About
A shrub up to 50cm high, with evergreen, aromatic, linear, grey-green leaves, and spikes of scented, deep purple flowers topped by pale pinkish purple bracts from late spring to 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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun in well-drained soil; for more advice, see lavender cultivation
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. Propagation for resale is prohibited without a licence
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)