About
Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas, the French lavender, is an aromatic dwarf shrub to 60 cm with narrow, grey-green leaves and short-stalked, dense, ovoid heads of tiny, blackish-purple flowers surmounted by a prominent tuft of purple bracts in late spring and early summer. A popular and distinctive lavender for a sunny, very well-drained border or container.
About the genus
Lavandula, the lavenders, are small, aromatic, evergreen shrubs with narrow leaves � entire, toothed or pinnately lobed � and dense spikes of tubular flowers, mainly in shades of lavender, purple and white, in summer. Widely grown for their fragrance, flowers and attractive foliage.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toW Mediterranean
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. 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 seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. See our video How to take lavender cuttings for more advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (froghoppers)
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)