Pretty Polly Italian Lavender

Pretty Polly Italian Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Pretty Polly') is a compact, fragrant shrub about 50cm tall and wide that pairs dark purple flowers with a plume of white 'ears'. The contrast reads from across the garden, the narrow green leaves are scented, and flowers keep coming from spring through autumn.

Why you'll love it

• Two-tone flowers. Dark purple flower heads topped with white ears give a crisp contrast that plain purple lavenders cannot match.
• A long season. Flowers appear from spring to autumn, so the bush stays colourful for most of the warm months.
• Compact size. At about 50cm it fits borders, courtyards and pots, with no need for room to spare.
• Bees come calling. The flowers are a magnet for bees, and the scent is a pleasure on a warm path.
• Cuts and dries well. Stems last in a vase and keep their shape and scent when dried.

Where it works best

Low hedges and path edging. Plant 40cm apart in a single row. At that spacing the plants touch within a season and make a neat edge about 50cm high along paths and garden beds.

Pots and courtyards. A single plant in a 30cm pot of gritty mix brightens an entry, and groups of three make a feature on a sunny patio.

Rockeries and cottage beds. It suits dry, sunny banks and sits well with silver foliage plants, pink roses and daisies.

Growing Pretty Polly Italian Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, ideally a sunny, north-facing spot in southern gardens. It suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland climates. It tolerates light frost once established, particularly in sheltered, sandy sites.

Soil. Free-draining soil on the alkaline side suits it best. If yours is acid, work in a little dolomite, and raise the bed on heavy clay.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then water sparingly. Feed once a year with slow release fertiliser after flowering.

Pruning. Clip over twice a year, removing no more than a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood. This keeps the plant tight and flowering well.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pretty Polly Italian Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, leafy plant that settles in a couple of weeks and fills out over its first season. Availability of the tube depends on our grower. It shows as sold out whenever there is none, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day plants are back in stock.

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 the full lavender range
• Lavender care guide for Australia
• Plants that thrive in pots
• Perennials to pair with it in a cottage garden

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a low hedge?

Plant 40cm apart in a single row. The shrubs are about 50cm wide when mature, so they meet in a season without crowding each other.

Are the white 'ears' the flowers?

They are bracts, petal-like leaves above the true flowers, which are the small dark purple parts below. Bracts last far longer than petals, which is why the display runs so long.

Is it safe for pets?

Lavender can upset cats and dogs if they eat a lot of it, so we do not list it as pet friendly. Most pets ignore the strong scent, but keep it away from a chewing puppy.