About
This small, evergreen shrub with downy, fern-like, grey-green leaves and long-stalked flowers of violet-blue produced from early summer into autumn. The foliage is aromatic, but more like oregano than typical lavender.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
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 height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toN Africa, Spain, Italy
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationThrives in well-drained, ideally slightly alkaline soil; will not tolerate waterlogging. In warmer regions, may be planted out in a sunny, sheltered position with winter protection. In areas prone to frost, grow in containers and overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. See lavender cultivation for more 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 seed in spring or propagate 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 resistanceHigh Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)