Xela's Garden
Lavender French ... 'Fathead' [V]
Genus: Lavandula.
Species: Lavandula stoechas.
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
Photos of this plant
Reminders for this plant
Due about 16 years ago:
Prune
Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.
Due almost 16 years ago:
Trim
Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.
Due about 15 years ago:
Trim
Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.
Due about 14 years ago:
Trim
Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.
Due almost 14 years ago:
Dead head
Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.
Due about 13 years ago:
Trim
Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.
Due almost 13 years ago:
Dead head
Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.
Due about 11 years ago:
Trim
Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.
Due over 10 years ago:
Take cuttings
Take hardwood cuttings Aug - Sept
Dead head
Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.
