Lavender 'Royal Velvet'

English lavender 'Royal Velvet' is a bushy evergreen shrub with aromatic gray-green leaves and long spikes of fragrant purple flowers. The blooms open from dark purple buds on tall stems in summer, and this cultivar keeps its color well when cut for drying. [The Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/178590/lavandula-angustifolia-royal-velvet/details) gives a mature height and spread range of 0.5–1 m. ## Site and use Grow it in full sun and well-drained soil; the RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand among suitable soil types. Purple flower spikes add summer color to borders and gravel gardens, and the stems can be cut for drying. It also suits patio containers, banks, and slopes where drainage is reliable. The RHS rates the cultivar as drought resistant once established. ## Maintenance Avoid waterlogged soil, especially in winter. Deadhead after flowering and trim the foliage in spring, stopping above old woody growth. Do not shear deeply into bare stems, because lavender may not regenerate from old wood. [The RHS English lavender guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/lavender/english) provides additional growing and pruning advice for the species.