Silver Lining Passion Italian Lavender

Silver Lining Passion Italian Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Silver Lining Passion') is the upright member of the family, with a strong branching habit that builds a mound 70cm tall and 70cm wide. Deep plum-purple flowers topped with long purple tufts open in spring and summer, and through the year in warmer climates. It is a good choice for borders where you want height and structure.

Why you'll love it

• Strong, upright branching. The stems hold their shape rather than sprawling, so the plant stays tidy and clearly defined.
• Deep plum colour. Dark plum-purple flowers with long purple tufts give a rich, dramatic note against silvery leaves.
• Height for borders. At 70cm tall and wide it adds a middle layer to a border without crowding its neighbours.
• Tough in many climates. Heat, humidity, drought and cold are all within its range.
• Fragrant and cuttable. The scented flowers can be cut and dried for arrangements or potpourri.

Where it works best

Borders. Plant 60cm apart along the front or middle of a sunny border. The upright mounds repeat like a rhythm and look best in odd-numbered groups.

Low hedging. At the same 60cm spacing the mounds meet into a flowering hedge about 70cm high, trimmed lightly twice a year.

Cottage gardens and pots. It suits cottage planting among roses and salvias, and does well in a large pot about 40cm wide.

Growing Silver Lining Passion Italian Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, ideally most of the day. Lavender tolerates lower light, but flowering is affected. Heat, humidity and cold are all within its range, as is drought. Keep it out of low spots where water collects.

Soil. Free draining soil, and avoid wet feet. In pots, use a gritty mix. In humid areas, a gravel mulch keeps the base of the plant dry.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks while the plant establishes, then water deeply and infrequently. A yearly feed of slow release fertiliser after flowering helps maintain compact growth.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, removing only a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood. An upright grower like this one stays dense if pruned before it turns leggy. Bare stems will not recover.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silver Lining Passion Italian Lavender as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted out. Expect a small, upright plant that thickens and begins to branch within its first season.

Because tube stock comes from our grower, it is not always on hand. A sold out tube on this page means the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button emails you the day it returns.

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 collection
• Best hedging plants
• Low hedge plants under 1 metre
• Lavender care guide for Australia

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 60cm apart for a hedge or a continuous border, so the mature mounds just touch. Allow 80cm if you would like each plant to read as an individual mound.

Why has my lavender gone woody in the middle?

Usually missed pruning. Take a third off after flowering, always cutting above green leaves, and the plant stays dense. Bare grey stems will not reshoot.

Will it grow in part shade?

It survives in lower light, but flowers less and can open up. For the best flowering, give it full sun for most of the day.