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Named after the fat, round flowerheads from which delicate, upright petals emerge like butterfly wings and flutter in the breeze, this French lavender is compact and goes on producing its pale plum flowers for several weeks from late spring. Like most French lavenders, it is earlier flowering than its English cousins, but associates well with them if you want to prolong the season of lavender in your garden. Because it only grows to 40cm, it is particularly useful for edging parterres or as a low hedge along a path, where its heady fragrance can be enjoyed. It is hardier than most French lavenders and will survive all but the most harshest of winters. The flower-spikes are also a magnet for bees and other nectar-loving insects.

As it's borderline hardy it is best grown in a container in colder areas of the country and should be over-wintered in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.