Bella Rouge Italian Lavender

Bella Rouge Italian Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Bella Rouge') is a compact, long flowering lavender around 50cm high and wide, with vibrant reddish purple flowers and pale pink tufts. Bred in Australia for bushy, dense flowering plants, it blooms from autumn to spring in milder climates. It is the lavender for gardeners who want warmth in the colour.

Why you'll love it

• Vibrant, warm colour. Reddish purple flowers with pale pink tufts bring a livelier tone to a lavender planting.
• Dense, bushy flowering. It was bred to carry plenty of blooms on a small, rounded plant.
• Months of colour. In milder climates the flowering runs from autumn to spring.
• Sun and heat hardy. It copes with heat and drought, and should survive a light overnight frost once established.
• Easy to place. At 50cm it works in pots, courtyards and narrow beds without crowding anything.

Where it works best

Sunny courtyards. Group three to five plants 40cm apart in a paved courtyard bed, where reflected heat suits them.

Stepover edges. Plant 40cm apart in a row beside a path, a drive or a bed of herbs to make a low, flowering border.

Large pots. One plant in a big, free draining pot gives a fragrant feature, and you can move it to catch the sun.

Growing Bella Rouge Italian Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and free draining soil. It is right at home in cool dry climates, handles heat and drought, and should come through a light overnight frost once established. It tolerates lower light, with a reduction in flowers.

Soil. Avoid wet feet. On heavy soil, plant into a raised bed or a mound of gritty mix, and keep mulch off the stems.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then back off. Feed once a year after flowering with a slow release fertiliser to maintain compact growth.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, removing no more than a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood. Cutting above green leaves keeps the plant rounded and flowering.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bella Rouge Italian Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the simple, economical way to plant a bed or a row, and it grows away quickly in warm weather. Young plants travel well, so unpack them promptly and water them in. Expect a small, leafy plant, with the vivid flowers following as it grows.

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

• Shop our lavender collection
• Lavender care guide for Australia
• Plants for balconies and courtyards
• More flowering plants

Common questions

How often should I prune it?

Twice a year, taking about a third of the foliage each time and finishing above green leaves. Skip this and the plant opens up in the middle.

Does it cope with a hot summer?

Yes, it handles heat and drought. Give it free drainage and good airflow, and avoid overhead watering in humid weather.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 40cm apart for a continuous low edge. For a looser mounded look, allow 50cm between plants.

Is it a pet friendly plant?

No. Lavender is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, and eating a good amount can cause vomiting. Keep it away from animals that chew plants.