Lavandula stoechus ‘Alexandria’

Flowering first, the French lavenders ‘Lavandula stoechus’ produce the showiest of flowers whilst the later flowering English varieties ‘Lavandula angustifolia’ are superior for the scent and are excellent for drying. English varieties are also hardier. Lavenders are available in shades of blue from white through to purple with tinges of pink.

Lavandula grows best in well drained positions in full sun, ideally sheltered from the wind to allow the scent to build up. Do not feed your lavender very often as this can result in lush growth without many flowers.

They should be trimmed back each year as the new shoots start to form so that the plant remains compact and fresh looking, lavenders can become dead looking on the inside without this trimming. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ is one of the most dwarf varieties growing to around 50cm (18”) whilst others can reach 120cm (4 ft)

Lavandula does not suffer from many pests, as the oils in its leaves discourage insects from eating the foliage. Problems are more likely to occur from poor positioning typically in damp areas where it is likely to rot off.

They can be grown very well as part of a Mediterranean style herb garden with rosemary and thyme, alternatively in a pot or border with cistus, grasses and phormiums.

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’	Lavandula stoechus ‘Boysenbury Ruffles’	Lavandula angustifolia ‘Princess blue’	Lavandula stoechus ‘Regal Splendour’