
One of the most eye-catching French lavenders, Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas f. rosea 'Kew Red' has fulsome flowerheads studded with tiny, bright cerise flowers.
Delicate, pale pink, upright flags emerge from these blooms like butterfly wings and flutter in the breeze. The flowers persist for weeks from late spring above grey-green, aromatic, evergreen foliage. 'Kew Red' looks wonderful planted en masse in a protected, sunny border where its heady fragrance can be enjoyed, or in a container.
Earlier flowering than English lavender, but associates well with them if you want to prolong the season of lavender in your garden. The flower-spikes are also a magnet for bees and other beneficial insects. In frost-prone
Not fully hardy in all UK regions, 'Kew Red' is best grown in a large container and overwintered in a sheltered spot.
Delicate, pale pink, upright flags emerge from these blooms like butterfly wings and flutter in the breeze. The flowers persist for weeks from late spring above grey-green, aromatic, evergreen foliage. 'Kew Red' looks wonderful planted en masse in a protected, sunny border where its heady fragrance can be enjoyed, or in a container.
Earlier flowering than English lavender, but associates well with them if you want to prolong the season of lavender in your garden. The flower-spikes are also a magnet for bees and other beneficial insects. In frost-prone
Not fully hardy in all UK regions, 'Kew Red' is best grown in a large container and overwintered in a sheltered spot.
How to care for Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas f. rosea Kew Red:
French lavender thrives in well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil in a sunny, spot. It’s less hardy than English lavender, so in colder regions, grow it in pots that can be moved to an unheated greenhouse or conservatory over winter.
Water sparingly, as it dislikes soggy roots, especially in winter. After flowering, remove faded flower stems to encourage a neat shape, and in spring (around April), lightly trim back the previous year’s growth, being careful not to cut into old wood, as this may prevent regrowth.
Mulching with gravel rather than organic matter can help keep the base dry and protect the roots from excess moisture.
Water sparingly, as it dislikes soggy roots, especially in winter. After flowering, remove faded flower stems to encourage a neat shape, and in spring (around April), lightly trim back the previous year’s growth, being careful not to cut into old wood, as this may prevent regrowth.
Mulching with gravel rather than organic matter can help keep the base dry and protect the roots from excess moisture.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)