Lavandre Papillon Stoechas is a family of around 25 lavenders closely related to the Stoechas lavander that grows wild around the Mediterranean basin. It is very well suited to gardeners who are out to achieve a low water garden, as most of us now have to in Les Corbieres and else where nowadays.

The plant itself is a dense bush of minute silvery leaves,  good for water retention in hot climates. The flowers, large squarish deep purple, with a lighter ‘tiara’ top,  usually span from early June to late August. When growing in the wild the plant is usually quite small, but planted in a garden it can spread to a good 50cm across. As the name, Lavandre Papillon suggests butterflies and bees love these plants.

 

Growing Lavandre Papillon

Best planted in Autumn, like many Garrigue plants, to allow their roots to establish themselves over the Winter, they can be planted in Spring but require slightly pore watering around their base during the first Summer. They like poor, well drained soil, ideally in the sun. Plant a good 50cms from their neighbours.

In general these lavenders require a weekly water the first Summer but after that can be left to tend for themselves.

A prune after the flowering ensures a well rounded dense bush, with plentiful flowers.

Reproducing Lavandre Papillon

This lavender can be grown from seed, however I get mush better, and faster, results from tip cuttings in Spring and early Summer. Cur a good 4cm of tip at a “junction”, strip off all nut the top leaves, and clip off any flower, bury up their necks in moist Orgasyl, or any other planting medium that contains a natural rooting hormone. Sees to take three to four weeks to establish root. Up pot into an an individual pot and grow on before planting in it’s final destination. Water when planted and then weekly for the first four months or so.

 

For more information in French  on Lavandre Papillon varieties see Lavande papillon (Lavandula stoechas) : taille, bouturage, entretien (jardin-secrets.com)