The Lavender «Mercury» variety (Lavandula angustifolia Mill., code 8260965) is characterized by a high essential oil content – up to 7.08% on a dry matter basis and the ability to produce 34.5 kg/ha of flower spikes. Harvesting yields approximately 76.8 kg/ha of pure oil, and one hectare can produce up to 80 liters of this valuable product.
The plant forms a semi-closed bush 53–63 cm tall and 60–70 cm in diameter. The leaves are linear, light green with a grayish tint, and arranged oppositely. The flower spikes reach a length of 6 cm and contain up to 850 flower stalks, with 5–6 bracts in each spike. The calyx is purple, and the corolla is also purple. The main component of the essential oil, linalyl acetate, accounts for about 35.7%.
«Mercury» is resistant to diseases and pests, winter-hardy, and suitable for mechanized cultivation. Due to its high quality indicators, it is used in the production of cosmetics, medicines, and other lavender processing products, as well as for decorative purposes.
