Bee Pretty Italian Lavender

Bee Pretty Italian Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Bee Pretty') is a small, bushy lavender that stays near 50cm high and wide. Bright red purple flowers with pink tufts sit over narrow green foliage, and the scent is as good as the colour. It was bred in Australia, and it handles humidity better than many lavenders.

Why you'll love it

• Compact size. At about 50cm it fits the front of a mixed border, a small garden or a pot on a balcony.
• A warm tone. Red purple flowers with pink tufts read warmer than the usual blue purple lavender, which brightens a sunny cottage palette.
• Better with humidity. The Australian bred Bee lavenders tolerate humidity better than most, which widens the climates it suits.
• Heat and drought tolerant. It takes heat and dry weather, and should survive a light overnight frost once established.
• A pollinator favourite. Bees and butterflies are drawn to the fragrant flowers.

Where it works best

Stepover hedging. Plant 40cm apart for a knee high edge along a path or bed. At that spacing the plants meet into a continuous low band.

The front of the border. Set it ahead of taller perennials and roses, where its small frame will not hide anything behind it.

Pots and rockeries. A pot on the patio or a gravel rockery gives it the sharp drainage it wants and keeps the fragrance near the path.

Growing Bee Pretty Italian Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Give it full sun and free draining soil. It does well in cool dry climates, handles heat and drought, and should come through a light overnight frost once established. Because it copes with humidity better than most, it is also a fair choice for warmer, damper districts, provided it has airflow and drainage. Lower light is tolerated, but flowering falls away.

Soil. Avoid wet feet. In a pot, use a free draining mix in a container with drainage holes, and terracotta if you can, because it dries the root ball between waterings.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then ease back. Water at the base in the morning, not overhead, because wet leaves in humid weather invite fungal problems. Feed once a year after flowering.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, taking only a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood, to keep the plant compact and bushy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bee Pretty Italian Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is a good fit for a long edge, and it settles quickly in warm weather. Tubes and small pots travel well, so unpack them straight away and stand them in a bright, sheltered spot while you prepare the ground. Expect a small plant with narrow green leaves, with flowers following once it has bulked 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

• Our lavender collection
• Plants that thrive in pots
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• A lavender care guide for Australia

Common questions

Will it cope with humid summers?

Better than many lavenders, because the Bee range was bred in Australia for stronger humidity tolerance. Even so, give it full sun, good airflow and sharp drainage, and avoid overhead watering.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, at 50cm it suits a pot well. Use a free draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes, and never let it stand in a saucer of water.

What is a stepover hedge?

A hedge low enough to step over, usually about knee height. Plant 40cm apart and trim after each flush of flowers to hold the line.

Is it pet friendly?

No. Lavender contains aromatic oils that can cause vomiting in dogs and cats if they eat a good amount, so keep it away from pets that chew plants.