Lavandula angustifolia 'Lady Ann'

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 (although it's native to the Mediterranean). Most varieties yield purple flowers, but some cultivars come in white or pink.

Nearly all lavender cultivars and hybrids are extremely attractive to bees, butterflies and hoverflies. They make an excellent cut flower – both in fresh and dried arrangements. ‘Lady Ann’ bears masses of mildly scented, pale pink flowers, in contrast with grey-green foliage.

For best results, grow Lavandula angustifolia ‘Lady Ann’ 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.