Shrub
English lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
A compact aromatic shrub with purple summer flowers, suited to sunny borders, edging and dry gardens. Full sun and sharply drained soil matter more than frequent watering.
- Size
- 0.5–1 m high · 1–1.5 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Winter
- Hardy
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil; winter wet is a greater problem than short dry periods.
- Choose a cultivar by final size, because compact and broader forms differ noticeably.
Why choose it
- Adds fragrance, silver-green foliage and a long summer display.
- Works well in sunny edging, gravel gardens and pollinator-friendly planting.
Care
- Trim after flowering to keep the plant compact.
- Do not cut hard into old, leafless wood.
- Water sparingly after establishment and never leave the roots standing wet.