Use & Care NotesLavender Plants
Gorgeous Lavender: Silver-Gray Leaves and Dark Violet Spikes
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Gorgeous lavender is a cross between English lavender and woolly lavender, botanically Lavandula × chaytoriae. From the woolly side it gets its silver-gray foliage; from the English side, a bushy, mounding shape. In mid-July it is covered in dark violet-purple to violet-blue spikes that pop against all that silver.
The plant reaches about 28 inches tall and wide, with a moderate, sweet herbaceous fragrance. It is a lavender grown mainly for the eye.
Gorgeous at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Gorgeous' |
| Parentage | L. angustifolia × L. lanata |
| Flowers | Dark violet-purple to violet-blue |
| Foliage | Silver-gray |
| Mature size | About 28 inches tall and 28 inches wide |
| Bloom | Mid-July, single flush, no rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 6a to 9b |
| Fragrance | Moderate; floral with sweet herbaceous notes |
The silver garden lavender
Few lavenders have foliage this pale. Gorgeous makes an excellent anchor for a silver or gravel garden, a sunny rock garden or the hot edge of a driveway. Its dark spikes give strong contrast, especially against light stone or pale gravel mulch. Pair it with deep green rosemary, dark-leaved sedums or white-flowered plants for a polished look.
Drainage first, then everything else
Silver, felted foliage tends to hold moisture, and that is where trouble starts in a humid summer. Give Gorgeous:
- Full sun all day if possible.
- Gritty, fast-draining soil, ideally on a slope, berm or raised bed.
- Space, about 28 to 36 inches between plants, for airflow.
- Gravel mulch rather than wood mulch, to keep the crown dry.
- Little water once established.
Pairing it with other lavenders
Gorgeous blooms in mid-July, after most early English lavenders have finished and alongside many lavandins. Plant it in front of a taller purple lavandin and the two flower together, with Gorgeous adding a band of silver at knee height. Or pair it with a white English lavender for a cool silver, white and violet scheme. The Bloom Calendar helps you match timing.
Zone check
Gorgeous is rated for zones 6a to 9b. Gardeners in zone 6 and warmer should do well with good drainage. In zone 5, or a cold pocket of zone 6, plant it in the most sheltered, best-drained spot you have, or choose a hardier English lavender. The USDA Zone Finder can confirm your zone.
Bloom, cutting and pruning
Gorgeous flowers once, in mid-July, with no rebloom. Cut stems for fresh bouquets or drying as the first flowers open; both rate good. After bloom, trim spent stems and lightly shape the mound in leafy growth. It needs a winter chill to flower, so do not expect bloom from a plant kept warm all year. It is not recommended for culinary use. Pollinators rate it great while it is in flower.
Plant sizes
Gorgeous comes as 3-inch plugs, 4-inch pots and 1-gallon pots. See the product page for current sizes and availability.
Frequently asked questions
What is woolly lavender?
Lavandula lanata is a lavender with soft, felted silver leaves. Gorgeous inherits much of that silver color from it.
Does Gorgeous rebloom?
No. It puts on a single show in mid-July.
Is it good for drying?
Yes. It rates good for dried flowers, and the dark spikes look striking in a bundle of silver stems.
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