Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Lisa Marie Lavender: A Silver Mound from English and Woolly Parents
Save
Lisa Marie lavender is a Lavandula × chaytoriae, a hybrid of English lavender and woolly lavender. It takes after both parents: from woolly lavender, intensely silver foliage; from English lavender, a classic purple flower and the need for a winter chill to bloom. It forms a broad, compact mound about 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide.
The silver leaves are the real reason to grow it. They glow in sun and stay attractive long after the flowers have been cut.
Lisa Marie at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Lisa Marie' |
| Parentage | L. angustifolia × L. lanata |
| Flower color | Purple |
| Foliage | Silver |
| Size | About 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide |
| Bloom | Mid-July, single flush |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 6a to 9b |
| Fragrance | Moderate; floral with sweet herbal notes |
A foliage plant that flowers
Silver is one of the most useful colors in a garden. It separates strong colors, brightens dull corners and makes purple flowers pop. Lisa Marie offers it in a wide, soft mound that works as a low hedge, an edging for a sunny walk or a standout specimen in a gravel garden. In bloom, the purple spikes over silver leaves give a crisp, two-tone look; out of bloom, it still carries the planting.
Its wide habit means fewer plants fill more ground. Space them about 30 to 36 inches apart and give them room to spread.
Siting it well
Lisa Marie is rated for zones 6a to 9b, so it suits much of West Michigan with good siting. Its woolly parent brings one caution: hairy, silver leaves dislike staying wet. Humid summers and soggy winters are the main risks.
- Sun: full sun all day.
- Soil: very fast draining. A raised bed, slope or gravel garden is ideal.
- Mulch: gravel or nothing near the crown; skip wet bark.
- Watering: at the base, never overhead, and only when dry.
- Air: generous spacing so leaves dry quickly after rain.
Not sure which zone you are in? The USDA Zone Finder will tell you.
Seasonal care
- Spring: wait for new growth, then trim winter-damaged tips back to healthy foliage.
- Summer: enjoy the mid-July flush; cut stems for drying as they open.
- After bloom: remove spent stems and lightly shape the mound. Avoid cutting into bare wood.
- Fall and winter: no feeding, little water. It needs winter chill to bloom well.
Harvest and uses
Lisa Marie is rated good for fresh and dried flowers and great for pollinators. Cut stems when the first flowers open, then hang small bundles to dry in a dark, airy place. A few silver sprigs add texture to bouquets. Culinary use is not recommended.
It comes as a 3-inch plug, a 4-inch pot or a 1-gallon pot. See the product page for current sizes and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Does Lisa Marie rebloom?
It is a single-flush lavender, blooming once in mid-July. Its silver foliage carries the show the rest of the season.
Why are the lower leaves browning?
Usually from moisture trapped in the dense, silver foliage or wet soil. Improve drainage and airflow and water only at the base.
Is it hardy in Michigan?
It is rated for zones 6a to 9b. With sharp drainage and a sunny, open site, it suits much of West Michigan.
Share how it went in your field