perennial

English Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia 'Rosea'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is a compact, mounding evergreen subshrub native to dry, rocky Mediterranean regions. It features narrow, highly aromatic gray-green foliage and slender terminal flower spikes that rise well above the foliage in summer.

'Rosea' is distinguished by its soft pink to pale rose-pink flowers, offering a delicate color alternative to the typical purple lavender varieties. It maintains a compact, bushy form reaching up to two feet tall and three feet wide, making it ideal for low hedges or borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesSoft pink flower spikes contrast beautifully against the silver-gray evergreen foliage, providing structure and color.
Practical UsesAromatic foliage naturally deters deer and rabbits, and the flowers can be dried for culinary or craft use.
Ecological BenefitsNectar-rich flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
SpeciesLavandula angustifoliaEnglish Lavender

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct daily sunlight.
  2. Amend the planting area with coarse sand or grit to ensure rapid, exceptional drainage.
  3. Position the plant so the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water from pooling.
  4. Water sparingly during the first season to establish the root system, then reduce watering significantly.

Pro Tip

Elevate plants on slopes or raised beds and incorporate coarse grit into the backfill to ensure exceptional drainage, keeping organic mulch completely away from the crown to prevent fatal root rot. Never cut back hard into old, bare, leafless woody stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Prune lightly immediately after summer flowering to maintain a compact shape.
  • Plant in raised beds or sloped ground if your garden has heavy soil.
  • Keep organic mulches well away from the base of the stems.

Don't

  • Do not cut back hard into old, bare, leafless woody stems, as they will not regrow.
  • Do not overwater or plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
  • Do not apply heavy fertilizers or rich organic composts.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensLow hedgesBorder edgingsCottage gardensMediterranean gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

English Lavender questions

What zones can English Lavender grow in?

English Lavender is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is English Lavender deer resistant?

Yes — English Lavender is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does English Lavender bloom?

English Lavender typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does English Lavender need full sun?

English Lavender does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is English Lavender drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), English Lavender handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow English Lavender with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.