Lavender.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial shrub

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

3-4 feet tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 5 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to summer

Care

Ensure your lavender gets plenty of sunshine and excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Prune after flowering to encourage bushiness and a second bloom, but avoid cutting into old wood.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce watering in cooler months.

Feeding

Fertilize sparingly in spring, if at all; lavender prefers lean soil.

Pruning

Prune lightly after the first flush of flowers and more heavily in early spring before new growth begins.

Repotting

Repot when root-bound, usually every 2-3 years, into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil.

Soil

Well-drained, gritty, sandy loam

Soil pH

Slightly alkaline to neutral (6.0-8.0)

Temperature

-23.3 to 32.2°C

Humidity

20 to 40%

Safety

People

Ingestion of large quantities may cause stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. Generally considered safe in culinary amounts.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Small children may be sensitive to the concentrated essential oils; ensure diluted use if applying topically and supervise ingestion.

Contact allergens

No significant contact allergens are typically associated with Lavender. Its essential oil can be irritating to some sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is generally not considered a significant respiratory allergen, but concentrated essential oils can be irritating.

Edibility

While some parts are used culinarily, it is best to only consume if you are certain of the identification and preparation.

How to identify it

• Aromatic silvery-green leaves
• Spikes of purple flowers
• Compact, bushy habit
• Woody base
• Square stems

Height

0.9 to 1.2m

Spread

0.9 to 1.2m

Leaves

Silver, Gray-green, evergreen

Flowers

Purple, Violet, 0.5 to 1cm

Common problems

• Root Rot — Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to fungal root rot, causing wilting and yellowing leaves.
• Aphids — Small, sap-sucking insects that can cluster on new growth, weakening the plant.
• Spittlebugs — These insects create a frothy 'spittle' on stems and leaves, which can be unsightly but usually causes little harm.
• Gray Mold (Botrytis) — A fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions, causing fuzzy gray mold on flowers and stems.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Pair lavender with herbs and other drought-tolerant perennials that enjoy full sun and poor to average soil to create a low-water, fragrant garden.

Grows well with

• Rosemary — Both plants have similar needs for full sun and well-draining soil, and they complement each other visually and in scent.
• Thyme — Thyme also prefers dry, sunny conditions and well-drained soil, making it a great companion plant that shares similar low-maintenance needs.
• Sage — Sage thrives in similar conditions to lavender and its silvery foliage provides a lovely contrast.
• Yarrow — Yarrow is drought-tolerant and attracts beneficial insects, sharing lavender's preference for sunny, well-drained spots.

Keep away from

• Mint — Mints are vigorous growers that can easily outcompete lavender for resources and spread aggressively, disrupting lavender's preferred habitat.
• Ferns — Ferns generally prefer moist, shady conditions which are the opposite of lavender's needs, potentially leading to poor growth for both plants.

Similar species

• Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender) — Spanish Lavender is similar in its need for sun and well-drained soil but is distinguished by its distinctive 'bunny ear' bracts atop its flower spikes and often blooms earlier.
• Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin) — These hybrids are larger than English lavender, have longer flower spikes, and are often more vigorous but can be less cold-hardy.

Science

Family

Lamiaceae

Genus

Lavandula

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Mediterranean region

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It typically grows in rocky, arid or semi-arid environments, often on open slopes, where it benefits from excellent drainage and full sun.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental, culinary, aromatherapy, medicinal

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much sun does lavender need?

Lavender thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

What kind of soil is best for lavender?

It prefers well-draining soil, ideally sandy or gravelly, and slightly alkaline.

How often should I water lavender?

Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings; it is very drought-tolerant once established.

Can I grow lavender indoors?

Yes, but it requires a very sunny spot (south-facing window) and excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

When is the best time to prune lavender?

Prune lightly after the first flush of flowers and more heavily in early spring or after the main blooming season to maintain shape.

Why isn't my lavender blooming?

Lack of sun, overwatering, or too much nitrogen in the soil can prevent blooming.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'Lavender' comes from the Latin 'lavare' (to wash), referring to its historical use in washing and bathing. The scientific name 'angustifolia' means 'narrow-leaved'.

Good to know

• The name 'Lavandula' is thought to derive from the Latin word 'lavare', meaning 'to wash', referencing its ancient use in bathing.
• Lavender essential oil has been studied for its potential calming and sleep-promoting properties.
• It is a key ingredient in the famous 'Herbes de Provence' seasoning blend.
• The plant's scent is believed to repel some common garden pests like moths and mice.