Lavandula × chaytorae
A hybrid cross between L. angustifolia and L. lanata, discovered around the mid 1980s, that only occurs in cultivation (wild populations of the species to not overlap). They are generally much larger shrubs than L. lanata with larger, wider flower spikes that produce a high quality essential oil. Compared to L. angustifolia they have wooly, silver foliage, increased adaptation to drought, and they bloom later in the summer with much darker violet corollas that contrast with their silver-gray calyces.
Our Selection
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Ana Luisa'
Description: evergreen shrub; our own 1998 introduction of a chance seedling we found in the garden that we named after our niece. One of the largest cultivars of the × chaytorae group. Silver-white, felted foliage and a loose, mounding growth habit. Long stems with fragrant flower spikes; dries well for floral bouquets.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Stem length: 12-14 in.
Corolla: dark violet
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri, oil distillation
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Andreas'
Description: evergreen shrub; an early 1990s introduction from New Zealand. Low and spreading with soft, silver foliage that is especially attractive in winter. Long stems and sweetly fragrant dark violet-blue flower spikes.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Stem length: 12-14 in.
Corolla: dark violet
Calyx: dark blue
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Bridehead Blue'
Description: evergreen shrub; raised in 1998 as a chance seedling on the Bridehead Estate in Dorset, England. Low, sprawling growth with soft, silver foliage. Long stems with sweetly fragrant dark purple flower spikes.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Stem length: 12-15 in.
Corolla: dark violet
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri, oil distillation
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Gorgeous'
Description: evergreen shrub; a chance seedling raised by Downderry Nursery in 2003. One of the darkest flowers of the × chaytorae group and the only one known to produce fertile seed. Low, spreading growth with soft, silver foliage and pungently fragrant dark purple flower spikes.
Height: to 28 in. Spread: to 28 in.
Stem length: 10-12 in.
Corolla: dark violet
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, bouquets, potpourri
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Isabel'
Description: evergreen shrub; our own 2022 introduction selected for its compact growth and high oil yield. Low and spreading with soft, silver foliage and sweetly fragrant violet flower spikes. An excellent alternative to traditional field varities with an increased tolerance to drought stress.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Stem length: 12-14 in.
Corolla: violet
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri, oil distillation
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Jennifer'
Description: evergreen shrub; our own 2001 introduction of a chance seedling from our gardens. Compact, mounded growth with soft, silver foliage and long stems with dense, dark purple flower spikes. Similar to 'Lisa Marie' but more vigorous with better form and larger flower spikes. A favorite for crafts and bouquets.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Stem length: 12-16 in.
Corolla: dark violet-blue
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Joan Head'
Description: evergreen shrub; raised by Peter Carter of New Zealand in the 1990s and named for the renowned English plantswoman, Joan Head. Vigorous, spreading growth with soft, silver foliage and sweetly pungent dark purple flower spikes.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Stem length: 12-18 in.
Corolla: dark violet
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Lisa Marie'
Description: evergreen shrub; 1 991 introduction by Kenneth R. Montgomery of California and named for his daughter. Thought to be a cross of L. lanata and L. angustifolia 'Martha Roderick'. Low, compact growth with soft, silver foliage and very fragrant dark purple flower spikes.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Stem length: 10-12 in.
Corolla: dark violet
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, bouquets, potpourri
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Richard Grey'
Description: evergreen shrub; a seedling discovered at RBG Kew in the 1980s and thought to be the first Lavandula × chaytorae to exist. Dense, growth with soft, silver foliage and dark purple flower spikes.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Stem length: 10-12 in.
Corolla: violet
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri
Lavandula × chaytorae 'Sawyers'
Description: evergreen shrub; introduced by Norfolk Lavender in 1991 and sometimes sold under the trade designation QUICK SILVER in Europe. Low, compact growth with soft, silver foliage and sweetly pungent dark purple flower spikes
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Stem length: 12-16 in.
Corolla: violet
Calyx: deep dark blue
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri
Lavandula × chaytorae SILVER FROST ('Kathleen Elizabeth')
Description: evergreen shrub; our own 1994 introduction of a chance seedling named after our daughter. Upwardly sweeping, bushy growth and especially silver foliage. Long stems with fragrant dark purple flower spikes. A favorite for winter foliage.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Stem length: 12-16 in.
Corolla: dark violet-blue
Calyx: dark purple
Bloom season: mid summer
Best Uses: landscaping, rock gardens, crafts, bouquets, potpourri, oil distillation