English Lavender

Description: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a fragrant and versatile herb prized for its aromatic foliage and vibrant purple flowers. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this perennial herb is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. English Lavender is known for its delightful fragrance, which is both calming and uplifting, making it a popular choice for gardens, borders, and containers. With proper care, this hardy herb can thrive indoors, adding beauty and fragrance to your home or garden year-round.

🌿 Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)

💧 Care Level: Easy. English Lavender is relatively low-maintenance and adapts well to indoor environments.

📏 Size: English Lavender typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) with a spread of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm), although size may vary depending on growing conditions and care.

☀️ Light: Place English Lavender in a location where it receives full sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. A south- or west-facing window is ideal, where the plant can receive direct sunlight. If grown indoors, provide supplemental lighting with grow lights if natural sunlight is insufficient.

💧 Water: Water English Lavender sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

💦 Humidity: English Lavender prefers low to moderate humidity levels. Indoor humidity is usually sufficient, but you can increase humidity by misting the foliage occasionally, especially during dry indoor conditions.

🌡️ Temperature: English Lavender prefers temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Protect it from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can stress the plant.

❄️ Hardiness: English Lavender is hardy to USDA zones 5-8 and can tolerate mild frost. If grown indoors, it is best to keep it in a location with consistent temperatures above 50°F (10°C).

🌱 Soil: Plant English Lavender in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a slightly alkaline pH. You can use a commercial potting mix designed for herbs or mix your own with equal parts potting soil, sand, and perlite.

🌱 Fertilizing: Feed English Lavender with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter.

🔄 Pruning: Prune English Lavender regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Trim back spent flowers and prune back woody stems in the spring to promote new growth.

🌱 Propagation: English Lavender can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing established plants. Take 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) stem cuttings with at least one node and remove the lower leaves. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil and keep them moist until roots develop.