About
A highly aromatic shrub 50-70cm or more high, with evergreen, linear, pale green leaves up to about 5cm long, and unbranched flowering stalks 5-10cm long topped by spikes 2-5cm long of aromatic white or greenish white flowers, quickly turning brown, and green bracts, from late spring to early summer, occasionally flowering later as well.
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 hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toS Portugal and SW Spain
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. In colder areas, may need protection from very low temperatures and excess winter wet. Also suitable for growing in containers that can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. 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 sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by softwood cuttings of new growth from early to late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to rosemary beetle, and to cuckoo spit (froghopper or spittle bug nymphs)
Disease resistanceHigh Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)