English Lavender

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the classic cold hardy lavender, a woody based shrub about 75cm to 80cm high and wide, with slender grey green leaves and slim stems of dark purple flowers in spring. This Australian bred form, sold as 'Bee', is very high in essential oil, so it is strongly scented. It is much hardier in cold than Italian or French lavender.

Why you'll love it

• The cold hardy choice. It stands up to frost far better than Italian or French types, so it is the pick for cold winter districts.
• Strong scent. A high essential oil content means a rich fragrance from both flowers and foliage.
• Drought tolerant. Once established it needs little water, and it fits dry gardens and low water plantings.
• Plenty for pollinators. Bees and butterflies work the flowers, and the plant suits a spot beside fruit trees.
• Cottage garden classic. The slender spikes and silver green leaves are the look of an old fashioned border or herb bed.

Where it works best

Low hedging. Plant 60cm apart in a single row for a scented hedge along a path or terrace. Clip after flowering to keep it neat.

Under fruit trees. Planted among fruit trees, it brings bees and helps pollination, and its silver foliage tidies the base of the trees.

Rockeries and pots. Gravelly rockeries, sunny terraces and big pots give it the drainage it wants.

Growing English Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny, free draining position. It is right at home in cool dry climates and is frost and drought tolerant, so it suits cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. Hot, humid summers are hard on English lavender, so gardeners in the subtropics will have better results with a French lavender.

Soil. Free drainage is essential. English lavender is frost tolerant once established, but only if the drainage is good, so raise the bed or plant on a mound where the soil is heavy.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks while it establishes, then water rarely. Feed once a year after flowering with a slow release fertiliser. Lower light is tolerated, but flowering will be affected.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, taking only about a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood. The base is woody, and bare grey stems will not reshoot, so always cut above green leaves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell English Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the budget friendly way to plant a hedge or fill a bed. Small plants are light and travel securely, so unpack them as soon as they arrive and give them a good drink. Expect a small, silver green plant, with the strongly scented flower spikes arriving as it grows.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Our full lavender range
• Lavender care guide for Australian gardens
• Frost hardy plants
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia

Common questions

Why choose English lavender over Italian lavender?

Choose English for cold winters. It is much hardier in cold than Italian or French lavender and carries the classic narrow flower spikes. Italian types flower earlier and cope better with warmth.

Can I plant it among fruit trees?

Yes. The flowers draw bees, which helps pollination, and the plant keeps its silver foliage tidy at the base of the trees. Give it full sun and sharp drainage.

Will it cope with frost?

Yes. It tolerates frost and drought once established, as long as the drainage is good. Wet, cold soil is a bigger threat than frost itself.

Is it safe for pets?

Not entirely. Lavender can upset the stomach of a dog or cat if a good amount is eaten, so we do not class it as pet friendly. Most animals leave it alone.