Lavandula Angustifolia

Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Mediterranean region
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A classic English lavender for South Australian gardens—compact, silver-grey aromatic foliage and richly scented purple flower spikes from late spring through summer. Ideal for low hedges, path edging, mass planting and feature pots; thrives on heat and good drainage.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6-1 m H x 0.6-1 m W (naturally compact, dome-forming)
• Growth Rate: 25-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, silver-grey, highly aromatic leaves
• Flowers: Purple, sweetly fragrant spikes in late spring–summer (repeat flush with deadheading)
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen silver mounds year-round; spring–summer flower spikes and fragrance, with tidy grey-green structure in autumn–winter
• Wildlife Value: Excellent for bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant, Drought-Tolerant (once established), Coastal-Tolerant, Frost Hardy (light), Wind-Tolerant (best with some shelter), Clay-Tolerant only if soil is raised/loosened and very free-draining (avoid waterlogging)
• Planting Density: Low hedge / edging: 30–40 cm apart (≈ 2.5–3 plants per metre) for a tight line; Borders/mass: 45–60 cm apart for airy drifts
• Pet Friendly: Use caution — may be mildly toxic if ingested (essential oils). Low palatability; keep prunings away from pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun is essential (6+ hrs) for best flowering and oil content; part shade reduces bloom
• Soil: Very well-drained sandy/loamy soils; raised beds or gravelly mixes ideal. Avoid heavy, wet clays
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry.
• Maintenance: Shear lightly after main flush to remove spent spikes and keep a tight dome; do not cut into old wood. Light feed in early spring (low N)
• Lifespan: 5-10+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Prefers neutral to alkaline; tolerates slightly acidic if drainage is excellent

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Classic low hedges along paths and driveways with billows of summer colour and scent
• Mass plant for a Mediterranean look with olives, rosemary and grasses
• Feature pots near entries/outdoor seating to enjoy fragrance up close

Why You Will Love It

Tough, sun-loving and beautifully fragrant, English lavender delivers months of colour, pollinator appeal, and year-round silver structure—while staying compact and low-maintenance once established.