Complete guide to English lavender care

Lavender 'angustifolia', also known as English lavender, is a popular and versatile herb that is well-loved for its beautiful scent and attractive foliage. We call her Vanda. Here’s what you need to know:

• It will thrive in the sunshine, so pop it in a sunny spot like a windowsill
• Plant your lavender in well-draining soil, it doesn’t like its soil too moist
• When its flowers begin to fade and die back, just give it a good trim back to 10-20cm above the soil

Commonly grown for its aromatic oils, which are used in perfumes, soaps, and other products, English lavender is a gorgeous addition to your outside space. It blooms in midsummer and tends to stay in flower for 3-4 weeks. After the buds open, trim off a bunch of the stalks and use them in essential oils for some aromatherapy action, or in tea as a sleep aid.

Lavender 'angustifolia' plants prefer full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but the more the better. Place your plant on a south-facing windowsill or in a sunny spot in your garden.

Lavender 'angustifolia' plants don’t like to be overwatered. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered deeply only when the top inch of soil is dry. Be careful not to water too frequently, as this can cause the roots to rot.

Lavender 'angustifolia' plants prefer well-drained soil. You can use a commercial potting mix designed for herbs or create your own mix using equal parts of compost, sand and perlite. If you’re planting it into a pot or trough, make sure the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

Your English lavender won’t need regular feeding. You can feed your plant once or twice during the growing season with a diluted balanced, water-soluble fertiliser. Be careful not to over-fertilise, as this can cause the plant to become leggy and reduce its essential oil content.

Pruning is an important part of lavender 'angustifolia' care. Prune your plant in the spring or early summer by removing the top one-third of the plant to encourage branching and bushier growth. Deadhead dying or fading flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

Lavender 'angustifolia' plants are relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, you might spot the occasional spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. You can keep these pests under control by spraying your insecticidal soap.

Lavender 'angustifolia' plants are hardy perennials that can survive winters in UK gardens, as long as they’re protected from frost. If you live in a cold climate, cover your plant with a protective layer of mulch or fleece during the winter months to keep it warm and toasty.

English lavender is a wonderful herb that’s easy to care for and produces beautiful blooms and fragrant oils. By following these care tips, you can keep your plant happy and healthy.