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Lavandula pinnata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

fern leaf lavender

A bushy, compact evergreen shrub with fern like silver/grey leaves bearing spikes of fragrant blue flowers in summer.

Other common names
jagged lavender
Synonyms
Lavandula pinnata var. pinnata
Lavandula pterostoechas pinnata
see moreLavandula madeiriense

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Blue Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical 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

Correct

Plant range
Canary Islands, Maderia

How to grow

Cultivation

Less hardy than some lavanders, needs a very sunny, sheltered site. Prefers free-draining , poor to moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline soil. Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged soils. Can become woody and untidy without annual pruning. See lavender cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 10 after flowering. Lightly trim in spring if necessary.

Pests

May be susceptible to rosemary beetle, cuckoo spit and sage leafhopper

Diseases

High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)

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