lavender lurks nearby. While it comprises familiar favorites like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’, it’s also home to some exciting newcomers.

But first, what can its name tell us? Simple: angustifolia is Latin for “narrow leaved.” Compared to other species, its aromatic grey-green leaves are indeed slender.

Let’s meet a couple of recent intros.

Big Time Blue(‘Armtipp01’ PP24827)

The leaves may be narrow, but check out those pleasingly plump flowers. They’re made up of small bicolor florets, with violet petals and dark purple sepals. Dutch-bred for exceptional vigor. Height: 18 – 24”. Hardy in Zones 5 – 9.

‘Blue Spear’ carries a host of neatly erect flower spikes on a more compact chassis, rising just 11 – 13” tall. Hardy in Zones 6 – 8, it’s a fine container candidate. 

Chasmanthium latifolium

Now for something completely different: This native grass’s specific epithet means “broad-leaved,” exactly the opposite of those lavenders up there.

Sometimes called “inland sea oats,” Chasmanthium tolerates a range of soils, preferring rich and moist but managing in poor and dry. It’s happier in shade than most ornamental grasses. The seedheads put on a nice fall show, gleaming purple/bronze. To prevent unwanted spread, gardeners often dead-head before the seeds shatter and scatter. Height: 4’. Hardy in Zones 5 – 9.

We offer Chasmanthium in economical 72s and meaty 38s. 

That’s the skinny on these two strong-selling species. Narrow your focus and fatten up your bottom line. Start with liners from Emerald Coast Growers – the easy choice!