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Lavandula angustifolia

Common name: English lavender · True lavender · Common lavender

Lavandula angustifolia is a compact, aromatic evergreen subshrub in the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region. It grows 30–90 cm tall with narrow grey-green leaves and dense spikes of fragrant purple flowers in summer. Despite its common name, it is not native to England — the name reflects its long popularity in English gardens. It is the lavender most widely grown for essential oil, culinary use, dried flowers, and ornamental borders.

Fun facts

  • Its essential oil is the world's most-used lavender oil, prized in perfumery and aromatherapy.
  • The flower buds are edible and flavour biscuits, cakes, honey, and the herb blend herbes de Provence.
  • The Romans scented their baths with lavender; the genus name derives from the Latin lavare, "to wash".
  • Cultivars like 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead' are garden staples bred for compact growth and deep colour.

Care summary

Sun Full sun, at least 6 hours daily
Water Low; drought tolerant once established
Soil Well-drained, sandy or gravelly, alkaline
Hardiness Zones 5–9
Mature height About 30–90 cm (1–3 ft)
Pet safe Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested
Difficulty Moderate
Propagation Semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer root well, and softwood cuttings can be taken in spring. Take a 7-10 cm non-flowering shoot with a slight heel, strip the lower leaves, and insert into gritty, free-draining compost; keep just moist until rooted. Layering a low branch into the soil is also reliable.

Make your own English lavender · True lavender · Common lavender profile

Common problems

    • Plant in sharply drained, gritty soil
    • Avoid overwatering once plants are established
    • Improve drainage with gravel or sand
    • Trim lightly after flowering ends
    • Avoid cutting into old bare wood
    • Grow tender types in sheltered spots
    • Move potted plants under cover