Lavandula angustifolia aka English Lavender

Taxonomy

Lavandula angustifolia, formerly known as Lavandula officinalis, is a flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain, France, Italy, and Croatia, it is commonly referred to as lavender, true lavender, or English lavender, despite not being native to England. This evergreen shrub has a compact habit, reaching a height of about 35cm. Its linear leaves are initially green but turn grey-green as they age. In late summer, the plant produces spikes of fragrant white flowers. The species name angustifolia derives from the Latin words for "narrow leaf." English lavender is often considered an herb, but it is actually a herbaceous perennial with semi-woody growth. Belonging to the mint family, its woody stems are typically pruned back to ground level annually. This vibrant purple-flowered plant, growing up to 2 to 3 feet tall, features narrow gray-green leaves on square stems. The bluish-purple flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and provide mid-summer color to gardens. While it is commonly grown for drying leaves and flowers for sachets and potpourris, it is also a popular choice for perennial borders, rock gardens, herb gardens, and scent gardens.

Common names

English Lavender, Common Lavender, Lavender

How to care for English Lavender

Difficulty

English Lavender requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

English Lavender should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

English Lavender loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

English Lavender requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your English Lavender will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for English Lavender to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The English Lavender does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The growth of English Lavender is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

English Lavender’s native range is Old World.


More info:
Wikipedia