Product Field NotesLavender Plants
IB61026 Lavender: Dark Purple Flowers Under Oversized Violet Flags
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IB61026 lavender pairs dark purple flowers with large purplish-violet sterile bracts, so each head looks like a small dark cone wearing a bright bow. The plant stays compact, dense and bushy, about 7 inches tall and a little wider than that at roughly 8.5 inches.
It belongs to Lavandula stoechas subsp. pedunculata and is rated for USDA zones 8a to 10b, with high rebloom. In our part of Michigan it is grown as a pot plant or as an annual, and its wide, low shape makes it one of the better choices for shallow containers.
IB61026 at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula stoechas subsp. pedunculata 'IB61026' |
| Flowers | Dark purple to purplish violet, with large purplish-violet bracts |
| Foliage | Green, compact, dense |
| Size | About 7 inches tall and 8.5 inches wide |
| Bloom | Spring into early summer, with high rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 8a to 10b (annual in Michigan) |
| Fragrance | Moderate; bold resinous-herbal with camphor and eucalyptus-like notes |
| Cut and dried | Good for both |
Made for wide, shallow containers
Because it spreads slightly more than it climbs, IB61026 suits low bowls, wide window boxes and the front row of a big patio planter. Plant three in a shallow bowl and they knit into one dark purple carpet. The oversized bracts flutter above the mound, which is a big part of the charm.
Dark flowers look their best with contrast. Try it against pale gravel, a light-colored pot or alongside the white and pink Spanish lavenders in our collection.
Sun, soil and water
Six to eight hours of sun and a fast-draining mix do most of the work. Shallow containers dry out quickly, which lavender likes, but in July heat check them every day or two. Water thoroughly when the top inch is dry and let excess drain away. Keep the crown out of soggy mulch and keep pots off saucers that hold water.
Rebloom and trimming
- Clip spent heads back to the leaves as they fade.
- After a heavy flush, shear the whole mound lightly to keep it even.
- Avoid cutting into old, leafless wood.
- Skip heavy fertilizer; a light hand gives more flags and fewer floppy stems.
The Lavender Care Academy has more on trimming and container care.
Winter plans
Before the first hard freeze, decide whether to let it go or bring it in. To overwinter, move the pot to a cool, bright window or sunroom, water lightly and wait for spring. A wide, low plant like this one fits on a sill more easily than most lavenders, which helps.
Cutting, drying and formats
Its fresh and dried ratings are both good. Snip heads when the bracts have just opened and dry them in a shaded, airy spot for potpourri or small wreath accents. It is ornamental, not a culinary lavender.
Choose a 3-inch plug, 4-inch pot or 1-gallon pot. See the product page for current sizes and availability.
Frequently asked questions
What are the big flags on top?
They are sterile bracts, colorful leaf-like structures typical of Spanish lavender. On IB61026 they are large and purplish violet.
How many plants fit in a window box?
At about 8.5 inches wide, plan on one plant every 8 to 10 inches for a full look by midsummer.
Does it smell sweet?
Not really. Its fragrance is resinous and herbal with camphor and eucalyptus notes, more piney than perfumed.
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