Bee Brilliant Italian Lavender

Bee Brilliant Italian Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Bee Brilliant') is an upright, grey leaved lavender that grows 60cm to 1m high and wide. In spring and summer it carries deep purple flowers with long tufts above narrow, fragrant foliage. It is also sold as Madrid Purple, and next to the classic Avonview it is more upright and greyer in leaf.

Why you'll love it

• Deep purple flowers. Dark heads with long tufts show up strongly against the grey green leaves.
• An upright, tidy habit. The more upright form makes a neater hedge or border than a sprawling lavender.
• Quick and easy. It is easy care and fast growing, which suits a gardener who wants a result without fuss.
• Scent for the house. Cut stems can go in a vase, or be dried for arrangements and potpourri.
• Good for bees. Bees and butterflies work the flowers through spring and summer.

Where it works best

Low hedging. Plant 60cm apart in a single row for a fragrant hedge up to 1m high. Trim after each flush of flowers to keep it dense.

Cottage gardens. Weave it through roses and perennials, where the grey foliage ties mixed colours together.

Rockeries and pots. Sunny rockeries, gravel beds and large terracotta pots suit its need for sharp drainage.

Growing Bee Brilliant Italian Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and open, airy ground. It prefers drier climates and tolerates light frost, so it suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. Where frosts are regular, give it a little cover on the coldest nights. Lower light is tolerated, but flowering suffers.

Soil. Sharp drainage is the one non negotiable. On clay, build a mound 20cm to 30cm high from a gritty mix and plant into that, because a hole filled with compost holds water like a bowl.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks while it establishes, then ease off. Gravel mulch suits it better than bark. Feed once a year after flowering with a slow release fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, removing no more than a third of the foliage and staying out of old wood. Lavender will not reshoot from bare grey stems, so always cut above green leaves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bee Brilliant Italian Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the thrifty way to plant a hedge, and it settles in quickly. Open the box on arrival, check the plants and water them in before planting out. Expect a small, grey leaved plant rather than one in full flower, with the first big show following as it bulks up.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full lavender range
• Lavender care guide for Australian gardens
• How to create a great hedge and keep it sharp
• More fragrant plants

Common questions

Is Bee Brilliant the same as Madrid Purple?

It is sold under both names, so labels vary between sources. It resembles the classic Avonview, but it is more upright and has greyer foliage.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

About 60cm apart in a single row. Wider spacing leaves gaps for years, and crowding restricts airflow and invites fungal problems.

Does it cope with frost?

It tolerates light frost. In districts with regular frosts, plant it in a sheltered, sunny spot and cover it on the coldest nights.

Is it safe for pets?

Not entirely. Lavender can upset the stomach of a dog or cat if a lot is eaten, so we do not class it as pet friendly. Most animals leave the foliage alone.