Lavandula × intermedia Olympia ('Downoly'PBR)
lavender [Olympia]
A bushy, evergreen shrub to about 60cm with narrow, grey-green leaves and spikes of fragrant, dark purple flowers in mid- to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil but will tolerate acidic conditions. Improve drainage on heavy soils as will not tolerate waterlogging. Potash will encourage flowering but high nitrogen feeds, or manure, will encourage floppy plants. See lavender cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings; may not come true from seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
- Garden edging
Pruning
Pruning group 10, after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (froghoppers)
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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