Lavandula angustifoliaEnglish Lavender

The Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English Lavender, is the hardiest and most strongly scented of the lavenders, a compact grey-leaved shrub from the mountains of the western Mediterranean. Violet-blue flower spikes stand clear of the foliage through summer and the whole plant is aromatic when brushed.

It is used for low hedging, dry borders, herb and sensory gardens and roadside mass planting, and it wants sharp drainage and open air more than it wants feeding.

Specifications

• Height0.4 to 0.8 metres
• Width0.6 to 1 metre
• Native toThe western Mediterranean, in the mountains of France, Spain and Italy
• FoliageNarrow, aromatic grey-green leaves on a compact frame; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilRequires sharply drained, alkaline to neutral, low-fertility soils and will not tolerate wet ground
• LightFull sun
• WaterLow; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in Mediterranean and cool to warm temperate regions; frost-hardy but resents humid heat

Additional Features

• FlowersFragrant violet-blue flower spikes carried above the foliage in summer
• UsesIdeal for low hedging, dry borders, herb and sensory gardens and roadside mass planting
• SpacingPlant 0.4 to 0.5 metres apart for a continuous low hedge
• Low MaintenanceTrim after flowering and never cut into old bare wood
• Pest ResistanceGenerally robust where air movement is good and drainage is sharp
• Drought ToleranceHolds condition through dry summers without irrigation
• Wildlife AttractionFlower spikes are heavily worked by bees and butterflies

English Lavender remains the benchmark for a low aromatic hedge in a dry temperate climate, and it repays sharp drainage above all else.