Lavandula angustifolia LITTLE LADY (Lavender)

Lavandula angustifolia Little Lady is a gem in the garden, offering a blend of ornamental beauty, aromatic pleasure, and practical utility. Its compact size, vibrant blooms, and fragrant foliage make it a must-have for gardeners looking to create a sensory oasis in their outdoor spaces. Whether planted in mass, as a border, or in containers, Little Lady brings a sense of calm and charm to any garden setting, proving that great things indeed come in small packages.

English Lavender – Little Lady: An In-depth Look

Lavandula angustifolia Little Lady, also known as Little Lady English Lavender, is a delightful, compact perennial herb that brings a touch of whimsical charm and aromatic fragrance to any garden. This dwarf variety, with its striking blooms and lush foliage, serves as an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and a calming scent to their outdoor spaces.

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 exhibits a semi-woody structure with a dense, mounded habit. This dwarf cultivar is well-suited for small garden spaces, borders, and containers, where its compact growth can be fully appreciated.

Size: Little Lady is characterized by its modest stature, typically reaching heights of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) and spreading to a similar width. This dwarf dimension makes it particularly appealing for use in small gardens, rockeries, and as a low hedge or edging plant, where its form and color can create a striking visual impact.

Flowers: The flowers are a true spectacle, boasting a vibrant lavender-blue color that stands out against the foliage. Typically, ‘Little Lady’ lavishes gardens with its charming blooms from early to mid-summer. With attentive care and the removal of spent flowers, it’s possible to prolong the blooming period, ensuring a continuous display of color and fragrance throughout the season.

Foliage: The foliage is equally appealing, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are a soft, silver-green hue. These leaves are densely packed along the stems, contributing to the plant’s lush appearance. The foliage is evergreen in many climates, providing visual interest year-round, even when the plant is not in bloom.

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

Uses: Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, and container planting, where its ornamental value can be enjoyed up close. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Little Lady is also cultivated for its aromatic flowers and foliage, which are used in sachets, potpourri, and for essential oil extraction. The blooms are edible and can be used to add a unique flavor to culinary dishes, teas, and desserts.

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.