English Lavender, True Lavender, Common Lavender
Summary: Evergreen, compact shrub prized for **highly fragrant** flower spikes and narrow, gray-green foliage. The hardiest and most widely grown lavender; superb for hedges, borders, rock and Mediterranean gardens, and containers.
Bloom & scent: Early–mid summer for 3–4 weeks; a light second flush is possible after pruning. Fragrance is sweet, clean, and strongly aromatic.
Garden value: Drought-tolerant once established, excellent for pollinators, and typically deer/rabbit resistant.
| Botanical Name | Lavandula angustifolia |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae (Mint family) |
| Common Names | English Lavender, True/Common Lavender |
| Native Range | Mediterranean region (name “English” reflects historic use, not origin) |
| Plant Type & Habit | Evergreen, bushy subshrub; dense, rounded mounds; ideal for low hedges |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 5–9 (heat 5–8); needs excellent drainage in cold/wet winters |
| Size | 1–3 ft (30–90 cm) tall and wide, depending on cultivar |
| Sun & Exposure | Full sun (6–8+ hours) and good air circulation |
| Soil | Very well-drained sandy/loamy/chalky soils; neutral to alkaline preferred |
| Bloom & Color | Early–mid summer; violet-blue, lavender, lilac, pink to white (by cultivar) |
| Wildlife | Attracts bees & butterflies; aromatic foliage deters deer & rabbits |
| Toxicity | Generally safe in gardens; essential oils can be mildly toxic if heavily ingested by pets |
| Invasiveness | Not invasive; short-lived in poorly drained soils |
| Primary Uses | Borders, low hedges, edging, rock/Mediterranean gardens, containers; cut & dried flowers, sachets, essential oil, culinary |
Often associated with Provence’s famous purple lavender fields, Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is a perennial herb prized for its fragrant purple flowers and silver-green foliage. Despite the name “English” lavender, the plant is native to the Mediterranean region.
The genus name, Lavandula, comes from the Latin “lavare,” which means “to wash,” referring to its use in baths, laundry, and personal grooming in ancient times. “Angustifolia” means “narrow-leaved,” referring to the plant’s slender foliage.
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
5 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lavandula |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid), Fall |
| Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
There are numerous reasons to consider growing Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, in your garden:
English lavender is a versatile plant that can be incorporated in numerous ways into your garden design. Here are a few ideas:
Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, pairs well with a variety of plants in the garden. When choosing companion plants, consider those with similar cultural needs (full sun, well-drained soil), as well as those that offer contrasting or complementary forms, colors, and textures. Here are some good companions for English lavender:
Growing English Lavender can be a rewarding experience, but it does require some specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips to help you grow this aromatic herb successfully:
Lavender is a broad term that refers to the Lavandula genus, which includes many species. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one specific species known for its sweet fragrance and hardiness. It is commonly used in perfumes, sachets, and culinary applications. Other lavenders, like French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), have different growing requirements, bloom times, and scents.
English lavender typically grows 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm) tall and wide, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Yes, deadheading English lavender, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms and helps maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading also redirects the plant’s energy toward new growth rather than seed production.
English lavender is relatively easy to grow as long as it has the right conditions. It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and drier climates. Overwatering or planting in poorly drained soil are common challenges, but with proper care, it is a low-maintenance plant.
Lavender can grow well in both pots and the ground. In pots, you have better control over soil drainage, which can prevent root rot. In the ground, lavender has more room to spread and may develop a stronger root system. Both options work well as long as the plant receives full sun and good drainage.
No. It’s native to the Mediterranean. “English” reflects historic cultivation and its cool-climate tolerance compared with other lavenders.
USDA 5–9. It’s the hardiest lavender, but winter wet is the main killer—drainage matters more than absolute cold in many areas.
Excellent. Bees and butterflies frequent the flowers, and long bloom windows boost garden biodiversity.
Generally yes—aromatic oils deter browsing—though hungry wildlife may sample anything.
Culinary cultivars (often L. angustifolia) flavor sugars, syrups, and bakes. Use sparingly—strong oils can overwhelm dishes and may upset pets if ingested in quantity.
Likely wet feet. Improve drainage, raise the crown, choose hardy cultivars, and avoid heavy mulch against stems.
Aniana/Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
5 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lavandula |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid), Fall |
| Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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