Javelin Italian Lavender

Javelin Italian Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Javelin') is a compact Italian lavender only 30 to 40cm tall and wide, bred for big blooms and good disease resistance. This is the Forte Deep Purple colourway, which looks nearly black in the heart of each bloom, topped with cool lilac-lavender tufts. It suits small gardens, front-of-border planting and patio pots.

Why you'll love it

• Big, dark flowers. The Javelin range carries large blooms on long stems, and this one is a super-dark purple that stands out against grey-green foliage.
• Bred for disease resistance. It is a healthy variety, worth trying if you have struggled with lavender in the past.
• Compact size. At 30 to 40cm by 30 to 40cm it fits small gardens, edges and pots without taking over.
• Spring and summer display. Showy blooms arrive in spring and carry into summer, with fragrant grey-green foliage all year.
• Heat and drought tolerant. Once established it needs little water, and it should cope with a light overnight frost.

Where it works best

Front-of-border planting. Plant 40cm apart in a sunny border for a low, fragrant edge about knee height.

Patio pots. A single plant in a 25cm pot or larger, in gritty potting mix, brings colour and scent to a terrace.

Small gardens and rockeries. It stays small enough for tight spaces, in full sun with sharp drainage, and its cut flowers can be dried.

Growing Javelin Italian Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Give it full sun and free draining soil, and avoid wet feet. It copes with heat and drought and suits cool, dry climates, though it handles cold less well than English or French lavender. In humid subtropical gardens, plant on a mound with gravel mulch. Lavender can upset cats and dogs if they eat a lot of it.

Soil. Free draining, gritty or sandy soil suits it. It accepts lower light but will flower less.

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

Pruning. Prune twice a year, taking off only a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood. Frequent light trims keep this compact lavender dense.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Javelin Italian Lavender as tube stock only. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted. It arrives small, so expect it to fill out over its first spring and summer. Plant it out in a sunny, free draining spot soon after it arrives.

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

• See all lavender
• Choosing and pruning lavender
• Plants for small gardens
• Rockery plants

Common questions

What does Forte Deep Purple mean?

It is the colour form within the Javelin range. The heart of the flower is a very dark purple, close to black, with paler lilac-lavender tufts above.

How do I keep it compact?

Trim lightly twice a year, taking only a third of the foliage and staying above green leaves. Never cut into the bare grey wood.

Can I grow it in a pot all year?

Yes. Use a free draining mix in a pot at least 25cm wide, keep it in full sun and water only once the top of the mix has dried.