Lavandula angustifolia 'Royal Velvet' Lavender

Royal Velvet English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Royal Velvet’) is a classic and highly regarded variety known for its intense fragrance, deep purple flower spikes, and long, elegant stems. With a compact, well-branched growth habit and gray-green foliage, this evergreen shrub is as attractive in the garden as it is productive for harvest.

Blooming in early summer, Royal Velvet produces 14–16 inch stems topped with dark purple calyces and violet-blue corollas, making it one of the top choices for dried bouquets, wreaths, and crafts. Its strong yet balanced aroma and low camphor content also make it a favorite culinary lavender, widely used for baking, teas, syrups, and herbal blends.

Introduced in 1988 and raised from seed collected from ‘Royal Purple’, this variety quickly became popular for both home gardeners and small-scale growers. Its uniform growth and strong stems make it especially well suited for mass plantings, hedges, and production beds.

Plant Highlights

• Highly fragrant English lavender with dark purple blooms
• Long stems ideal for drying, bouquets, and wreaths
• One of the best culinary lavender varieties available
• Compact, uniform growth habit
• Excellent for mass plantings and landscape use

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia
• Cultivar: ‘Royal Velvet’
• Plant type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature size: Up to 30 in. tall × 3 ft. wide
• Stem length: 14–16 inches
• Corolla color: Violet-blue
• Calyx color: Dark purple
• Bloom season: Early summer
• Fragrance: Strong, sweet
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Well-draining soil

Best Uses

• Culinary lavender
• Essential oil production
• Dried bouquets and wreaths
• Potpourri and crafts
• Landscaping and mass plantings