Lavandula angustifolia 'Elizabeth'

Lavender is one of the most popular small garden shrubs. Plants have narrow, oily and aromatic evergreen leaves and bear dense spikes of small tubular flowers in summer. Lavandula angustifolia is commonly known as English lavender. Most varieties yield purple flowers, but some cultivars come in white or pink. Nearly all cultivars and hybrids are extremely attractive to bees, butterflies and hoverflies. They make an excellent cut flower – both in fresh and dried arrangements.

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Elizabeth’ is a relatively new variety, bearing dense spikes of violet flowers, in contrast with silvery green leaves. It’s a compact lavender, so works well when grown at the front of borders, in pots or as an informal flowering hedge.

For best results, grow ‘Elizabeth’ in well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back the flower stalks after they have finished, and then trim back plants in April, if necessary.