About
A shrub up to 70cm high, with a compact habit, evergreen, aromatic, linear, mid-green to dark green leaves up to 4cm long, and flowering stems up to 12cm long topped by spikes 2-4cm long of perfumed, very dark violet-blue flowers with dark reddish-purple bracts, from late spring or early summer.
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 typeSand, Loam
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. In colder areas, may need protection from very low temperatures and excess winter wet. Also suitable for growing in containers that can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. 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 late summer, or by softwood cuttings of new growth in early summer. See our video How to take lavender cuttings for more advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to rosemary beetle, and to cuckoo spit (froghopper or spittle bug nymphs)
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)