Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Silver Sands'

lavender

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy (borderline)
  
  This is quite a new introduction and as the name suggests, it has striking silver foliage. It is topped with spires of dark purple flowers throughout the summer and the contrast between these and the foliage is stunning. It is quite a tough plant which, although not quite fully hardy, overwinters well. It works well in a Mediterranean garden, and like all lavenders, it is a magnet for bees and other nectar-loving insects.
  
  
• Garden care: Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded to retain a compact shape. Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.