Lavandula pinnata
Lavandula pinnata · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around lavandula pinnata and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)
- Form
- Compact shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen, finely cut and silvery
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (May-August)
- Flower color
- Violet-blue to mauve
- Mature size
- 0.6 to 1.2 m tall × 0.8 to 1 m wide
- Hardiness
- Moderate (tolerates down to around -5°C)
- Origin
- Canary Islands and Mediterranean regions
Care
Sunlight
Plant your pinnate lavender in full sun, with a minimum of 6 hours per day, for generous flowering and dense foliage. It tolerates sunny and warm positions without issue. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter. This species fears waterlogged conditions: prefer watering at the base rather than overhead watering.
Soil
Use well-draining substrate: potting soil mixed with sand or perlite works perfectly. Pinnate lavender tolerates poor and even chalky soils. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Avoid cutting into old, hard wood. Deadheading spent flowers extends the flowering period and improves overall appearance.
Fertilizer
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer once or twice in spring. This plant doesn't require many nutrients: excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
When well-cultivated, pinnate lavender remains robust. In excessive moisture, fungal rots may appear: improve drainage and air circulation. Pests are rare; gentle soap treatment is sufficient if needed.
Did you know?
Lavandula pinnata is native to the Canary Islands, where it grows naturally on rocky slopes. Less hardy than its cousin Lavandula angustifolia, it thrives in Mediterranean climates or as a potted winter plant. Its name 'pinnata' refers to its finely divided leaves, which resemble a feather (pinna in Latin).
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- SageSalvia officinalis
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.