Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
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Description
Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, is a sun-loving, aromatic subshrub with silvery foliage and violet flower spikes that draw pollinators. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in lean, well-drained soil and brings classic Mediterranean charm to borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Common Names
English LavenderTrue LavenderCommon Lavender
Context
nativeRegion
Western Mediterranean (southern Europe, including France, Spain, Italy)
usdaZones
5–9 (varies by cultivar and drainage)
companionPlants
Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Roses, Echinacea, Yarrow, Catmint (Nepeta), Santolina, Salvia
culturalUses
Fragrance and aromatherapy, dried sachets, essential oil, culinary uses (baking, teas, herbes de Provence), ornamentals, pollinator support.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–8+ hours). Best flowering and fragrance in unobstructed sun.
WateringWater deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering, especially in cool weather.
SoilVery well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil; lean to moderately fertile. pH neutral to slightly alkaline (approx. 6.5–8.0). Raised beds or mounds help in wet climates.
FertilizerMinimal needs. Light application of compost or low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring. Avoid rich, high-nitrogen feeds that cause weak, floppy growth.
HumidityPrefers low to moderate humidity with good airflow; prolonged high humidity can invite fungal issues.
TemperatureBest growth 60–85°F (16–29°C). Cold-hardy to about USDA Zone 5 with excellent drainage; protect crowns from wet winter conditions.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen to semi-evergreen woody subshrub forming a compact, mounded clump with upright flowering spikes.
Mature Size18–30 in tall and 24–36 in wide (varies by cultivar).
Growth RateModerate growth rate.
BloomingLate spring to mid-summer; may rebloom with deadheading. Fragrant purple-blue spikes attractive to bees and butterflies.
DormancyEvergreen in mild climates; semi-evergreen to deciduous in colder regions with reduced winter growth.
Propagation
MethodsSoftwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Seed, Layering
DifficultyEasy to moderate (cuttings are most reliable and true to type).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for softwood/semi-ripe cuttings; late summer to fall for hardwood; sow seed late winter to early spring.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningShear lightly after main bloom to shape and encourage rebloom. In early spring, prune back to green growth, avoiding cuts into old, bare wood.
RepottingFor containers, refresh into a gritty, fast-draining mix every 1–2 years or root prune and top up mix to maintain vigor.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-free. Potential issues: root rot from poor drainage, fungal leaf spots in high humidity, shab (Phomopsis), spittlebugs, aphids. Ensure airflow and avoid wet feet.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic; ingestion of large amounts may cause mild GI upset in pets. Essential oils can be toxic to pets—use with care.