Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)

Why Should I Grow English Lavender?

There are numerous reasons to consider growing Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, in your garden:

• Aromatic Qualities: The aromatic properties of lavender are known for their calming and soothing effect. The scent is beloved in perfumes and essential oils and can be enjoyed by brushing against the plant in your garden.
• Visual Appeal: Lavender’s silver-green foliage and vibrant purple flowers add color and texture to any garden. The plant’s compact, bushy growth habit is suitable for borders, rock gardens, or a low hedge.
• Pollinators: Lavender is a magnet for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are drawn to its fragrant blooms, helping to create a healthy, biodiverse garden ecosystem.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, lavender is incredibly hardy and drought-tolerant. It thrives in poor to average, well-drained soil, and requires little watering or fertilizing. It’s also resistant to pests such as deer and rabbits.
• Versatility: Lavender has wide-ranging applications beyond the garden. It can be harvested for use in culinary dishes, teas, homemade skincare, potpourri, sachets, and more. It’s also a classic in cut flower arrangements.
• Year-Round Interest: As an evergreen, lavender provides visual interest year-round, maintaining its silver-green foliage even in winter.

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Garden Design with English Lavender

English lavender is a versatile plant that can be incorporated in numerous ways into your garden design. Here are a few ideas:

• Borders and Edging: Lavender’s compact growth habit and appealing scent make it an excellent choice for borders or edging along paths or driveways. When people walk by and brush against the plants, a delightful aroma is released.
• Herb or Cottage Gardens: English lavender is a classic in herb and cottage gardens. Its purple flowers and silvery foliage contrast plants with darker green leaves or brightly colored blooms.
• Rock Gardens: Given its Mediterranean origin, lavender thrives in well-drained, even rocky, soil. It’s an excellent choice for rock gardens, where it can add a splash of color and a lovely scent.
• Containers: Lavender can be grown in containers alone or mixed with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants. Place the container near a window or door to enjoy the fragrance whenever you pass by.
• Pollinator Gardens: Lavender’s fragrant flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Plant it in a pollinator garden to support local wildlife.
• Xeriscaping: As a drought-tolerant plant, lavender is ideal for xeriscaping or low-water garden designs.
• Mediterranean Landscapes: Pair lavender with other Mediterranean plants like rosemary, thyme, and sage for an authentic, water-wise landscape.

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English Lavender Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, pairs well with a variety of plants in the garden. When choosing companion plants, consider those with similar cultural needs (full sun, well-drained soil), as well as those that offer contrasting or complementary forms, colors, and textures. Here are some good companions for English lavender:

• Roses: Lavender and roses are classic partners, offering a beautiful visual contrast and a double dose of fragrance. Lavender also helps deter pests from roses.
• Herbs: Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme, and sage all thrive in the same conditions as lavender and can create a fragrant and functional herb garden.
• Ornamental Grasses: The fine textures of ornamental grasses such as fescue or blue oat grass provide a lovely contrast to lavender’s compact form and bold blooms.
• Echinacea and Rudbeckia: These perennial flowers offer bold, daisy-like blooms that complement lavender’s softer flower spikes.
• Santolina, Artemisia, and other silver-foliaged plants: These plants match lavender’s preference for sunny, dry conditions and their silvery foliage complements lavender’s leaves and flowers.
• Succulents: In xeriscaping or dry garden design, succulents such as sedum or echeveria can pair well with lavender.

Growing Tips

Growing English Lavender can be a rewarding experience, but it does require some specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips to help you grow this aromatic herb successfully:

• Soil: English Lavender prefers well-drained soil. It doesn’t do well in waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. The soil should also be slightly alkaline. Consider growing lavender in raised beds or containers if your soil is heavy clay or often soggy.
• Sunlight: Plant your lavender in a location that gets full sun, at least 6-8 hours per day. The plant needs lots of light to produce the best blooms and fragrance.
• Watering: Once established, English Lavender is drought tolerant and does not require much watering. However, while it’s getting established, ensure it gets water regularly but avoid overwatering.
• Pruning: Prune your lavender plant in early spring or at the end of the blooming season to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. Avoid cutting into the woody part of the plant, as it might not regenerate. Discover additional tips for thriving lavender plants.
• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant with light-colored, reflective mulch, gravel, or small stones to help keep the roots cool and dry. Avoid organic mulch like wood chips, which can retain moisture.
• Fertilizing: Lavender generally does not require much fertilization. If your soil is poor, you could apply a light layer of compost around the base of the plant in spring.
• Pests/Diseases: English Lavender is generally pest-free but watch out for fungal diseases, particularly in damp weather or if the plant is waterlogged. Good air circulation around the plant helps prevent these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Lavender and English Lavender?

Lavender is a broad term that refers to the Lavandula genus, which includes many species. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one specific species known for its sweet fragrance and hardiness. It is commonly used in perfumes, sachets, and culinary applications. Other lavenders, like French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), have different growing requirements, bloom times, and scents.

How Big Does English Lavender Get?

English lavender typically grows 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm) tall and wide, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Does English Lavender Need to Be Deadheaded?

Yes, deadheading English lavender, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms and helps maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading also redirects the plant’s energy toward new growth rather than seed production.

Is English Lavender Hard to Grow?

English lavender is relatively easy to grow as long as it has the right conditions. It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and drier climates. Overwatering or planting in poorly drained soil are common challenges, but with proper care, it is a low-maintenance plant.

Does Lavender Grow Better in Pots or Ground?

Lavender can grow well in both pots and the ground. In pots, you have better control over soil drainage, which can prevent root rot. In the ground, lavender has more room to spread and may develop a stronger root system. Both options work well as long as the plant receives full sun and good drainage.

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