Lavandula angustifolia ‘SuperBlue’ (Lavender)

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Superblue’ is celebrated for its striking color, delightful fragrance, and versatile uses, making it a cherished addition to any garden setting. Its compact growth and vibrant blooms offer a long season of enjoyment, from garden beauty to culinary and aromatic applications.

English Lavender – Superblue: An In-depth Look

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Superblue’ is a standout cultivar of English lavender known for its vibrant blue flowers and strong fragrance. It distinguishes itself with densely packed flower spikes and a robust, aromatic presence in the garden or landscape.

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: ‘Superblue’ is a shrub characterized by its compact, bushy growth habit. This cultivar exhibits a well-branched, mounded form that makes it an excellent choice for both ornamental and practical applications.

Size: It typically reaches a height and spread of 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm), making it suitable for both garden beds and containers.

Flowers: Superblue’ boasts deep blue flowers borne on long stems above the foliage, making them ideal for cutting and drying. The intense blue of the blooms is especially sought after for its visual impact and for use in culinary and decorative applications. The bloom period is typically from late spring to early summer, with the possibility of a second flowering in late summer if conditions are favorable and the spent blooms are promptly deadheaded.

Foliage: The foliage is a striking silvery-green, highly aromatic, and evergreen in milder climates. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and produce a pleasing fragrance when brushed against or crushed, adding to the sensory appeal of the plant.

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

Uses: It’s ideal for use in borders, herb gardens, rock gardens, containers, and as a fragrant ground cover. Additionally, it’s excellent for cut flowers, dried floral arrangements, and culinary uses.

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.