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ShrubsConservatory Greenhouse

Lavandula pinnata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

fern leaf lavender

A bushy, spreading evergreen shrub about 1m in height, with fern-like white-hairy, grey-green leaves, and bearing unbranched spikes of fragrant blue-purple flowers to 9cm long, in late summer

Other common names
jagged lavender
Synonyms
Lavandula pinnata var. pinnata
Lavandula pterostoechas pinnata
see moreLavandula madeiriense

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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
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Blue Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
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
Canary Islands, Maderia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. In colder areas, may need protection from very low temperatures and excess winter wet. Also suitable for growing in containers that can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. See lavender cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.

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

Pruning group 10 after flowering. Lightly trim in spring if necessary.

Pests

May be susceptible to rosemary beetle, cuckoo spit and sage leafhopper

Diseases

High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)

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