Lavandula angustifolia, English lavender
Herbs

Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender

Lamiaceae

Western Mediterranean, including mountainous areas of southern France, Spain, Italy, and the Balkans

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Width12-30 inches (30-76 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

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

Distinguished from other Lavandula species by its narrow, gray-green leaves 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long with revolute margins, and compact flower spikes on unbranched stalks. Flowers are small and tubular, lacking the showy sterile bracts ("ears") of L. stoechas. Flower spikes are shorter and more compact than those of L. × intermedia (lavandin), which has longer, more branched flower stalks. The sweet floral scent differs from the more camphoraceous fragrance of L. stoechas.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple
blue
lavender

Foliage Colors

gray
green
silver

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Summer
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 violet

Foliage Description

Gray-green to silvery-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)
357912
Soil Types
sandloamchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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

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early springsummer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

10 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

120–150 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches