I was given a planter on Mother"s day and it contained this plant in bloom. I transplanted it to a flower box outside in a dappled shade area. It has started to bloom again. I am currently in zone 5b and will be spending some of the winter months in 8 b. I am not sure if this is a perennial and can be put in the ground to winter up here, or should I take it south to winter over as a houseplant. I have checked with most of my plant expert friends but have not received any positive identification. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
It appears to be Lavandula multifida (Fernleaf Lavender.) It should be hardy to about zone 8, if drainage is good. It sounds like you may want to take it with you to zone 8b. If you give it a decent size pot, you should be able to let it stay outside for most of the winter there and only bring it in if you get a really hard freeze. It's a Mediterranean plant, and they usually don't do well as long-term house plants. See link: Fernleaf Lavender (Lavandula multifida)
