Overview

Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' is a bushy perennial shrub in the genus Lavandula, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen, silver-grey or grey-green foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and rock gardens. It is native to Mediterranean Basin.

About

Lavandula stoechas, the Spanish lavender or topped lavender (U.S.) or French lavender (U.K.), is a species of lavender native to the Mediterranean Basin.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Lavandula stoechas

About the genus

Lavandula is a genus of 47 known species of perennial flowering plants in the sage family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World, primarily found across the drier, warmer regions of the Mediterranean, with an affinity for maritime breezes.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lavandula", CC BY-SA 4.0Lavandula

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
Full sun
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Perennial shrub
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen, Silver-grey or grey-green
Height
0.8 m
Suggested uses
Borders, Containers, Rock gardens
Native to
Mediterranean Basin
Fragrance
Strong, aromatic, typical lavender scent

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, prune after flowering to maintain shape
Pruning
Light pruning after flowering to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess
Propagation
Cuttings
Pest resistance
Rosemary beetle, Cuckoo spit (froghopper nymphs)
Disease resistance
Honey fungus, Grey moulds, Lavender shab, Fungal leaf spots

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red'?

Prefers well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, prune after flowering to maintain shape.

Where is the best place to plant Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red'?

Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' need?

Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' 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.

How do I prune Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red'?

Light pruning after flowering to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess.

How big does Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' grow?

Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' hardy in the UK?

Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red'?

Cuttings.

More in the Lavandula genus

Browse all Lavandula