Lavandula viridis

RHS Plant Profile
green lavender

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Synonyms

Lavandula stoechas 'Viridis'

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Conservatory Greenhouse
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A highly aromatic shrub 50-70cm or more high, with evergreen, linear, pale green leaves up to about 5cm long, and unbranched flowering stalks 5-10cm long topped by spikes 2-5cm long of fragrant white or greenish white flowers, quickly turning brown, and green bracts, from late spring to early summer, occasionally flowering later as well

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam

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

Sand Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid

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)
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
S Portugal and SW Spain

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. In colder areas, may need protection from very low temperatures and excess winter wet. Also suitable for growing in containers that can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. See lavender cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by softwood cuttings of new growth from early to late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • 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 to cuckoo spit (froghopper or spittle bug nymphs)

Diseases

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