Originally Posted by kringley

Lavender is also really really slow, 235 compared to Apples much more middle of the road 500. It will usually make it much more difficult to not end up with her squad lagging way behind others unless you very specifically balance her out with a very fast unit, and that in turn limits your choices somewhat.

That can actually work in your benefit. There are many girls who have a rocket showed up their assess (danchou saaaan ? ), and can be too fast for the setup you need.
I find that girls like Lavender and Bipina Cosmos, are excellent to balance such squad out, as it literally takes one of them to outset 2/3 550+ speed girls. I still rock Lavender, she is very very strong for a 5* even, and undisputed the best event 5* so far.

Edit: And I forgot to mention - as the Blooming is getting closer and closer with every month > Lavender has a Bloomed form (one of the first girls to have it actually). It both improves her rather lame Evolved artwork, and boost her stats nicely and swaps her passives around a bit.
http://flowerknight.wikia.com/wiki/Lavender