Lavender – English

Lavandula angustifolia | English Lavender — Classic Fragrance and Timeless Beauty

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English Lavender, is the quintessential lavender — admired worldwide for its compact habit, elegant spikes of purple-blue flowers, and exquisite perfume. Beloved by gardeners, florists, and bees alike, it brings a touch of classic charm to borders, pots, and herb gardens. Exceptionally hardy and drought tolerant once established, English Lavender thrives in the sunny, dry conditions typical of much of South Africa, offering year after year of colour, fragrance, and form.

🌿 Plant Care

Sun: Full sun — essential for compact growth and maximum fragrance.
Soil: Well-drained, slightly alkaline soil; thrives in sandy or gravelly conditions. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soil.
Water: Low — drought tolerant once established; water sparingly and only when soil is dry.
Fertilizer: Minimal feeding required — light application of a low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring if growth is slow.
Pruning: Lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape; avoid cutting into old wood.
Top tip: Add lime to overly acidic soil for best results — English Lavender loves “sweet,” well-drained ground.

🌸 Specifications

Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia
Common name: English Lavender
Growth habit: Compact, bushy, evergreen perennial with grey-green foliage
Size: ±40–70 cm H × ±40–60 cm W
Flowers: Fragrant spikes of violet-blue blooms from late spring to midsummer
Fragrance: Classic sweet lavender scent — ideal for oils, sachets, and potpourri
Lifespan: Long-lived perennial with proper pruning and good drainage
Uses: Herb gardens, borders, rock gardens, pots, edging, cut flowers, and dried arrangements

⚡ Quick Facts

• Iconic lavender — compact, fragrant, and long-flowering
• Drought tolerant and ideal for hot, sunny South African gardens
• Perfect for borders, pots, and pollinator-friendly plantings