Pacific Blue English Lavender

Pacific Blue English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Pacific Blue') is a bushy, upright shrub about 80cm tall and wide, carrying slim spikes of deep violet-blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The scent is soft and old-fashioned, and because the flowers are low in camphor they are the ones to use in baking and herbal tea.

Why you'll love it

• Rich violet-blue colour. Deep violet-blue spikes are among the best colours in English lavender.
• Flowers for the kitchen. Low camphor makes the flowers suitable for baking, tea and sugar. Use only flowers grown without sprays.
• Frost hardy and drought tolerant. It copes with cold winters and dry summers once established, as long as drainage is good.
• Suits coastal gardens. Sandy soil and sea air agree with it, so it is a good choice for seaside plantings.
• Bred for oil. Originally raised in New Zealand for oil production, it is an excellent variety for perfume oils, fresh cut flowers and drying.

Where it works best

Hedges and driveway borders. Plant 60cm apart in a single row. At that spacing the bushes meet in about two seasons and form a flowing hedge of 80cm that lines a drive or path.

Coastal and seaside gardens. Sandy, free-draining soil and sunny, open exposure suit it, and it makes a soft hedge or border near the beach.

Cottage gardens and feature pots. Use it as a feature plant among roses and perennials, or in a large terracotta pot by a sunny door.

Growing Pacific Blue English Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and an open position. It suits cool temperate through to semi-arid climates, including Mediterranean and dry inland gardens, and is frost hardy. Humid subtropical summers are tough on English lavenders, so choose French or Italian types in those areas.

Soil. Sandy, free-draining soil, preferably alkaline. If yours is acid, add a little dolomite, and build a mound on heavy clay.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then water only in long dry spells. Feed once a year after flowering with slow release fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, removing no more than a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pacific Blue English Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant that settles within weeks, and should reach hedge size in two seasons. Availability of the tube depends on our grower. It shows as sold out whenever there is none, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day plants are back in stock.

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

• Browse the lavender range
• Lavender care guide for Australia
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Best hedging plants

Common questions

Can I cook with Pacific Blue flowers?

Yes. The flowers are low in camphor, so they work in baking, herbal tea and sugar. Pick them just as they open and only from plants grown without chemical sprays.

Will it grow near the coast?

Yes. It is suited to coastal gardens, especially in sandy, free-draining soil and full sun.

Is it safe for pets?

Lavender can upset cats and dogs if they eat a lot, so we do not list it as pet friendly. Most animals avoid it, but supervise a curious chewer.