Overview
Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia is a bushy shrubs in the genus Lavandula, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall and 0.6 m wide. Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, garden edging, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds. It is native to France and Italy.
About
Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia is a strongly aromatic evergreen shrub in the Lamiaceae, grown for its fragrant flower spikes. It typically reaches about 1.2 m with a spread near 0.6 m. Flowering is from June to September, producing purple spikes. Plant in full sun on well-drained soil and choose a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing spot.
About the genus
Lavandula is a genus of 47 known species of perennial flowering plants in the sage family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World, primarily found across the drier, warmer regions of the Mediterranean, with an affinity for maritime breezes.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lavandula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lavandula
In the garden
A Mediterranean native from France and Italy, Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia is an aromatic member of the mint family valued for its long-flowering spikes. It forms an evergreen mound reaching roughly 1.2 m high and 0.6 m across, with purple blooms appearing between June and September. Sit plants in full sun and avoid waterlogged locations; acceptable soils include sandy, loamy or clay types provided drainage is good. The species tolerates a wide pH range (acid to alkaline) and prefers conditions described as well-drained or moist but well-drained. Give it a sheltered aspect — south-, east- or west-facing positions suit it in UK gardens. Hardiness is rated H7, i.e. fully hardy in UK conditions, and it corresponds to USDA zones 5–8. Use English lavender in gravel gardens, Mediterranean-themed borders, city courtyards and containers, or as edging on banks and slopes. It also fits cottage and informal plantings and wildlife-friendly schemes. Expect a consistent display of purple flower spikes through the summer months from June to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lavandula
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Spread
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Garden edging, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- France, Italy
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia
- Propagation
- Seed sown in a cold frame in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Rosemary beetle, Cuckoo spit (froghoppers)
- Disease resistance
- Grey moulds (Botrytis), Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia?
Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia need?
Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia grow?
Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia reaches a height of 1.2 m and a spread of 0.6 m.
Is Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia hardy in the UK?
Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Lavandula angustifolia subsp. angustifolia?
Seed sown in a cold frame in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Lavandula genus
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Torramhor'Lavender
- Lavandula dentata 'Evermlv19'Fringed Lavender
- Lavandula stoechas 'Giant Summer' (Butterfly Garden Series)
- Lavandula stoechas 'Sweetberry Ruffles' (Ruffles Series)French lavender 'Sweetberry Ruffles'
- Lavandula stoechas LaVela Compact Dark Violet ('Klelv15115'PBR)Spanish Lavender
- Lavandula x ginginsii 'Downderry Velvet'
- Lavandula x int. 'Edelweiss'Lavender
- Lavandula x int. 'Grappenhall'Lavender