Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender
A compact, bushy shrub to 1m tall and rather more wide, with narrow, aromatic, grey-green leaves. In mid- and late summer it produces long, unbranched stalks carrying short, dense spikes of fragrant, pale to deep purple flowers
Other common names
common lavenderspike-oil plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Lavandula are small aromatic evergreen shrubs with usually narrow, simple, entire, toothed or lobed leaves and small tubular flowers in dense spikes in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil but tolerates acidic conditions. In heavy soil improve drainage as it does not tolerate waterlogging. Potash will encourage flowering but high nitrogen fertilisers and manure will result in ""floppy"" plants. See lavender cultivation for further advice
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
Pruning group 10, after flowering
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)
Get involved
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