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Lavandula angustifolia Melissa Lilac ('Dow4'PBR)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

English lavender [Melissa Lilac]

A hardy shrub, that reaches around 60cm in height, with grey-green foliage and scented flower spikes from mid summer until autumn. Flowers are dark purple in bud, opening to a much lighter mauve, giving a two-tone effect

Synonyms
Lavandula angustifolia 'Dow4'PBR
Lavandula angustifolia 'Melissa Lilac'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, 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 or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
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

Plant in a sunny spot with free-draining soil. See lavender cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Prune after flowering to stop it becoming woody and leggy

Pests

May be susceptible to rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (froghoppers)

Diseases

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

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