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Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

French lavender

An aromatic dwarf shrub to 60cm tall, with narrow, grey-green leaves and short-stalked, dense, ovoid heads of tiny blackish-purple flowers surmounted by a tuft of purple bracts

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
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

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
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
W Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. See lavender cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Pruning group 10

Pests

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

Diseases

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

Get involved

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