English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Also known as: Garden lavender, Narrow-leaved lavender

English lavender, originally from the Mediterranean, is widely used in scented items like candles, oils, perfumes, soaps, and sprays. Additionally, its fragrance acts as a natural deterrent to clothing moths.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Plant Comprehensive Care Guide: Beginner's Introduction and Key Details

Perfect for beginners starting their plant care journey

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10 Secrets to Making English lavender Grow Faster (A Must-Read for Beginners)

Advanced tips to accelerate your plant's growth

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Care "Black Tech": 10 Little-Known Highly Effective Maintenance Tips

Expert-level techniques for optimal plant care

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Attributes of English lavender

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb, Shrub

Plant Height

50 cm to 2 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green Gray Silver

Flower Size

8 mm to 1.2 cm

Flower Color

Purple Blue White Pink Violet Lavender Mauve

Images of English lavender

Quickly Identify English lavender

Slender, linear leaves with a blue-green hue and distinctive aroma.

Terminal spikes of sweetly scented, pale lavender-blue flowers.

Toothed, tomentose calyx with two-lipped corolla in lavender-purple flowers.

Indehiscent dry nutlets matching muted, earthy tones of the plant.

Tomentose, woolly stem with square-shaped structure and felt-like appearance.

Scientific Classification of English lavender

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Lavender

Species

English lavender

Planting and Growing of English lavender

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

70-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water English lavender?

Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, thrives with moderate watering. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply but infrequently to encourage root growth. Aim for about 150ml of water per session, ensuring the soil is completely moist but not waterlogged.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for English lavender?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Full sun exposure is ideal for Lavandula angustifolia. The benefits include enhanced flowering, robust growth, and stronger aroma from the plant's oils, which are integral to its appeal.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for English lavender?

Ideal Temperature: 70 ~ 75℉

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, thrives best in an environment where the temperature ranges from 70°F to 75°F. This range helps to ensure the plant's health, promoting robust growth and optimal flowering potential. Maintaining these temperatures aligns with the warm, sunny conditions that lavender naturally prefers.

What Soil is Best for English lavender?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lavandula angustifolia thrives in well-draining soils that prevent waterlogging. This characteristic is pivotal as it ensures the plant's root system remains healthy, reducing the risk of root rot, and promoting robust growth. The plant prefers soils with moderate fertility. Too rich a soil can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering. This balance ensures the plant produces its signature blooms and aroma. Unlike many plants, Lavandula angustifolia does not need soil rich in organic matter. Minimal organic content mirrors its native environment, where it developed resilience and ability to thrive. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize English lavender?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Lavandula angustifolia thrives on less frequent light feedings rather than heavy doses. For liquid fertilizers, use a diluted solution with an N-P-K ratio such as 5-10-5, applied at half-strength. For slow-release fertilizers, a balanced 10-10-10 formula is appropriate. Apply approximately 1 pound per 100 square feet. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune English lavender?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Be careful not to cut into the old wood of the plant, as this may hinder new growth. Always focus on trimming the softer, green parts since lavender doesn't regenerate well from woody stems. Prune lavender during its active growing season in spring or after flowering in summer. Avoid pruning in late autumn or winter as the plant is less active, and cuts may leave it vulnerable to cold damage. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate English lavender plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Summer, Late spring, Early summer

Collect seeds from mature lavenders and sow them in trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Ensure they are covered lightly with soil and maintain consistent moisture through regular sprinkling. Germination can be slow, so patience is key.

Select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut them at around 7-10 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends into rooting hormone powder to stimulate growth before planting them in a suitable growing medium.

Divide an established lavender plant by carefully digging it up and gently pulling the root ball apart into smaller sections. Ensure each section has a good number of roots before replanting them into pots or directly into the garden.

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How to Repot English lavender plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Lavandula angustifolia should be repotted when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, the soil is drying out quicker than usual, or growth has slowed. These are signs the plant has outgrown its pot and requires more space and fresh nutrients. Spring or summer is ideal for this task, providing the plant with ample time to recover and rejuvenate during warmer months.

Select a pot that is about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to accommodate growth. This prevents excessive soil moisture that can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, as good drainage is crucial for Lavender's health. Opt for terracotta as it allows the soil to dry out between waterings, mimicking its natural arid environment.

Choose a well-drained sandy soil mix to help replicate the Mediterranean soils where Lavender naturally thrives. A cactus mix or a homemade blend of two parts soil, two parts sand or perlite, and one part compost or loam will ensure good drainage while retaining the necessary nutrients. This supports healthy root growth and reduces the risk of root rot.

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Toxicity of English lavender

Is English lavender toxic to cat?

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) poses a toxicity risk to cats due to their deficiency in the enzymes required to metabolize linalool and linalyl acetate. Even minimal contact, such as licking the plant's leaves, can result in gastrointestinal issues, and consuming the leaves frequently induces vomiting. The concentrated essential oil from this plant presents an even greater threat, potentially causing harm to the central nervous system and liver. It is advisable to reach out to a veterinarian if symptoms escalate significantly.

Is English lavender toxic to dog?

English lavender is primarily safe for dogs; however, it contains the compound linalool, which is toxic. Fortunately, the levels of this compound in the plant are quite low, meaning a dog would need to consume a significant amount to experience negative effects. Most dogs typically find the scent of English lavender unappealing and tend to steer clear of it, although some dogs' curiosity may lead them to investigate further. Signs of poisoning may include a swollen, sensitive abdomen, vomiting or difficulty in passing stools, loss of appetite, and a fever. If you suspect your dog has ingested this plant, it is important to contact your veterinarian promptly.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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