Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender
Western Mediterranean, including mountainous areas of southern France, Spain, Italy, and the BalkansLearn more
Overview
An aromatic, woody-based perennial or subshrub forming a dense mound 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 12-30 inches (30-76 cm) wide. Growth rate is moderate; plants reach full size within 2-3 years from transplant. Leaves are opposite, narrow, linear to lance-shaped, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long, gray-green to silvery-green, with revolute (rolled-under) margins and dense short hairs. Stems are square in cross-section, becoming woody and gray at the base with age. Flower spikes are produced on unbranched stalks 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) above the foliage mound, with small tubular flowers 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) long in whorls around the spike. Flower color ranges from lavender-blue to violet, occasionally white or pink in selected forms. The entire plant is strongly aromatic with a characteristic sweet, floral scent concentrated in the foliage and flowers. Plants are short-lived in humid, hot climates (zones 8-9), typically lasting 3-5 years, while specimens in zones 5-7 with well-drained soil may persist 10-15 years. Center of the plant becomes woody and bare with age; plants decline when woody growth exceeds green growth. Root rot is the primary cause of death, occurring in poorly drained soils or where summer rainfall is heavy. Foliage may persist through winter in zones 6-9 but becomes sparse in colder zones.
Native Range
Native to the western Mediterranean region, including mountainous areas of southern France, Spain, Italy, and the Balkans. Found naturally on dry, rocky, calcareous slopes and open scrubland at elevations of 1,600-5,900 feet (500-1,800 m). Widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in herb gardens, perennial borders, and along walkways at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing where the fragrance can be appreciated in passing. Low informal hedges are planted at 12-15 inch (30-38 cm) spacing. Suitable for containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) with drainage holes and a fast-draining potting mix; container plants may need winter protection in zones 5-6.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
June through August in zones 5-7; May through July in zones 8-9. Individual flower spikes remain in color for 2-3 weeks; total bloom period extends 3-6 weeks. A light secondary flush may occur in September if spent flower stalks are removed promptly after the first bloom. Bloom timing is delayed 1-2 weeks in partially shaded conditions.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-blue to violetFoliage Description
Gray-green to silvery-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun with well-drained to dry soil; root rot develops in wet or poorly drained conditions, particularly during winter. Water sparingly after establishment—approximately every 2-3 weeks in the absence of rain during summer. Do not mulch with organic materials close to the crown; use gravel or crushed stone mulch within 6 inches (15 cm) of the base to keep the crown dry. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote soft growth susceptible to winter damage. In regions with acidic soil, amend with lime to raise pH to 6.5-7.5. Spider mites and spittlebugs are occasional pests; root rot (Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia) is the most common disease in humid climates.Pruning
Prune annually in early to mid-spring (March-April) once green growth is visible, cutting back by approximately one-third but not into bare wood—stems cut below the foliage line rarely resprout. After the first flowering flush, shear spent flower stalks back to the foliage mound to encourage a possible second bloom. Do not prune in fall, as this stimulates tender growth vulnerable to winter cold. Plants that have become severely woody with bare centers are best replaced rather than rejuvenated.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springsummer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
10 weeks before last frost
Days to Maturity
120–150 days
Plant Spacing
18 inches