{"product_id":"bella-purple-italian-lavender-lavandula-stoechas-bella-purple","title":"Bella Purple Italian Lavender - Lavandula stoechas 'Bella Purple'","description":"\u003cp\u003eBella Purple Italian Lavender (\u003cem\u003eLavandula stoechas\u003c\/em\u003e 'Bella Purple') is a compact lavender, around 50cm high and wide, with deep purple flowers and matching dark purple tufts. It was bred in Australia for bushy growth and a long season of colour, which runs from autumn to spring in milder climates. Dark and dense, it is the classic lavender look in a small package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne rich colour.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep purple flowers with dark purple tufts give a solid, saturated tone rather than a two tone effect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBushy and compact.\u003c\/strong\u003e The dense habit makes a neat mound at about 50cm, which suits pots and tight beds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers for months.\u003c\/strong\u003e In milder climates the display runs from autumn to spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for sun and dry spells.\u003c\/strong\u003e Heat and dry weather suit it, and it should survive a light overnight frost once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor wildlife and the vase.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bees and butterflies visit the fragrant flowers, and cut stems dry well for arrangements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSilver and gold plantings.\u003c\/strong\u003e The dark flowers look best beside silver foliage or lime and yellow plants, which make the purple look deeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdging and low hedges.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 40cm apart in a single row for a continuous purple band that stays below knee height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePots.\u003c\/strong\u003e A matched set of pots gives a formal courtyard look, with the dark flowers set off by pale terracotta or concrete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Bella Purple Italian Lavender in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e A sunny, free draining spot suits it. It copes with heat and dry conditions, does well in cool dry climates, and should survive a light overnight frost once established. In part shade it grows, but flowers are reduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Avoid wet feet. Plant on a slight mound in clay, or grow it in a container with a gritty mix so the roots never sit wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then ease off. Lavender flowers best on lean soil, so a light annual feed with a slow release fertiliser after flowering is all it needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune twice a year, taking about a third of the foliage and staying out of old wood. Prune before it goes woody, since old stems will not reshoot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Bella Purple Italian Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the cost effective way to plant a row, and it settles in quickly in warm weather. Plants this size handle freight well, so unpack them promptly and keep them watered until they go in the ground. Expect a small, leafy plant that flowers more heavily as it grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/lavender\"\u003eSee the whole lavender range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/lavender-care-guide-australia\"\u003eLavender care guide for Australian gardens\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rockery-plants\"\u003ePlants for rockeries\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/drought-tolerant-plants\"\u003eDrought tolerant plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat colour are the flowers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep purple, with dark purple tufts on top. Unlike some Bella lavenders the tufts do not lighten, so the whole flower head reads as one dark tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does a lavender plant last?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a suitable climate, expect about five to eight years from an Italian type. When it becomes woody and open, take cuttings in autumn and replace it rather than cutting it back hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes it need much feeding?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery little. Rich soil and heavy feeding give soft growth, fewer flowers and weaker scent, so one light application after flowering is plenty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe for pets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot entirely. Lavender can upset a dog's or cat's stomach if a good amount is eaten, so we do not class it as pet friendly. It is best kept away from pets that chew.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67787263377727,"sku":"LAV-STO-BELLAP-tube","price":15.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/bella-purple-italian-lavender-lavandula-stoechas-bella-purple.jpg?v=1792154729","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/bella-purple-italian-lavender-lavandula-stoechas-bella-purple","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}