Overview

Lavandula latifolia is a bushy shrubs in the genus Lavandula, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Lavandula latifolia 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 latifolia, commonly known as broad-leaved lavender or spike lavender, is a bushy evergreen shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It features broader leaves compared to other Lavandula species and produces small tubular flowers arranged in dense spikes during spring and summer. This shrub thrives in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil and is suitable for a variety of garden settings including gravel gardens, patios, and wildlife gardens. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and prefers sheltered positions with sandy, loamy, or clay soils of varying pH.

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 latifolia 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 latifolia

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 latifolia?

Lavandula latifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lavandula latifolia need?

Lavandula latifolia 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 latifolia hardy in the UK?

Lavandula latifolia 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 latifolia?

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

More in the Lavandula genus

Browse all Lavandula