A tender, evergreen shrub about 75cm high and wide, and aromatic, serrated, silvery grey-green leaves, and branched flowering stems 30-60cm long topped by slender spikes 4-10cm long of large, fragrant, lavender-violet flowers with darker violet-blue calyces in summer, and intermittenly through the year
0.5-1 metres
0.5-1 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
In frost-free climates, grow in full sun in well-drained soil; in frost-prone areas grow in containers outside during summer but move under glass and keep at above 5C in cold weather; for more advice, see lavender cultivation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, or by softwood cuttings of new growth in early summer. See our video How to take lavender cuttings for more advice
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
May be susceptible to rosemary beetle, and to cuckoo spit (froghopper or spittle bug nymphs)
May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)