
Lavandula angustifolia
A hardy, drought-tolerant shrub for a sunny, free-draining spot. It grows best in light soil, and hates sitting wet in winter.
Step-by-step instructions for growing Lavender
Plant rooted cuttings or young plants around 25th March - 6th May in a sheltered, sunny spot. Set them at the same depth they were growing before, and firm the soil gently so the roots make good contact. Water in thoroughly straight away.
Keep the plants just moist through 15th April - 27th May, checking them in dry spells. Water at the base rather than over the foliage, and stop once the plants are clearly rooted and making new growth.
Remove faded flower spikes from 30th May - 7th October to keep the plant tidy and extend the display. Cut back to a side shoot or just above fresh growth, but do not cut into old bare wood.
Prune straight after flowering from 14th July - 13th August. Trim the green growth back lightly to keep a neat mound, but always leave some leafy growth on each stem because lavender will not reshoot from old wood.
Tidy the plant from 23rd September - 6th November by removing dead flower stalks and any damaged growth. Leave the woody framework in place, and do not hard cut the shrub back.
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Lavender.
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Popular varieties of Lavender to consider
Compact with deep purple flowers and a neat habit, good for borders and pots.
A classic early-flowering English lavender with a low, rounded shape.
A white-flowered form that gives a softer look in mixed plantings.
A pink-flowered lavender for a lighter colour scheme.
See how Lavender timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.