About

A very compact, low-growing annual or short-lived perennial, 8-10cm high, with narrow, slightly hairy, grey-green leaves, and heads of scented, lavender-coloured flowers in spring and summer.

About the genus

Lobularia can be annuals or perennials, of low spreading habit, with simple leaves and short terminal racemes of 4-petalled, fragrant flowers in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun; good for gaps between paving, garden edging, and containers
PruningNo pruning required, but clipping over after the first flowers may encourage further flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown where it is to grow, in late spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and flea beetles
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, club root, white blister, foot and root rot, Fusarium wilt, powdery mildews and Sclerotinia diseases