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.
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.
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.