Lavandula stoechas (common names: French lavender)

R.I.P
Should really have read my own instructions, unfortunately didn't make it through the Hampshire winter :o(

Evergreen bush. Prune in late summer after flowering. Protect in winter where colder.

When we came, there were two woody augustifolias in the front border. I couldn't cut them back, and they had outgrown their space, so sadly, they had to go. I've replaced them, though, and planted several french lavenders which seem to thrive here.

Lavandula stoechas (French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, Stoechas Lavender, or Topped Lavender) occurs naturally in theMediterranean region. A perennial shrub, it usually grows to 30-100 cm tall and wide. The leaves are 1-4 cm long, greyish tomentose. The flowers are pinkish-purple (lavender-coloured), produced on spikes 2-3 cm long at the top of slender leafless stems 10-30 cm long; each flower is subtended by a bract 4-8 mm long. At the top of the spike are a number of much larger, sterile bracts (no flowers between them), 10-50 mm long and bright lavender purple (rarely white).
In Northern Hemisphere gardens it is somewhat hardier than Common Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Planted Vistabile '06 in front path right-hand border
Bought 06.06 at Norfolk Lavender stand, Gardeners' World Live Show for £2.50

stoechas x viridis ’Fathead’
A distinctive hybrid with masses of long-lasting very plump flowers, .

Hardiness: Frost hardy -5C
It is hardier than most French lavenders and will survive all but the most harshest of winters. This variety overwinters well
As it's borderline hardy it is best grown in a container in colder areas of the country and should be over-wintered in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Ideal For: Border, Dried Flower, Edging, Hedging, Scented, Tubs

Larger than usual lavender flowers this variety has stunning broad purple flowers topped with bracts resembling butterflies. The evergreen shrubs are mostly used for hedges or in beds amongst your roses, where they are especially useful for keeping aphids at bay.

Flowers May to September.
Colour: dark purple fading to pink with age
Scented: Yes
The flowers can be dried and used in sachets and pot pourri.
The flower-spikes are also a magnet for bees and other nectar-loving insects.

Height: 45cm (18in).Up to 60cm (2ft)
Because it only grows to 40cm, it is particularly useful for edging parterres or as a low hedge along a path, where its heady fragrance can be enjoyed

.Spread: Up to 60cm (2ft)

Preferred Position: full Sun

Plant in well-drained, moderately fertile soil if planted out.

Suitability: Borders, Containers

One of the french lavenders, it is a dense, bushy aromatic shrub with very large (hence the name) deep purple flowers-heads and light green leaves.

* Rate of growth: average

Named after the fat, round flowerheads from which delicate, upright petals emerge like butterfly wings and flutter in the breeze, this French lavender is compact and goes on producing its pale plum flowers for several weeks from late spring. Like most French lavenders, it is earlier flowering than its English cousins, but associates well with them if you want to prolong the season of lavender in your garden.

* Garden care: Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded. Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.

* Goes well with: Salvia x sylvestris 'Mainacht', Echinops ritro, Perovskia 'Blue Spire', Stachys byzantina, Artemisia 'Powis Castle', Eryngium giganteum

bought from QD stores summer 07 planted in the cottage garden bed next to brookes playhouse bed.

smells more like rosemary

I have, I think, 2 types of french lavender. One is most definitely doing better than the other one.

The one that is well has large fat heads of deep purple flowers and lighter purple rabbit ears on top. It's a small compact bush and has done pretty well for it's self despite being neglected. If there was to be a problem with it, it would be the plant pot that it's in.

The other one's flowers are similar but thinner. Unfortunately I've let it grow without pruning it. :(

Stunning 'eared' flowers. Prefers a bright, warm, sunny postion in poor free - draining soil.