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Purple French lavender with characteristic butterfly bractsShrubs

Lavandula stoechas

French Lavender

French lavenderMediterraneanfragrant plantbee-friendlydrought-tolerant

French Lavender is distinguished by its striking butterfly-like bracts atop compact flower spikes. The plant blooms from May to September, much longer than common lavender, and releases a delightful fragrance. The grey-green aromatic foliage is evergreen in mild climates.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
40–70 cm
Spread
40–60 cm
Hardiness zone
7–10
Family
Lamiaceae
Evergreen
Yes
Flower colors
purple
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in light, well-drained soil. The plant is less hardy than common lavender and needs protection in severe frost. Water very sparingly — wet soil is fatal. In colder regions, consider growing in a pot for winter shelter.

Pruning tips

Lightly prune after each flowering flush to encourage new buds. Carry out a more thorough prune in spring, cutting back a third of the plant. Never cut into bare wood — it will not recover.

Good companions

Blooming lavender with purple-blue flowers in summer sunlightShrubs

Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender

Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Purple-blue flower spikes of woodland sage in a sunny borderPerennials

Salvia nemorosa

Woodland Sage

Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Blooming thyme plant with small pink flowers in an herb gardenHerbs

Thymus vulgaris

Common Thyme

Common thyme is a compact, evergreen herb with small aromatic leaves and pink to white flowers. The plant is indispensable in the herb garden and blooms in June and July, when bees flock to it in droves. Thyme thrives best on dry, lean soil in full sun.

Full sunLow15–30 cm