Distinctive butterfly-like, mauve flowers. Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: June to July Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection) From fat, round flowerheads, slender mauve petals emerge like butterfly wings, fluttering in the breeze among the aromatic, grey-green leaves. Like most French lavenders, it's earlier flowering than its English cousins, but when they are planted together, they will offer a prolonged season of interest. The flower-spikes are also a magnet for bees and other nectar-loving insects - and they look wonderful when planted en masse in a protected, sunny border where their heady fragrance can be enjoyed. In colder regions, grow it in a pot so it can easily be moved to a cool greenhouse or conservatory during the winter. Garden care: Keep plants compact by cutting back the spent flower stalks after they have faded. Then, in April, trim back again, taking care not to cut into the old wood.
