Lavandula pedunculata subsp. pedunculata

RHS Plant Profile
French lavender

Other common names

butterfly lavender

Synonyms

Lavandula 'Butterfly'
Lavandula stoechas 'Papillon'
Lavandula stoechas 'Butterfly'
Lavandula stoechas subsp. pedunculata

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Conservatory Greenhouse

A bushy evergreen shrub with narrow, grey-green leaves, and small violet flowers in long-stalked, dense ovoid heads tipped with large purple bracts

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

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
Correct
Plant Range
Iberian peninsula

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in well-drained, ideally slightly alkaline soil; will not tolerate waterlogging. In warmer regions, may be planted out in a sunny, sheltered position with winter protection. In areas prone to frost, grow in containers and overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. See lavender cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. 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
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

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

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