A compact, bushy shrub to 1m tall and rather more wide, with narrow, aromatic, grey-green leaves. In mid to late summer it produces long, unbranched stalks carrying short, dense spikes of fragrant, pale to deep purple flowers.
 
Position: Full sun
Soil Types: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres
Max Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral
Aspect: South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness: H5
Cultivation: Prefers a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil but tolerates acidic conditions. In heavy soil improve drainage as it does not tolerate water logging. Potash will encourage flowering but high nitrogen fertilisers and manure will result in "floppy" plants.
Propagation: Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in spring, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
Suggested planting locations and garden types:
Gravel garden
Mediterranean climate plants
City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Wildlife gardens
Garden edging
Banks and slopes
Flower borders and beds
Pruning: Deadhead after flowering. Trimming in late summer prevents plants from becoming straggly, but you can leave plants for a season to benefit wildlife with seeds or as shelter if you prefer. Avoid pruning in autumn in wet or cold regions as this may leave plants vulnerable to winter damage. Avoid cutting back into old wood
Pests: May be susceptible to rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (froghoppers).
Diseases: high risk host for xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)