Lavandula Pedunculata 'La Diva Papillon Big Night'

Spanish Lavender ‘La Diva Papillon Big Night’

Botanical Name: Lavandula pedunculata 'La Diva Papillon Big Night'
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Mediterranean region
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A compact Spanish lavender selection bred for heavy blooming, heat/humidity tolerance and strong fragrance. ‘La Diva Papillon Big Night’ produces deep purple/“blackberry” flower heads with showy lilac-purple “wings” (bracts) above silvery aromatic foliage, performing brilliantly in South Australian, Mediterranean-style conditions.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.4-0.6 m H x 0.4-0.6 m W
• Growth Rate: 25-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, silver-grey, highly aromatic leaves
• Flowers: Deep purple to black-purple spikes with lilac-purple bracts (“butterfly” wings); sweetly perfumed.
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen silver mounds year-round; spring–autumn waves of scented “butterfly” blooms; tidy grey-green structure through winter.
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant, Drought-Tolerant once established, handles coastal conditions and wind (best with some shelter). Frost: best in light frost areas (less cold-hardy than English lavender). Bred for improved heat/humidity performance
• Planting Density: Low hedge/edging: 30–40 cm apart (≈ 2.5–3 plants per metre) for a tight line; borders/mass: 45–60 cm apart for a looser drift
• Pet Friendly: Use caution — lavender can be toxic if ingested by cats, dogs and horses (linalool/linalyl acetate). Keep prunings away from pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hrs) for best flowering and oil content
• Soil: Very well-drained sandy/loamy soils; raised beds or gravelly mixes ideal; avoid heavy/wet clay
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry.
• Maintenance: Shear lightly after each flush to maintain a tight dome and encourage rebloom; do not cut into old wood
• Lifespan: 5-8+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Prefers neutral to alkaline; excellent drainage is essential

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low scented hedges along paths/driveways with striking “butterfly” blooms
• Mass plantings for Mediterranean colour with olives, rosemary and grasses
• Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; suitable for large pots where noted

Why You Will Love It

A high-impact, low-fuss lavender: months of perfume and bold, winged flowers, compact habit, and strong performance in SA heat—perfect for neat borders, path edgings and statement containers.