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Lavandula × intermedia Exceptional ('Hilav')
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lavender [Exceptional]

A bushy evergreen shrub, with linear, aromatic silvery-grey leaves. Spikes of scented white flowers are borne on slender stems from late spring or early summer until the first frosts

Synonyms
Lavandula × intermedia 'Hilav'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer White Grey Silver
Autumn White Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or 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

Grow in full sun in well-drained soil; will not tolerate waterlogging. See lavender cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 10; deadhead after flowering and trim foliage in spring. Avoid cutting back into old wood

Pests

May be susceptible to rosemary beetle and spittlebugs

Diseases

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

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