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ShrubsConservatory Greenhouse

Lavandula multifida
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Egyptian lavender

A small, evergreen shrub with downy, fern-like, grey-green leaves and long-stalked flowers of violet-blue produced from early summer into autumn. The foliage is aromatic, but more like oregano than typical lavender

Synonyms
Lavandula mairei var. lanifera
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Purple Grey Silver Green
Autumn Purple Grey Silver Green
Winter Grey Silver Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–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
N Africa, Spain, Italy

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 in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

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

Deadhead to prolong flowering, then 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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