Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender
lamiaceae
Purple flower spikes; narrow, fragrant
silvery leaves
12–24 in. high; 24 in. wide
Full sun
Blooms June–July
Zones 5–9
pruning Lavender can be dead-
headed after the first bloom period for
a smaller second bloom later in the
summer. Individual old flowering
stems can be removed one-by-one or a
handful at a time with pruners. Hedge
shears work best though, and the plant
can be shaped a bit at the same time.
The old stems from the second bloom
phase can be left on and then removed
with spring pruning, or if neatness is
the priority they can be cut off after
flowering. The species may reseed
under certain conditions. Avoid heavy
pruning after late August so that
plants are able to harden before winter.
Do not prune plants for the winter.
Winter-damaged tips need to be
sheared off annually. Wait to prune
until new growth has broken from the
old stems in the spring, sometimes as
late as early June. Plants can be shaped
at this time as well. Because lavender
breaks from the old stems it is really
more a subshrub than herbaceous
perennial. Many beginning gardeners
lose their lavender plants by cutting
them completely down in the autumn
or early spring as they do to theirherbaceous perennials.
Lavender has a tendency to grow
straggly with age. Shear plants back
heavily every 2–3 years in the spring to
about 6–8 in. Do not cut low into old,
nonviable wood. Neglected plants may
develop thick woody stems with small
bunches of foliage at the tips. Plants
left unpruned for many years usually
cannot be restored to their former
appearance. Lavender responds so well
to shearing that it is often used as a low
hedge. In such situations, shear and
shape plants annually in the spring.
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Lodden Blue’ is
a smaller, more compact shrub.
other maintenance Plants
require well-draining soil, especially to
ensure survival over the winter. Losses
can occur in severe winters without
consistent snow cover. Heavy soils can
exaggerate the problem by encourag-
ing soft growth, which is more
sensitive to winter injury. Alkaline
conditions are preferable. Able to
withstand dry conditions for extended
periods once established. Susceptible
to fourlined plant bug damage.
related plantS According to
lavender researcher Debra Knapke,
Lavandula angustifolia cultivars
‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ are the
hardiest choices for the Midwest and
similar climates. Lavandins (Lavandu-
ala ×intermedia) are popular, though
they seem to be more sensitive to “wet
feet” than L. angustifolia. Highly
fragrant ‘Phenomenal’ lavandin does
well in warmer, drier winters.Lavandula angustifolia
‘Loddon Blue’