No. 01 · August 2026

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Flora & Field

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

A fragrant Mediterranean perennial prized for silver foliage, violet flowers and long seasons of bloom.

Published Reviewed

At a glance

Light
Full sun
Water
Low
Soil
Well-drained
Hardiness
Zones 5–9
Bloom
Early summer
Height
1–3 ft · 30–90 cm
Scientific botanical plate of English lavender and its flower partsScientific botanical plate of English lavender and its flower parts
English lavenderView full plate
In this guide

Overview

Lavender is an evergreen subshrub native to rocky Mediterranean hillsides. Its narrow, silver-green leaves are intensely aromatic, releasing their scent with the lightest touch.

Lavandula angustifolia is widely grown for refined fragrance and reliable hardiness. It thrives in sun-baked, freely drained sites and tolerates drought once established.

Family
Lamiaceae
Range
Mediterranean region
Soil pH
6.5–8
Spread
18–24 in · 45–60 cm
Archival herbarium-style English lavender specimen

Archival-style specimen showing the plant's overall form.

Planting & careHow to grow lavender

Sun, lavender planting position, stem spacing and free-draining soil
  1. Climate

    Thrives in warm, airy sites with good circulation.

  2. Planting position

    Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with at least six hours of direct sun.

  3. Spacing

    Allow 18–24 in between plants so mature foliage dries quickly.

  4. Soil

    Use lean, alkaline-to-neutral soil that drains freely.

Guidance assumes temperate Northern Hemisphere gardens and USDA zones 5–9.

  1. 1
    Choose the site

    Give plants at least six hours of direct sun and shelter them from winter wet.

  2. 2
    Open the soil

    Use free-draining ground; amend heavy clay with grit and plant slightly proud.

  3. 3
    Space for air

    Allow 18–24 in between plants so mature foliage dries quickly after rain.

Pruning lavender

Cut back after the main flush of flowers, shaping the plant without entering old, leafless wood. Leave enough green growth for recovery.

Mature lavender before pruning and a compact rounded plant after pruning, with a cut line
Keep the cut above visible green growth; never cut into bare old wood.

Seasonal care

Spring

Remove winter debris, check drainage and shear lightly into shape.

Summer

Deadhead after flowering and water deeply only when the soil has dried.

Autumn

Avoid heavy pruning and check that rain drains away from the crown.

Winter

Protect containers from excessive wet and prolonged cold.

Spring

Remove winter debris, check drainage and shear lightly into shape.

Summer

Deadhead after flowering and water deeply only when the soil has dried.

Autumn

Avoid heavy pruning and check that rain drains away from the crown.

Winter

Protect containers from excessive wet and prolonged cold.

Common problems

  • Browning foliage

    Look for
    Leaves drying from the base.
    Action
    Improve drainage, reduce watering and remove dead growth.

  • Poor flowering

    Look for
    Few or short-lived blooms.
    Action
    Give full sun, reduce feeding and prune after flowering.

  • Root rot

    Look for
    Wilting with yellowing leaves.
    Action
    Drain the site, water less and replace the plant if necessary.

Sources

  1. Lavandula angustifolia. Royal Horticultural Society. Source record · Accessed 2026-08-10.
  2. How to Grow English Lavender in Your Garden. Utah State University Extension. Source record · Accessed 2026-08-15.