Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' — Bushy, Compact

Overview

Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' is a plant with a bushy, compact habit in the genus Lavandula, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen, grey-green foliage. Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, gravel gardens, terraces, balconies, edging and hedges.

About

Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' is a compact, well-branched lavender with grey-green evergreen foliage and a long flowering season from June to September. It belongs to the genus Lavandula in the Lamiaceae. Plants form a neat, compact mound suited to sunny, sheltered spots. The foliage colour gives structural interest outside the flowering months.

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 4.0 — Lavandula

In the garden

A member of the genus Lavandula and the Lamiaceae family, Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' combines compact habit with grey-green evergreen leaves and a notable summer flowering display from June to September. Keep it in full sun on free-draining soils such as chalk, loam or sand; the plant accepts a wide pH range (acid to alkaline) so placement is flexible where drainage is good. It prefers sheltered positions on south-, east- or west-facing aspects and carries an H5 hardiness rating, meaning it is classed as hardy for most UK gardens. Plant 'Downderry Velvet' where its compact shape complements edges and smaller beds: it works well in borders, gravel gardens, terraces and on balconies. Use it for low hedging or neat edging where evergreen grey-green foliage provides year-round structure and the June–September flowers add seasonal colour. Given its preference for sun, freedom from waterlogging is important; choose a well-drained site with some protection from cold winds to suit its sheltered exposure recommendation.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lavandula

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Bushy, Compact
Foliage: Evergreen, Grey-green
Suggested uses: Borders, Gravel gardens, Terraces, Balconies, Edging, Hedges

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet'

Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Rosemary beetle, Cuckoo spit (froghoppers)
Disease resistance: Grey moulds (Botrytis), Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet'?

Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' need?

Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' hardy in the UK?

Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet' 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 x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet'?

Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed.

More in the Lavandula genus

Browse all Lavandula →