About

A hardy shrub, that reaches around 60cm in height, with grey-green foliage and scented flower spikes from mid summer until autumn. Flowers are dark purple in bud, opening to a much lighter mauve, giving a two-tone effect.

About the genus

Lavandula are small aromatic evergreen shrubs with usually narrow, simple, entire, toothed or lobed leaves and small tubular flowers in dense spikes in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
FragranceFlower, Foliage

Care notes

CultivationPlant in a sunny spot with free-draining soil. See lavender cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 10; deadhead after flowering. Trimming in late summer prevents plants from becoming straggly, but you can leave plants for a season to benefit wildlife with seeds or as shelter if you prefer. Avoid pruning in autumn in wet or cold regions as this may leave plants vulnerable to winter damage. Avoid cutting back into old wood
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. See our video How to take lavender cuttings for more advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (froghoppers)
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)