RHS Lavandula stoechas viridis 'Van Gough'
A compact, evergreen shrub to about 60cm with strongly aromatic, grey-green foliage and dense, terminal spikes of violet-blue flowers topped by short, chartreuse-green to white wings in late spring and summer. A spanish variety
0.5-1 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Prefers a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil but tolerates acidic conditions. In heavy soil improve drainage as lavender does not tolerate waterlogging. Potash will encourage flowering but high nitrogen fertilisers and manure will result in floppy plants. See lavender cultivation for further advice
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings, may not come true from seed. 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 cuckoo spit (froghoppers)
May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)