Lavender
Silvery-leaved and impossibly fragrant, English lavender turns any sunny, well-drained garden into a sensory sanctuary beloved by bees and gardeners alike.
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The Herb That Smells Like Calm
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly called English lavender, is native to the rocky, sun-baked hillsides of the western Mediterranean. Despite its common name, it has no particular tie to England - it simply thrives in temperate climates with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers, conditions England happens to provide reasonably well.
Grown for millennia for its essential oils, culinary uses, and ornamental beauty, lavender sits at the crossroads of herb garden and flower border. Its narrow, grey-green leaves are as aromatic as its iconic purple-blue flower spikes, and the whole plant releases its calming scent at the lightest touch.
Planting & care
Plant lavender in full sun with excellent drainage - this is non-negotiable. Sandy or gravelly soil is ideal; rich, moist soil causes root rot and an early death. Space plants 18-24 in apart to encourage airflow. In heavy clay gardens, raise the bed or amend deeply with grit before planting.
Water young plants regularly until established, then back off - mature lavender is remarkably drought-tolerant. Prune in early spring when new growth appears at the base, cutting back by about one-third to prevent woody, leggy stems. A light trim after the first flush of bloom encourages a second flowering in late summer.
Skip the Fertilizer
Lavender actually performs better in lean, low-fertility soil. Feeding it with a rich fertilizer pushes lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fragrance, and makes plants more susceptible to disease. If your soil is reasonably decent, let the plant fend for itself - it prefers it that way.
How much sun does Lavender need?
Lavender grows best in full sun.
How often should you water Lavender?
Give it about 0.5-1 in per week once established.
When is Lavender ready to harvest?
Lavender is usually ready in harvest flower spikes just before buds fully open, typically june-august.