Lavandula Angustifolia: The Ultimate Guide to Growing English Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is a popular, fragrant perennial shrub that is easy to grow and highly versatile. It is prized for its beautiful purple flowers, aromatic foliage, and medicinal properties. Whether grown for pollinators, dried flowers, essential oils, or culinary uses, this hardy plant is a must-have in any garden.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to plant and grow Lavandula angustifolia
✔️ The best conditions for lavender to thrive
✔️ How to prune and care for lavender
✔️ The benefits and uses of English lavender
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Lavandula angustifolia! 🌿💜
1. What is Lavandula Angustifolia?
Lavandula angustifolia is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but thrives in UK gardens and other temperate climates.
Key Characteristics:
🌿 Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
🌺 Common Names: English lavender, true lavender
📏 Height & Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) tall, spreading up to 90 cm (36 inches)
🌞 Sunlight Needs: Full sun
🌱 Soil Type: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil
💧 Watering: Low (drought-tolerant once established)
🐝 Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and pollinators
🍃 Uses: Essential oils, aromatherapy, culinary, dried flowers
Fun Fact: Despite its name, English lavender is native to the Mediterranean, not England!
2. How to Grow Lavandula Angustifolia
Lavender is easy to grow as long as you provide well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.
Planting English Lavender
✔️ Choose a sunny spot – Lavender thrives in 6+ hours of full sun per day.
✔️ Ensure good drainage – Add grit or sand to heavy soil to improve drainage.
✔️ Space plants properly – Leave 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between plants to allow airflow.
✔️ Plant at the correct depth – Keep the crown level with the soil surface to prevent rot.
Tip: Avoid planting lavender in clay soil unless you improve drainage with organic matter and grit.
Watering & Feeding
✔️ Water sparingly – Overwatering can cause root rot. Water only when the soil is dry.
✔️ No heavy feeding needed – A light application of potash-rich fertilizer in spring promotes flowering.
✔️ Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers – They encourage leafy growth instead of flowers.
Tip: Lavender prefers poor, sandy, or chalky soils rather than rich, fertile soil.
3. Pruning & Caring for English Lavender
Regular pruning keeps lavender compact and encourages more blooms.
✔️ Lightly prune in early spring to remove winter damage.
✔️ After flowering (late summer), prune back by one-third to shape the plant.
✔️ Avoid cutting into woody stems – Always leave some green growth.
✔️ Remove faded flower spikes to promote new blooms.
Tip: Pruning prevents lavender from becoming leggy and woody, keeping it neat and healthy.
4. Best Varieties of Lavandula Angustifolia
There are several cultivars of English lavender, each with unique characteristics:
🌿 ‘Hidcote’ – Compact variety with deep purple flowers, ideal for hedging.
🌿 ‘Munstead’ – Fragrant and hardy, great for containers and borders.
🌿 ‘Imperial Gem’ – Intense purple blooms and strong fragrance.
🌿 ‘Melissa Lilac’ – Soft lilac flowers with a sweet scent.
🌿 ‘Rosea’ – Pink-flowering lavender with a delicate fragrance.
Tip: ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ are two of the most popular lavender varieties for UK gardens.
5. Common Problems & Pests
Lavandula angustifolia is low-maintenance, but a few issues can arise:
Common Issues
❌ Root Rot – Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Solution: Water less and improve soil drainage.
❌ Leggy Growth – Happens if lavender is not pruned regularly. Solution: Prune annually after flowering.
❌ Yellowing Leaves – May indicate too much moisture or nutrient deficiency. Solution: Reduce watering and avoid rich fertilizers.
Pests & Diseases
🐛 Aphids – Can be removed by hand or sprayed with soapy water.
🐌 Slugs & Snails – Rarely an issue but can attack young plants.
🍄 Fungal Diseases – Prevent by ensuring good airflow around plants.
Tip: Avoid overwatering and prune properly to keep lavender healthy and disease-free.
6. Benefits & Uses of English Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia is valued for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and culinary uses.
✔️ Aromatherapy & Essential Oils – Lavender oil is calming, helping to relieve stress and improve sleep.
✔️ Dried Flowers & Potpourri – Retains its fragrance and repels moths in wardrobes.
✔️ Herbal Tea & Cooking – Adds a floral, slightly sweet taste to baked goods and teas.
✔️ Pollinator-Friendly – Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
✔️ Natural Insect Repellent – Keeps mosquitoes and moths away.
Tip: Place dried lavender sachets under pillows for a relaxing, sleep-inducing aroma.
FAQs: Growing & Caring for Lavandula Angustifolia
How long does English lavender live?
✔️ With proper care, Lavandula angustifolia can live 10–15 years.
Does lavender need full sun?
✔️ Yes! It thrives in at least 6 hours of full sun per day.
Can I grow lavender in pots?
✔️ Yes! Use a well-draining potting mix and a terracotta pot to prevent waterlogging.
When should I prune English lavender?
✔️ Lightly prune in spring and cut back after flowering in summer.
Does English lavender attract bees?
✔️ Yes! It is one of the best plants for pollinators.
Final Thoughts: Why Grow Lavandula Angustifolia?
✔️ Easy to grow and drought-tolerant
✔️ Beautiful, fragrant purple flowers
✔️ Perfect for pollinators and wildlife-friendly gardens
✔️ Used for aromatherapy, cooking, and dried flowers
✔️ Low-maintenance with few pest issues
Whether you’re planting lavender for its relaxing scent, medicinal benefits, or garden beauty, Lavandula angustifolia is a fantastic choice. With proper care, it will thrive for years and bring color and fragrance to your garden! 🌸🌿
Are you growing Lavandula angustifolia? Let us know in the comments!
Now you’re ready to grow and care for Lavandula angustifolia! 🌿💜 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀