Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — a fragrant, hardy perennial shrub with silvery leaves and scented purple flower spikes. Drought-tolerant and bee-friendly.
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Lavandula angustifolia — English lavender

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly called English or true lavender, is the most fragrant and cold-hardy of the lavenders — a woody, aromatic perennial loved for its silvery foliage and intensely scented purple flower spikes. It is the botanical heart of our lavender range and a star among our aromatic herbs.

History & origin

Lavender hails from the dry, sunny hillsides of the western Mediterranean. The Romans used it to scent their baths and laundry — and indeed the name itself comes from the Latin lavare, “to wash.” Through the centuries it became one of the most treasured of all aromatic plants, grown for perfume, soap, sachets and culinary use across Provence and far beyond.

The species name angustifolia means “narrow-leaved,” distinguishing true lavender from broader-leaved relatives and marking it as the type prized for the finest, sweetest essential oil.

Botanical characteristics

English lavender forms a compact, rounded evergreen shrub 30–60 cm tall, with narrow grey-green leaves and slender spikes of richly scented violet flowers in summer. Drought-tolerant once established and a magnet for bees and butterflies, it thrives on poor, free-draining soil. As a tough, woody perennial it sits among our perennial herbs and our drought-tolerant herbs.

Growing Lavandula angustifolia from seed

Lavender seed germinates best with a little patience: sow in spring in gritty, free-draining compost, barely cover, and keep it warm and bright — a spell of cold stratification can improve results. Give young plants full sun and sharp drainage, and avoid rich soil or overwatering, which lavender dislikes. Once established it is wonderfully low-maintenance and long-lived. Our herb growing guide and herb sowing calendar cover timing and care in full.

Ready to grow lavender? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Lavender · Aromatic Herbs · Perennial Herbs · Drought-Tolerant Herbs · All Herb Seeds

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What is Lavandula angustifolia?
It is the botanical name for English or true lavender, the hardiest and most fragrant lavender, prized for its scent and fine essential oil. Is lavender easy to grow from seed?
It takes a little patience. Sow in gritty, free-draining compost in spring, barely cover the seed and keep it warm and bright; a cold period can improve germination. What conditions does lavender need?
Full sun and sharp drainage. It dislikes rich soil and overwatering, and is drought-tolerant once established. Is lavender good for pollinators?
Yes. The summer flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for wildlife as well as scent.