About
A rounded, evergreenshrub to about 50cm, with branching stems bearing aromatic,linear leaves. Spikes of scented, white flowers are produced in 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationPrefers a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil but tolerates acidic conditions. In heavy soil improve drainage as lavender does not tolerate waterlogging. Potash will encourage flowering but high nitrogen fertilisers and manure will result in floppy plants. 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 semi-hardwood cuttings, may not come true from seed. 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)