Jagged Lavender (Lavandula pinnata): Fern-Leaf Lavender for Warm Climates

Jagged Lavender: The Delicate, Fern-Leaved Lavender

Jagged lavender (Lavandula pinnata), also called fern leaf lavender, is a tender, short-lived perennial with finely divided, bipinnate leaves that resemble ferns. It produces abundant, branched spikes of violet-blue flowers nearly year-round in frost-free climates.

Botanical Profile

Native to the Canary Islands and Madeira. Grows 2–3 feet tall with a sprawling, open habit. The leaves are gray-green, deeply cut. Flowers are on long, wiry stems. Not cold hardy; grown as annual or container plant in most regions.

Uses and Cultivation

• Container specimen: Unique texture for pots.
• Annual bedding: Long bloom season in warm climates.
• Cut flowers: Delicate stems for arrangements.
• Fragrance: Similar to lavender but lighter.

Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought tender; water regularly. Frost kills it; overwinter indoors in cool, bright spot. Prune to shape. Perennial in USDA zones 9–11; annual elsewhere.