Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Beechwood Blue Lavender: A Low, Wide Dome of Violet-Blue
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Beechwood Blue lavender grows out more than up. It forms a low, compact, domed evergreen shrub about a foot tall and two feet wide, with narrow gray-green leaves and abundant violet-blue spikes in early summer. Both the foliage and the flowers are strongly aromatic.
It is Lavandula angustifolia 'Beechwood Blue', holder of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit with an H5 hardiness rating, and it is rated for an unusually wide range: USDA zones 5a to 10b.
Beechwood Blue at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula angustifolia 'Beechwood Blue' |
| Flower color | Violet-blue |
| Foliage | Narrow, gray-green, strongly aromatic |
| Size | About 11.8 inches tall and 23.6 inches wide |
| Stems | About 12 inches |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks late June, moderate rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5a to 10b; RHS H5 |
| Fragrance | Strong |
| Recognition | RHS Award of Garden Merit |
What a low, wide lavender is good for
Most lavenders are about as wide as they are tall. Beechwood Blue is twice as wide, which changes how you use it. It softens the hard edge where a lawn meets a bed, spills gently over the top of a low retaining wall and covers a sunny slope with far fewer plants than a taller lavender would need. On a bank, drainage is naturally good, which is exactly what English lavender wants.
Its low dome also keeps sightlines open. Use it in front of windows, beside steps and along paths where a taller lavender would block the view.
Planting and spacing
Plant in full sun, at least six to eight hours, in sandy, gravelly or loamy soil that drains quickly. Space plants about 24 inches apart so the domes meet at maturity. On slopes, set each plant so its crown sits level and a small basin holds water during establishment. A gravel mulch keeps the low foliage off damp soil.
The USDA Zone Finder confirms your zone; with a 5a to 10b rating, it suits a wider range of climates than most lavenders.
Care through the year
- First season: water when the top few inches of soil dry, then let it go lean.
- Winter chill: it needs a cold period to bloom well.
- Pruning: after the June flush, shear off spent stems and shape the dome, staying in leafy growth. A moderate rebloom may follow. See the Pruning Calendar.
- Weeds: keep the ground clear until the domes knit together; low plants lose to tall weeds.
- Feeding: very light or none.
Harvest and uses
Beechwood Blue is rated great for culinary use. Cut stems on a dry morning when buds are fully colored and only a few flowers have opened, then dry them in a shaded, airy spot. Use buds grown as a food crop and start with small amounts. Its 12-inch stems are long enough for small bundles, and it is rated good for cut and dried flowers.
Choosing a plant format
It is offered as a 3-inch plug, a 4-inch pot or a 1-gallon pot. On a slope, plugs are an economical way to cover ground. See the product page for current sizes and availability, and use Notify Me there if it is not available right now.
Frequently asked questions
Can Beechwood Blue be used as a groundcover?
It works as a low, mounding cover on sunny, well-drained ground, but it is not for foot traffic.
Is it good for cooking?
Yes. It is an English lavender rated great for culinary use.
What does the Award of Garden Merit mean?
It is a recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society for plants that perform reliably in gardens.
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