Lavandula angustifolia

Common Names: english lavender

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin: Mediterranean

Type: Evergreen shrub

Size: 8 in. to 2 ft. high and wide.

Flowers: White, pink, lavender blue, purple flowers on stems 4 to 12 in. above foliage, late spring to summer; fragrant foliage narrow and gray or gray-green. 

Uses: Small gardens, herb gardens, borders, containers, in heat. Fire resistive.

Wildlife: Nectar for bees and butterflies Deer resistant. Rabbit resistant.

Soil: Prefers light, well-drained soil, but tolerates a wide variety in its native habitat.

Water: Medium; less after established.

Sun: Full sun to some shade.

Pruning: Remove old flower heads; shear back one-half to two-thirds after bloom in fall to keep compact. If plant is woody and open, remove some old growth.

Pests & Diseases: Tolerates most. Small caterpillars and similar pests may feed on leaves. Root rot in hot but humid regions. 

Notes: MANY cultivars with different colors. Some bloom into fall. L. dentata (French lavender) and L. stoechas (Spanish lavender) are also interesting. Hardy to 0° F.