Use & Care NotesLavender Plants
RUYLAA1701 Lavender: A Mini Hybrid That Keeps On Flowering
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RUYLAA1701 lavender is a compact hybrid with an unusual family tree: a cross of the dwarf English lavender 'Dwarf Blue' with an unnamed fernleaf lavender, Lavandula multifida. The result is a small, broad plant, about 7.6 inches tall and 8.9 inches wide, with soft, finely hairy blue-gray foliage and an abundance of dark violet-blue flower spikes.
Its standout trait is stamina. It is documented as flowering continuously and does not need a cold winter to set buds.
RUYLAA1701 at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula hybrid 'RUYLAA1701' |
| Parentage | L. angustifolia 'Dwarf Blue' × unnamed L. multifida |
| Flower color | Purple, described as dark violet-blue |
| Foliage | Blue-gray, softly hairy |
| Habit | Compact, broad |
| Mature size | About 7.6 inches tall and 8.9 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts late May, peaks mid-July, continuous flowering |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 6a to 10b |
| Fragrance | Moderate; floral with sweet herbal notes |
The best of two parents
English lavender brings cold tolerance and a sweet floral scent. Fernleaf lavender brings nonstop flowering and no need for winter chilling. RUYLAA1701 takes a bit of each: a zone range reaching down to 6a, which is broader than most continuous bloomers, and a habit of producing new spikes all season. Put it where you see it every day, because the show does not take a break.
Where to plant a lavender this small
- Window boxes and balcony rails: small, bushy and in flower all summer.
- Rock gardens and wall pockets: sharp drainage and reflected heat suit it.
- Front edge of a sunny bed: in zone 6 and warmer, in well-drained soil.
- Mixed containers: with other drought-tolerant plants that like to dry out between waterings.
Care through the season
Full sun and drainage matter as much for a small lavender as a big one. In pots, use a gritty, fast-draining mix and a container with a hole. Water when the top of the mix is dry; small pots dry quickly in summer but stay wet for days in cool weather, so check rather than water on a schedule.
Snip spent spikes back to the foliage every week or two. That keeps the plant neat and supports its continuous flowering. A light all-over trim in late summer tightens the shape. Avoid heavy fertilizer, which makes soft growth on a plant that should stay compact.
Winter
In zones 6a and warmer, an in-ground plant in fast-draining soil can stay outside; keep mulch off the crown. In colder zones, or for container plants anywhere near the edge of the range, move the pot to a bright, cool, frost-free spot and water sparingly until spring. The USDA Zone Finder tells you which group you are in.
Using the flowers
The stems are short, so think little posies, pressed flowers or a handful of dried spikes in a sachet rather than bundles. It is rated good for fresh and dried flowers and great for pollinators. Culinary use is not recommended.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name RUYLAA1701 mean?
It is a breeding code rather than a descriptive name. Many newer selections carry codes like this.
Does it really bloom all summer?
It is documented as continuous flowering, from a late-May start through a mid-July peak and beyond. Deadheading keeps it looking its best.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, it is rated deer resistant.
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