Lavandula angustifolia

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Lavandula angustifolia

Photo by: FELDER RUSHING

Plant Common Name

English Lavender

General Description

English lavender is an aromatic, evergreen garden herb that thrives in summer heat and dry weather. It is technically a subshrub, which means it behaves like a perennial but develops woody stems over time. This Western European species is more tolerant of moister growing conditions, which is why it is commonly grown in England, though it still thrives in heat and drought. It develops a rounded, bushy habit and has fragrant, linear leaves of pale gray-green that turn steely gray in winter.

Lavender blooms in late spring to midsummer, producing many slender, upright stems topped with spikes of densely clustered, violet-blue flowers. The highly fragrant blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. They turn brown as they age and should be removed once spent to keep the plants looking tidy.

Growing success depends on light levels and soil drainage; full sun and sharply drained soil are essential. Moist winter weather is especially detrimental and can lead to root and stem rot and eventually plant death. Its stems become quite woody and coarse looking over time. Plants of this age and constitution should be pruned back quite severely in spring. This will encourage a new flush of foliage, which will keep plants looking young and fresh.

This is the best form of lavender for cutting because of its long-stemmed flowers. Its flowers have been used in perfumes, poultices and potpourris for centuries, so this evergreen is a staple plant for the herb garden. If preparing the blooms for potpourri and sachets, cut them while fresh and hang them to dry. English lavender is also a fine choice for edging, containers and sunny dry spots where fragrance and summer color are needed. It also makes a fine container plant.

Characteristics

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  5 - 8

• Sunset Zone

  2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

• Plant Type

  Herb

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun

• Height

  1'-4' / 0.3m - 1.2m

• Width

  2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m

• Bloom Time

  Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer

• Native To

  Western Europe, Mediterranean

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Drainage

  Well Drained

• Soil type

  Loam, Sand

• Tolerances

  Drought, Salt

• Growth Rate

  Fast

• Water Requirements

  Drought Tolerant, Average Water

• Habit

  Clump-Forming

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  Showy

• Flower Color

  White, Purple, Lavender, Blue Violet

• Fruit Color

  Sandy Brown

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Light Green, Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Light Green, Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Light Green, Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Winter)

  Silver, Gray

• Bark Color

  Sandy Brown

• Fragrant Flowers

  Yes

• Fragrant Fruit

  Yes

• Fragrant Foliage

  Yes

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  Yes

• Flower Petal Number

  Single

• Repeat Bloomer

  No

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  Yes

• Foliage Texture

  Fine

• Foliage Sheen

  Matte

• Evergreen

  Yes

• Showy Bark

  No

Special Characteristics

• Usage

  Dried Flower / Everlasting, Container, Cutflower, Edging, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  No

• Invasive

  No

• Attracts

  Butterflies

• Self-Sowing

  Yes