English Lavender, the queenly lavender of old

 

English lavender is one of the most popular aromatic shrubs for sunny gardens. Grown for its silvery foliage, intense fragrance and blue-purple summer flowers, Lavandula angustifolia is equally at home in borders, rock gardens, gravel gardens and containers. Once established, it tolerates drought, attracts pollinators and requires very little care, provided its roots never remain in wet soil.

Essential English lavender facts

• Name – Lavandula angustifolia
• Family – Lamiaceae
• Type – aromatic evergreen subshrub
• Height – 2 to 3 feet (60–90 cm), depending on the variety
• Exposure – full sun
• Soil – light, dry to moderately fertile and very well-drained
• Foliage – evergreen or semi-evergreen
• Flowering – late spring to summer

Read also:

• Lavender, a noble flower
• Confusing lavender names – English, French or Spanish lavender?

How to plant English lavender

Planting English lavender in the ground

Plant English lavender in spring or early fall. Spring planting is generally preferable in regions with cold, wet winters, while fall planting works well in mild climates where the soil remains relatively dry.

 

Plant English lavender in full sun and free-draining soil

• Choose a position receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Loosen the soil thoroughly and add coarse sand or fine gravel if drainage is poor.
• Avoid adding large quantities of compost or manure, as overly rich soil encourages soft growth and fewer flowers.
• Space plants approximately 1 to 3 feet apart (30–90 cm), depending on their mature size.
• Position the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil and avoid burying the woody crown.

English lavender tolerates neutral and alkaline soil particularly well. It can also grow in slightly acidic soil, provided drainage is excellent.

Best exposure

English lavender flowers most generously in full sun. In partial shade, stems often become longer and weaker, while flowering and fragrance are reduced.

• A south- or west-facing position is ideal.
• Good air circulation helps prevent fungal problems.
• Avoid low-lying areas where rainwater collects during winter.

Growing English lavender in a pot

Compact English lavender varieties grow very well in containers. Choose a pot with several drainage holes and use a gritty, free-draining growing mix.

• Mix two parts potting soil with one part coarse sand, grit or perlite.
• Do not allow the container to stand permanently in a water-filled saucer.
• Water only when the upper layer of soil feels dry.
• Repot every two or three years, preferably in spring.

English lavender in garden design

English lavender naturally develops into a rounded, compact shrub. Its narrow gray-green leaves provide year-round structure, while the upright flower spikes bring color and movement in summer.

 

English lavender creates attractive edging and fragrant low hedges

Use it:

• along paths where brushing against the foliage releases its fragrance;
• as a low flowering hedge;
• in gravel gardens and sunny rock gardens;
• with roses, ornamental grasses, sage, thyme and other drought-tolerant plants;
• in pots near a terrace, doorway or outdoor seating area.

The flowers generally appear once a year, although some cultivars may produce a lighter second flush if faded flower stems are removed promptly.

English lavender propagation

Propagating from cuttings

Stem cuttings are the simplest and most reliable way to propagate English lavender. Plants raised from cuttings remain identical to the parent variety.

• Take non-flowering shoots approximately 4 to 6 inches long (10–15 cm).
• Remove the leaves from the lower half of each cutting.
• Insert them into a mixture of potting soil and coarse sand.
• Keep the mixture barely moist and place the cuttings in bright light without harsh afternoon sun.
• Follow this guide to prepare successful cuttings.

Other propagation methods

English lavender can also be propagated by layering or from seed. Seed-grown plants may vary in flower color, growth habit and fragrance because of cross-pollination.

• Layering is slow but dependable and requires little attention.
• Seed sowing produces many plants, but named cultivars may not come true.
• Division is not usually recommended for mature woody lavender plants, as disturbing the crown may damage them.

Proper care for English lavender

Watering English lavender

Water regularly during the first growing season so that roots establish deeply. Once established, English lavender is highly drought tolerant.

• Water deeply but infrequently.
• Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
• Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than plants in the ground.
• Reduce watering sharply during winter.

Established plants growing in the ground rarely need fertilizer. Too much nitrogen encourages leafy, floppy growth and reduces fragrance and flowering.

Pruning English lavender

Regular pruning keeps English lavender compact and prevents the center from becoming woody and bare.

• Remove faded flower stalks after flowering.
• Trim back approximately one-third of the current season’s green growth.
• Always leave some leafy growth below the cut.
• Avoid cutting deeply into old, leafless wood because lavender may not regrow from it.
• Here is a video showing how to prune English lavender.

Harvesting and using English lavender

When and how to harvest

Harvest when the first flowers begin to open

Harvest flower stems when the first flowers on each spike are opening. At this stage, fragrance is strong and the flowers remain attached during drying.

• Cut stems on a dry morning after the dew has evaporated.
• Tie them into small bundles.
• Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, dark and well-ventilated room.
• Store completely dried flowers in an airtight container away from light.

Uses of English lavender

Dried flowers can be used in sachets, potpourri and crafts

• dried flower bouquets and wreaths;
• fragrant sachets, potpourri and lavender wands;
• soaps, lotions and scented crafts;
• culinary flavoring, provided the plant has not been treated with unsuitable chemicals;
• herbal tea and infused syrups in small quantities;
• essential oil production and aromatherapy.

English lavender varieties

There are many cultivars of Lavandula angustifolia, ranging from compact edging plants to larger shrubs suitable for low hedges.

• ‘Hidcote’ – compact, dark purple flowers and strongly aromatic foliage;
• ‘Munstead’ – reliable, early flowering and well suited to cooler climates;
• ‘Little Lottie’ – compact with pale pink flowers;
• ‘Nana Alba’ – small variety with white flowers;
• ‘Rosea’ – soft pink flowers.

Discover more English lavender varieties.

English lavender and lavandin

Lavandin is a hybrid, usually between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia. It grows larger and produces longer flower stems than true English lavender, but it is generally less cold-hardy and has a sharper fragrance.

Pests and diseases

English lavender has few pest problems. Most difficulties are caused by excessive moisture, poor air circulation or overly rich soil.

Root rot

Root rot is the most common problem. Leaves turn yellow or gray, stems die back and the plant may collapse.

• Plant only in very well-drained soil.
• Never allow pots to stand in water.
• Avoid thick organic mulch around the crown.
• Use mineral mulch, such as gravel or shale mulch, to keep the base dry.

Leaf spot

Leaf spot diseases, including Septoria, are uncommon but may occur during prolonged wet weather.

• Space plants sufficiently to improve airflow.
• Water at soil level rather than over the foliage.
• Remove affected leaves and dead plant material.
• Learn more about Septoria leaf spot.

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