English Lavender
lavandula angustifolia
Also known as: ["Lavender","Common Lavender","True Lavender"]
Overview
A fragrant, evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its aromatic purple flowers and grey-green foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","deer resistant","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use","culinary herb"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Lavandula |
| Botanical Name: | Lavandula angustifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: raised garden bed or container in a sunny, sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly sandy or loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering in late summer or early fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant’s height and width.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust for intense summer heat by providing partial afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Avoid placing in hot, reflective surfaces that can scorch leaves. Outdoor placement is ideal, but indoor plants need a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense summer sun; avoid north-facing windows.
Watering
every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure soil dries completely between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or grit.
Temperature
Ideal range: 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler temperatures but prefers warmth during active growth.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize only during active growth; use a low-nitrogen formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken from non-flowering shoots.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder for better success.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems just above a leaf node or pair of leaves. Avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and promote flowering. Remove dead or woody stems annually.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Use a well-draining soil mix; add a layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage; trim any circling roots.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Lavender prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage; trim roots if necessary.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month or less in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or gravel to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), bud drop, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dieback, especially if soil is wet.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth; ensure soil is dry before cold spells; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency slightly; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, lavender can be slightly toxic to cats if ingested in large quantities due to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate. Cats are more sensitive to certain plant compounds, but severe poisoning is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicLavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. However, the toxicity is typically mild due to the low concentration of these compounds in the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicLavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is widely used in aromatherapy, culinary applications, and traditional medicine for its calming and therapeutic properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is lavender safe for pets?
A: Yes, lavender is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should lavender be watered?
A: Lavender prefers well-drained soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Q: Can lavender be grown indoors?
A: While lavender can be grown indoors, it thrives best in outdoor conditions with full sunlight.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, allowing so |
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