Lavandula 'Richard Gray' Lavender

Silvery foliage, tidy form, and refined beauty—fresh or dried.

Lavandula x chaytoriae ‘Richard Grey’ is a distinctive lavender cultivar introduced from England and treasured for its exceptionally silvery foliage and neat, compact growth habit. A naturally occurring hybrid involving woolly lavender (Lavandula lanata), this variety brings a softer, more textural presence to both garden plantings and dried arrangements.

Its dense, well-shaped mound of silver-grey leaves sets it apart even when not in bloom. In mid-summer, ‘Richard Grey’ produces fat flower spikes on long stems, featuring violet corollas rising from deep purple calyces—a striking contrast against the pale foliage. The stems are well-suited for fresh cutting, while the plant’s cool grey tones make it especially appealing for dried bouquets, potpourri, and craft work.

Smaller and more refined than ‘Silver Frost’, this cultivar is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and mixed plantings where structure, texture, and subtle color matter just as much as fragrance. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering reliable performance with a uniquely elegant look.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Lavandula x chaytoriae ‘Richard Grey’
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Size: 2 ft. tall × 3 ft. wide
• Stem Length: 10–12 inches
• Flower Color: Violet corollas
• Calyx: Dark purple
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer
• Foliage: Exceptionally silvery, dense, and woolly
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining soil
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9 (recommended range for lanata hybrids)

Best Uses

• Landscaping & borders
• Rock gardens
• Fresh cut bouquets
• Dried arrangements & potpourri
• Crafts & sachets

Why Grow ‘Richard Grey’?

• Striking silver-grey foliage adds year-round interest
• Neat, compact growth habit
• Long stems suitable for fresh and dried use
• Excellent contrast plant in lavender collections
• Smaller, more refined alternative to ‘Silver Frost’

‘Richard Grey’ is a lavender for those who appreciate texture, subtlety, and form—a cultivar that feels curated rather than showy, and one that brings lasting beauty well beyond bloom.