Lavender 'Meerlo'

Meerlo is an evergreen lavender hybrid with variegated, strongly aromatic foliage and pale blue flower spikes in summer. Its heat and drought tolerance make it useful in sunny borders and containers where its leaf pattern can be appreciated between blooms. ## Size and Landscape Use Sunset Western Garden Collection lists Meerlo at 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, with a compact, moderate-growing habit. KiwiFlora’s exact-selection profile reports about 0.75 m in both dimensions, a close rounded measurement for the existing 0.8 m points. Width labels use inches through 36 inches, so allow 24–36 inches across and 3–4 feet tall. The foliage is evergreen, variegated, and fragrant; the pale blue flowers appear in summer. ## Growing Conditions The [Sunset Meerlo plant page](https://sunsetplantcollection.com/the-collection/plant/meerlo/) recommends full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, and low water once established. It gives USDA Zones 9–10 and notes that the plant is perennial in those zones but grown as an annual in other climates. Heat tolerance and established-plant drought tolerance suit warm, sunny sites; avoid persistently wet soil. ## Maintenance Water during establishment, then irrigate sparingly as needed. Sunset recommends cutting back in spring after growth resumes. Light pruning can refresh the plant and maintain its compact shape; avoid cutting deeply into old woody stems.