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ShrubsConservatory Greenhouse

Lavandula dentata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

French lavender

A spreading, bushy shrub with narrow, dark green leaves with finely lobed edges. In mid- and late summer, long, unbranched stalks carry short, dense spikes of slightly fragrant, purple-blue flowers tipped with purple bracts

Other common names
sweet-scented lavender

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
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 Europe to Arabia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. See lavender cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in spring, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Pruning group 10, after flowering

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)

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