Lavandula angustifolia, formerly L. officinalis, is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean basin. Its common names include lavender, true lavender and English lavender (though it is not native to England); also garden lavender, common lavender and narrow-leaved lavender."Lavandula angustifolia Mill". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
Description
It is a strongly aromatic shrub growing as high as
"English lavender". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 27 September 2026.
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Stems and flowers
Flower spike before the petals emerge
Calyx (purple) and flower bracts (light brown)
Calyx and corolla
Corolla (petals)
Calyx and corolla (side view)
Etymology
The species name angustifolia is Latin for "narrow leaf". Previously, it was known as Lavandula officinalis, referring to its medicinal properties.
Cultivation
English lavender is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. It is popular for its colourful flowers, its fragrance, and its ability to survive with low water consumption. It does not grow well in continuously damp soil and may benefit from increased drainage. It does best in Mediterranean climates similar to its native habitat, characterised by wet winters and dry summers. It is fairly tolerant of low temperatures, and is generally considered hardy to Royal Horticultural Society zone H6, or USDA zone 5. It tolerates acid soils, but favours neutral to alkaline soils, and in some conditions it may be short-lived.
Cultivars
The following cultivars of L. angustifolia and its hybrids have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-
L. × intermedia 'Alba' (large white)
L. angustifolia 'Beechwood Blue'
L. angustifolia 'Hidcote'
L. × intermedia 'Hidcote Giant'
L. angustifolia 'Imperial Gem'
L. angustifolia 'Little Lottie'
L. angustifolia 'Miss Katherine'
L. angustifolia...
