Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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lavender hydrangea

Dreaming of a garden filled with gorgeous lavender tones? A lavender hydrangea is a spectacular way to introduce soft purple and blue hues into your landscape. With their lush, mophead blooms and robust, leafy presence, these hydrangeas are beloved by New Zealand gardeners for lighting up beds, borders, and patio pots from late spring through to autumn. Lavender hydrangea varieties are easy-care, adaptable, and provide a soothing colour palette that pairs beautifully with other pastel perennials and shrubs.

A mass display of Lavandula dentata purple and pink flowers.

Lavender dentata (French Lavender)

Lavandula dentata, commonly known as French Lavender, is the most common of the Lavender varieties. It is a compact shrub and features masses of short purple-blue flower spikes from spring through summer. The foliage is green-grey and complements the darker flowers nicely as it grows to 60 cm tall and the same width. Lavandula dentata is commonly used in cottage gardens, included in mixed plantings and borders, trimmed into a low hedge, mass planted as a groundcover, grown on a bank, or maintained in a container.

Buy Lavender dentata (French Lavender)

From $23.63

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock

Lavender 'Sensation Purple'

Lavender 'Sensation Purple' is a compact and highly fragrant variety prized for its deep purple flower spikes and tidy growth habit. This popular lavender is well suited to New Zealand gardens and performs exceptionally well in sunny free draining positions. It flowers for long periods through spring and summer and is ideal for borders edging pathways containers and low hedging. Its strong scent and rich colour make it a favourite for both ornamental and practical garden uses.

Buy Lavender 'Sensation Purple'

From $24.98

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

What is a Lavender Hydrangea?

A "lavender hydrangea" refers to hydrangea plants that produce luminous flowers shaded in pale lilac, soft purple, or subtle blue tones. Classic mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) often deliver these shades, and their bloom colour can shift slightly depending on your soil’s pH. Acidic soils tend to enhance blue-lavender tones, while neutral or alkaline soil will give you more pinkish hues. Choosing a lavender hydrangea ensures a unique colour display that changes subtly as the flowers age, providing months of visual interest and a gentle, romantic charm to your garden.

Popular Lavender Hydrangea Varieties for NZ Gardens

If you're searching for a lavender hydrangea for your garden, here are some top selections:

Hydrangea Ayesha

Hydrangea Ayesha is renowned for its unusual, spoon-shaped florets and striking lavender-mauve colour. As it matures, Ayesha’s blooms transition from pale blue-lavender to deeper shades, adding a dynamic effect to your planting scheme.

Hydrangea 'You Me Together'

For a twist on classic hydrangeas, Hydrangea 'You Me Together' shows off semi-double, star-shaped florets in soft lavender shades. It’s a superb choice for adding textural interest as well as delicate colour.

Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer'

Those who love bolder purples can look to Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer', which has deep vibrant magenta-lavender blooms that make a striking focal point in summer beds.

Growing Tips for Lavender Hydrangea in New Zealand

Plant your lavender hydrangea in dappled shade to protect the blooms from harsh midday sun. Hydrangeas thrive in rich, moist, well-drained soil, and appreciate regular mulching to maintain moisture. If you prefer bluer or lilac-toned flowers, consider adding aluminium sulfate or some organic matter to lower the soil pH. Regular pruning after flowering will keep your shrub looking healthy and full.

Companion Plants for Lavender Hydrangea

Pairing your lavender hydrangea with the right companions can create a harmonious and fragrant border. Try combining with silvery or purple-toned lavenders, such as Lavender dentata (French Lavender) for year-round scent and structure, or add Lavender 'Sensation Purple' for a punch of deep purple colour beside the soft hues of hydrangea flowers.

Bring Lavender Hydrangea Colour to Your Garden

A lavender hydrangea is the perfect plant for adding calming, pastel shades and lush texture to New Zealand gardens. Browse our premium hydrangea selection and discover varieties that will thrive in your landscape, offering long-lasting colour, elegance, and simple care. Whether planted en masse, in mixed shrub borders, or as a feature in decorative pots, lavender hydrangeas are sure to brighten your outdoor spaces for years to come.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.