Lavandula stoechas Lavinnova Lilac Sensation

RHS Plant Profile

French lavender [Lavinnova Lilac Sensation]

Synonyms

Lavandula stoechas Pinkberry Ruffles

Shrubs

A compact, bushy evergreen shrub, with narrow, aromatic grey-green leaves. Dense spikes of small, fragrant, dark purple flowers, topped with large, ruffled, pale lilac pink bracts, are borne on short stems from early to late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

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: Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in well-drained soil; will not tolerate waterlogging. May need winter protection in areas prone to heavy frosts. See lavender cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. 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
Gravel garden
Patio and container plants
Wildlife gardens
Banks and slopes
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 10; deadhead after flowering and trim foliage in spring. Avoid cutting back into old wood

Pests

May be susceptible to rosemary beetle and spittlebugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)