Herbs

English Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia is a fragrant plant with narrow grey-green leaves and purple flowers, suited to dry, sunny sites. It flowers in summer and prefers well-drained soils.

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Attributes

Type

Shrub, evergreen

Spread

1.0 – 1.5 m

Soil

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Min. temperature

-15 °C

Data: Royal Horticultural Society, Missouri Botanical Garden

Drought tolerant Fragrant Attracts pollinators

Care guide

Sun

Full sun

Water

Low

Height

0.4–0.8 m

Hardiness

Medium

Flowering

Summer

Foliage

Evergreen

In Cyprus

Lavandula angustifolia needs full sun and very free-draining ground; lavenders do not tolerate shade or heavy, wet soil. The RHS lists chalk, loam and sand across a wide pH range, with a preference for neutral to alkaline soil; in heavy ground, improve drainage, as it does not tolerate waterlogging. Once well established it needs little water, with supplementary watering according to soil moisture and weather; overwatering is the most common mistake. In containers, check watering more often. The RHS rates it H5 for UK conditions; in the mountains, judge suitability on microclimate and drainage. Plant in autumn or spring.

Uses in gardens and projects

A small, bushy, aromatic evergreen shrub with narrow grey-green leaves. The RHS gives an indicative height of up to about 1 m, with a slightly wider spread. Its fragrant flowers, pale to deep purple, are carried in dense spikes on long stalks, mainly in summer. It suits dry, Mediterranean-style and gravel gardens, borders, banks and pots on sunny balconies, and it attracts bees and butterflies. A trim after flowering, without cutting into old wood, keeps it compact.

Frequently asked questions

How big does this lavender get?: For Lavandula angustifolia the RHS gives up to about 1 m in height and 1–1.5 m in spread. These are guide figures that depend on position and trimming.
When does it flower?: Mainly in summer; the RHS gives mid to late summer, with fragrant pale to deep purple flowers.
How much water does lavender need?: Very little. Once well established, water only to supplement rainfall, according to soil moisture and weather; too much water harms it.
What soil does lavender like?: Very free-draining soil, such as sandy or chalky ground. The RHS notes that it prefers neutral to alkaline soil but tolerates acidic conditions; heavy, wet soil damages it.