Lavandula (lavender) — Bushy

Overview

Lavandula is a bushy shrubs in the genus Lavandula, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Lavandula grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, garden edging, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.

About

Lavandula, commonly known as lavender or spike, is a genus of compact, aromatic evergreen shrubs in the Lamiaceae family. These bushy plants have narrow, simple leaves and produce small tubular flowers arranged in dense spikes during the summer. They thrive in full sun with sheltered exposure and prefer fertile, well-drained soils ranging from sandy to clay, with a pH that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. Suitable for a variety of garden settings, Lavandula is hardy to UK zone H7 and can be propagated by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lavandula

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Lavandula size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Garden edging, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lavandula

Propagation: Seed sown in a cold frame in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistance: Rosemary beetle, Cuckoo spit (froghoppers)
Disease resistance: Grey moulds (Botrytis), Honey fungus (rarely)

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Lavandula?

Lavandula prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lavandula need?

Lavandula is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

Is Lavandula hardy in the UK?

Lavandula has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Lavandula?

Seed sown in a cold frame in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.

More in the Lavandula genus

Browse all Lavandula →