Use & Care NotesLavender Plants
Silver Frost Lavender: Silver Foliage and Long Violet-Blue Stems
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Silver Frost lavender, also known as Kathleen Elizabeth, is a hybrid of English lavender and woolly lavender introduced in 1994. It grows into an upswept, bushy evergreen about 36 inches tall and 48 inches wide, with bright silver foliage and dark violet-blue flowers over dark purple calyces. Its long, sturdy stems, about 12 to 16 inches, carry a strong, classic lavender fragrance.
Silver Frost at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula × chaytoriae 'Silver Frost' |
| Also known as | Kathleen Elizabeth |
| Parentage | English lavender × woolly lavender |
| Introduced | 1994 |
| Flower color | Dark violet-blue with dark purple calyces |
| Foliage | Silver |
| Mature size | About 36 inches tall and 48 inches wide |
| Bloom | Single flush in mid-July |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 7a to 10b |
A big silver accent
Silver Frost is one of the larger silver-leaved lavenders, and its upswept shape gives it a fountain-like look. In warm-zone gardens, a single plant makes a bright focal point at the corner of a bed, along a gravel path or against a dark fence or hedge. The dark violet-blue flowers contrast sharply with the silver leaves, so it looks finished in both foliage and flower.
Siting for success
Woolly-leaved lavender hybrids love dry air and dislike wet soil and humid, still conditions. Give Silver Frost:
- Full sun for most of the day.
- Very fast drainage: a raised bed, berm or slope with grit worked in.
- Space and airflow: about four feet of width, with nothing crowding its base.
- No wet mulch: gravel or bare soil around the crown.
Water regularly while it establishes, then sparingly. Its water needs are low.
Colder zones
Silver Frost is rated for zones 7a to 10b. In zone 6 and colder, it is safest in a large container, at least 16 inches across, that you can move to a bright, cool, frost-free spot for winter. In a pot it will stay smaller than its in-ground size. If you try it in the ground at the edge of its range, choose the warmest, driest, most sheltered spot you have. Check your zone with the USDA Zone Finder.
Cutting and pruning
Silver Frost is rated excellent as a cut flower, and its long, sturdy stems are made for fresh bouquets. Cut in mid-July when the first flowers open. It is rated good for dried flowers and great for pollinators. It blooms in a single flush with no rebloom, so after flowering, cut spent stems and lightly shape the plant, staying above bare wood. Culinary use is not recommended.
Pairing it in the garden
Silver Frost looks best with plants that share its love of sun and dry soil. Deep purple English lavenders make its silver leaves pop, and low, gray-leaved herbs or ornamental grasses echo its texture. Keep lush, leafy neighbors that hold humidity a few feet away, so air can move around its base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Silver Frost the same as Kathleen Elizabeth?
Yes. Kathleen Elizabeth is another name for the same plant.
Why does my plant look sad after a rainy week?
Silver, woolly foliage dislikes prolonged wet weather and humidity. Improve drainage and airflow, and avoid overhead watering.
Is it good for bouquets?
Yes. It is rated excellent for cut flowers, with long, sturdy stems.
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