Bella Blue Italian Lavender

Bella Blue Italian Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Bella Blue') is a compact, Australian bred lavender about 50cm high and wide. Very dark purple flowers with lilac purple tufts sit over narrow green foliage, and in milder climates the flowering runs from autumn to spring. It is small enough for a pot and tidy enough for the front of a border.

Why you'll love it

• A long flowering season. In milder climates it blooms from autumn right through to spring.
• Dark, rich colour. Very dark purple flowers with lilac tufts give strong contrast against pale foliage plants.
• Small and tidy. A 50cm mound suits pots, edging and tight spots.
• Heat and drought tolerant. It handles heat and dry weather and should survive a light overnight frost once established.
• Good for picking. Cut stems last in a vase, and the flowers dry well for arrangements and potpourri.

Where it works best

Cutting and herb gardens. Plant 40cm apart in a sunny bed near the kitchen door and you will have stems to pick through the long season.

Low edging. A single row at 40cm spacing makes a knee high stepover hedge beside a path.

Pots and the front of a border. At 50cm it sits comfortably in a pot, a courtyard bed or ahead of taller flowers.

Growing Bella Blue Italian Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Sun and sharp drainage are what it asks for. It does best in cool dry climates, copes with heat, and should survive a light overnight frost once established. Lower light is tolerated, but there will be fewer flowers.

Soil. Avoid wet feet. On clay, build up the bed with grit, or grow it in a pot where you control the mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then reduce. Fertilise once a year after flowering with a slow release fertiliser, and avoid heavy feeding that gives soft growth.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, taking only about a third of the foliage and staying clear of old wood, to keep the mound compact.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bella Blue Italian Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the simple way to fill a bed or a row of pots, and it establishes well in warm weather. Young plants arrive packed for the journey, so unbox them on the day and water them in. Expect a small plant, with flowers following once it has put on growth.

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

• Explore our lavender collection
• Lavender care guide for Australia
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• Plants for small gardens

Common questions

When does Bella Blue flower?

In milder climates the season runs from autumn to spring, and that is when the plant is at its showiest.

How do I dry the flowers?

Cut stems as the flowers open, tie them in small bunches and hang them upside down somewhere airy and shaded. Dried stems suit arrangements and potpourri.

Does it need full sun?

Yes, for the best display. It tolerates lower light, but flowering is reduced.

Is it safe around pets?

Not completely. Lavender can cause an upset stomach in dogs and cats if they chew much of it, so we do not call it pet friendly. Most pets leave it alone.