Yes, that is Lavandula dentata or a cultivar thereof. It is not reliably hardy even in the UK so I doubt very much it would survive winter outdoors in NJ. Indoors it needs the coolest possible spot with the best possible light. Watering should be sparing. A conservatory or glass porch would be great. A living room or any other place inside which is comfortable for people will not suit it. Once heavy frost is past it can be hardened off and enjoy being outside.

Trader Joes always has the most amazing spectacle of odd and exotically
beautiful plants. Shopping at Christmastime made me feel like I was
walking into the magical gingerbread land of my dreams.

I'm also hooked on The Lav! I diffuse the essential oils and also use it in my homemade beauty products. Its so gentle that it can be used with great success on babies. I recently found some dried at an adorable tea shop I stumbled upon and I have been experimenting with it in using it as a flavor in lemonades and scones.

Always excited to find lavender as a flavor on something - it is just so delightful.

Although maybe not heardy, I find Lavender plants quite resilient. As for your dilemma, I'd say the only thing to do is transplant it.

I grow my own lav indoors year round in Illinois.

ps- does anyone know anything about aloe plants? M-I-L gave me one and it seems to be spawning young aloe plants?

Cat, most lavenders ARE cold hardy (not sure about their absolute hardiness, but at least into zone 6 and even 5), this variety, however, is not know for its cold hardiness (apparently, it is rated to 8). Having said that, in my Zone 7 ish climate, I would sooner plant it outside in the Spring in a dryer, warmer site, then trying it indoors. But if your zone is colder than a 7, it would be an issue (you can only go so far with gardening microclimates in your yard).

In your opinion, what is the overall best species of lavender to grow ?

And can you help me with my aloe dilemma?

Thanks to everyone for their input! Much appreciated. I've placed the potted lavender in a south facing window which receives plenty of light during the day. I've watered thoroughly only once since purchasing when the leaves went limp. The plant seems to be doing well. It perked right up after watering. I plan to transplant to a clay plot since it came in a flimsy plastic pot.

Cat, I go to Trader Joes at least 2-3 times a week! If for nothing more than to replenish my fresh flower arrangements and satisfy my chocolate needs. Every now and then, especially if I can't find fresh cut flowers that I like, I'll pick up a random plant. Their succulent varieties are interesting and plentiful.

I'm not sure about your aloe dilemma. Is there a succulent thread on Houzz? Maybe you'll find your answer there.

Cat: check out the cacti and succulent forum here on Gardenweb. It's a pretty active forum!

Paulina - you can find all the different Garden Web Forums listed if you go to the top of this page and click on Garden Web Forums. Cacti and Succulents are here.

Regarding your question about the 'best' Lavender, that depends on your definition of 'best.' Do you want the strongest scent, the biggest flowers, a different flower colour, different leaf shape,a dwarf/giant habit, the hardiest plant or what? If you list your criteria maybe someone can suggest a Lavender which would fit them.

Thanks for the information. I saw those gorgeous and fragrant plants at Trader Joe's last week and was also wondering if they were cold hearty. Didnt get one since I picked up this instead.