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ShrubsConservatory GreenhouseSynonym

Lavandula 'Butterfly'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

French lavender

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

Other common names
butterfly lavender
Synonyms
Lavandula 'Butterfly'
Lavandula stoechas 'Papillon'
see moreLavandula stoechas 'Butterfly'
Lavandula stoechas subsp. pedunculata
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Grey Silver Green
Summer Purple Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter Grey Silver 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
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

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

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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