Lavenders

Lavender in the Subtropics

Lavender has long been loved for its silvery foliage, fragrant blooms, and calming presence — and with the right varieties, it thrives beautifully in Brisbane and its surrounds warm, humid climate.

Unlike the cool-climate lavenders of Provence, subtropical gardeners have their champions: Lavandula dentata (French Lavender) and Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavenders including Lavender Lace) are the standout performers in South East Queensland.  The Laveanna series is a specific, compact line of Spanish lavender, which belongs to the Lavandula stoechas species.  The Laveanna hybrids are Lavandula stoechas varieties bred for early blooming, extended flowering time into the heat of summer, and dense, natural branching without the need for pinching and includeLaveanna Pink, Laveanna Purple and Laveanna White. They handle the heat and humidity far better than English varieties, rewarding you with near year-round blooms in shades of purple, mauve, and violet.

Plant them in a sunny spot with excellent drainage — raised beds or sloped garden beds work a treat. Brisbane's heavy summer rains can be the biggest challenge, so avoid clay soils and never let roots sit in water. A good handful of coarse sand or gravel mixed into the planting hole makes all the difference.

Prune lightly after each flush of flowers to keep plants bushy and productive. Come winter, Brisbane lavenders put on their best show — just in time for the cooler, drier months that they love most.

Whether you're planting a fragrant border, a cottage garden feature, or harvesting blooms for drying and crafts, lavender brings a little of the French countryside to your Queensland garden.