Lavandula angustifolia ‘Ellagance Purple’ (Lavender)

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Ellagance Purple’ combines the timeless charm of English lavender with modern cultivation advancements, offering gardeners a plant that is both visually stunning and versatile. Its early and prolonged flowering period, coupled with its compact growth and ease of care, makes it a highly desirable addition to any garden or landscape.

English Lavender – Ellagance Purple: An In-depth Look

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Ellagance Purple’ is an award-winning variety of English lavender known for its vibrant purple flowers, uniform growth habit, and exceptional fragrance. It stands out for its early and long-lasting blooms, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers.

Native: This cultivar, like its species Lavandula angustifolia, is native to the Mediterranean region but has been specifically bred to excel in garden performance. Lavender belongs to the mint, deadnettle, or sage family, Lamiaceae.

Plant Type and Habit: This shrub is characterized by a compact, bushy habit, forming neat, rounded mounds. It’s a robust plant that maintains a well-defined shape, perfect for formal borders, informal cottage gardens, and container planting.

Size: ‘Ellagance Purple’ reaches a modest height of 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) and spreads 10-10 inches (25-30 cm), making it an ideal choice for small spaces and for adding structure without overwhelming the garden.

Flowers: The plant produces dense spikes of deep purple flowers prized for their rich color and potent fragrance, which is cherished in both fresh and dried forms. It typically blooms from late spring through early summer, with the potential for a second bloom in late summer or early autumn if spent flowers are promptly deadheaded.

Foliage: The foliage of ‘Ellagance Purple’ is a beautiful silver-green, providing a striking contrast to the vibrant purple flowers. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and emit a pleasant aroma when brushed against or crushed.

Hardiness: This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, making it a resilient choice for a variety of climates.

Award: Recipient of the Fleroselect Gold Medal (2008)

Uses: Its compact size and stunning flowers make it perfect for ornamental use in borders, rock gardens, and containers. The flowers can be used to flavor and decorate food and drinks, adding a touch of elegance and fragrance. Ideal for creating aromatic sachets, potpourris, and other crafts, thanks to its strong lavender scent.

Wildlife: The flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

Deer and Rabbits: Lavender is deer and rabbit resistant, owing to its fragrant foliage, making it an excellent choice for gardens plagued by these pests.

Drought Tolerance: This lavender is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and thriving in dry conditions.

Toxicity: Lavender contains compounds toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested in large quantities, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. Use caution around pets.

Invasiveness: English lavender is not considered invasive. It grows well where planted without spreading aggressively.

How to Grow and Care for English Lavender

Light: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily).

Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Excellent drainage and air circulation are essential, specifically in hot, humid climates. Lavender tolerates dry soils.

Water: Allow soil to dry out between watering. Established plants are drought-tolerant.

Fertilizer: Minimal fertilization is needed. Apply a light, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, if at all.

Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring to shape and again after flowering to encourage dense growth.

Propagation: Best propagated by cuttings in summer.

English Lavender – Pests, Diseases, and Common Problems

English Lavender is relatively low-maintenance but can encounter some pests, diseases, and common problems

Pests

• Aphids: These insects can cause curling and distortion of the leaves and stems, as well as the production of sticky honeydew.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, as well as the formation of webbing.
• Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, sap-sucking insects often found on the undersides of leaves, where they feed on plant sap and excrete sticky honeydew.
• Thrips: These insects feed on the plant’s flowers, causing them to become deformed and discolored.

Diseases

• Septoria leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause small, dark spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause them to turn yellow and drop off.
• Root rot: Overwatering and poorly-draining soil can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can create a powdery white coating on the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off.

Common Problems

Woody Growth: Lavender becomes woody with age. Regular pruning can delay this, but plants may need replacing every few years.
Insufficient Blooming: Often due to too much nitrogen or insufficient sunlight. Ensure full sun and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Legginess: Caused by inadequate light. Plant in a location that receives full sun to promote compact growth.