Lavandula 'Pretty Polly'

RHS Plant Profile
lavender 'Pretty Polly'

Synonyms

Lavandula stoechas 'Pretty Polly'

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs

A bushy, compact, evergreen shrub to 45cm tall, with aromatic, grey-green foliage. Deep purple flowerheads, topped by white bracts with a green midrib, are borne from early summer to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun; will not tolerate winter wet. See lavender cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. See our video How to take lavender cuttings for more advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Hedging and screens
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Pruning 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

Pests

May be susceptible to rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (froghoppers)

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus