English Lavender: How to Grow It, Use It Safely and What Research Shows
English lavender is the classic garden lavender, prized for its scent, its long-lived shrubs and the oil distilled from its flowers. This guide covers how to grow and prune it, how it differs from French lavender and lavandin, and what research says about its calming reputation. You will also learn where it is unsafe for children, pets and skin.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before using any remedy, especially for a diagnosed condition, during pregnancy or for a child.
What English lavender is, botanically
Kew’s Plants of the World Online lists English lavender as Lavandula angustifolia, named by Philip Miller in 1768. It belongs to the Lamiaceae, the same family as mint, rosemary and sage. Kew records its native range as northeastern Spain to Italy, including southern France. Two subspecies are accepted: subsp. angustifolia and subsp. pyrenaica.
Despite the common name, it is not native to England. Trees and Shrubs Online notes it has been grown in Britain since at least the early 1500s. Benedictine monks may have brought it even earlier. The name “English” stuck because England became famous for it, especially the fields once farmed at Mitcham in Surrey.
Older books use several synonyms, including Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula vera and Lavandula spica. You will still see these on some labels and oil bottles. The plant is a subshrub, meaning it has a woody base with softer green shoots above. Its narrow leaves start grey and turn greener with age. Its flower spikes carry whorls of small lavender-purple flowers in early to midsummer.
English lavender vs French lavender vs lavandin
Garden centers sell several different lavenders under one name. Choosing the wrong one is the most common reason a plant dies in its first winter.
| Feature | English lavender | Lavandin | French or Spanish lavender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula angustifolia | Lavandula × intermedia | Lavandula stoechas and relatives |
| What it is | The species, “true lavender” | Hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender | A separate species with “rabbit ear” bracts |
| Cold hardiness | The hardiest type | Fairly hardy | Tender; best kept frost-free |
| Lifespan | Long-lived with pruning | Long-lived with pruning | Often short-lived |
| Scent | Sweet, soft, floral | Stronger, more camphor-like | Resinous, piney |
| Common uses | Gardens, baking, true lavender oil | Large-scale oil and soap production | Containers and ornamental displays |
Based on RHS growing guidance and Trees and Shrubs Online. Common names vary by country, so always check the botanical name on the label.
The RHS says English lavender and its hybrids are the hardiest lavenders. French and other tender types are often short-lived and are best grown in pots kept frost-free. If you garden somewhere with real winters, buy Lavandula angustifolia.
How to grow English lavender
Light, soil and drainage
Lavender needs full sun and soil that drains fast. The RHS says it prefers poor to moderately fertile soil, including chalky or alkaline ground. Utah State University Extension recommends a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. NC State Extension notes it dislikes wet roots and will die out in heavy clay.
Drainage matters more than anything else. On heavy soil, the RHS suggests a raised bed, or a mound about 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) high. A gravel mulch keeps the crown dry and suppresses weeds. Avoid rich bark mulch piled against the stems.
Planting and spacing
Plant in spring, once the soil has warmed. The RHS advises April or May in the UK and warns against winter planting, when young roots rot in cold, wet soil. Space plants about 90 cm (3 feet) apart in groups. For a hedge, space them 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart.
Watering and feeding
Water new plants regularly through their first season. After that, plants in the ground are drought tolerant. Utah State University Extension notes that regular watering still produces more flowers in hot, dry regions. Pots need watering in summer but should stay fairly dry in winter.
Lavender needs very little feeding. The RHS says it does not need fertilizer at all in suitable soil. Utah State warns that too much fertilizer gives soft, leafy growth, fewer flowers and more cold damage.
Cultivars worth knowing
Utah State University Extension recommends ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ as reliable choices. NC State Extension describes ‘Hidcote Blue’ as compact and mounded, up to about 20 inches tall. Utah State also suggests ‘Lady’ for growing from seed. It notes ‘Lady’ can survive zone 4 winters with mulch or a sheltered south-facing spot.
Pruning English lavender: the one rule that matters
Pruning decides whether your lavender lasts three years or fifteen. Utah State University Extension says a well-pruned plant can live 10 to 15 years. The reason is simple. The RHS explains that lavender does not readily sprout new growth from old woody stems.
Where to cut
- When: once a year, just after flowering in late summer.
- How much: remove the old flower stalks plus some leafy growth. The RHS suggests about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of leaves. Utah State suggests shaping plants back by up to half their size.
- Spring tidy: a light trim of untidy or frost-damaged tips is fine, but not a hard cut.
- First year: Utah State suggests clipping young plants to encourage bushy side shoots.
Even with good pruning, old plants eventually turn woody and sprawling. The RHS advises replacing them at that point rather than cutting them hard.
Propagating English lavender
Cuttings are the easiest way to get more plants that match the parent exactly. The RHS recommends softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in early to midsummer, or hardwood cuttings after flowering in late autumn.
- Choose a healthy, non-flowering side shoot.
- Cut a piece a few inches long and strip the lower leaves.
- Insert it into a gritty, free-draining compost.
- Keep it lightly moist and bright, but out of hot direct sun, until it roots.
- Pot it on once roots appear, then plant out the following spring.
You can also sow seed collected from dry flower heads in late summer. The RHS warns that seedlings from named cultivars may not look like the parent. That is why seed-raised ‘Lady’ is popular: it was bred to come true from seed.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Plant collapses, stems blacken at the base | Root rot from wet or heavy soil | Replant on a mound or in a raised bed with grit |
| Bare, woody center | Missed pruning or old age | Prune yearly; replace very old plants |
| Lots of leaves, few flowers | Too much fertilizer or shade | Stop feeding; move to full sun |
| Brown leaf spots | Leaf spot in humid, crowded beds | Space plants out for air flow |
| Metallic green-and-purple beetles | Rosemary beetle | Hand-pick; damage is mostly cosmetic |
| Frothy blobs on stems | Froghopper nymphs (“cuckoo spit”) | Harmless; rinse off if unsightly |
The RHS also flags lavender as a high-risk host for Xylella fastidiosa, a serious bacterial plant disease. Buy plants from reputable nurseries and be cautious with imported stock.
Harvesting and drying the flowers
Utah State University Extension advises cutting stalks for drying when the first two flowers on each spike have opened. Cut in the morning after the dew dries and before the day heats up. That timing helps preserve the fragrant oils.
Tie the stalks in small bunches and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, dust-free place. Once crisp, strip the buds and store them in an airtight, tinted container away from light. Light and air shorten their life, so small batches stay fragrant longest.
Ways to use English lavender at home
Most everyday uses of English lavender involve the dried flowers, not the essential oil. That keeps things simple and safer.
Fill small cotton bags with dried buds for drawers and wardrobes. Squeeze them now and then to release fresh scent. Replace them once the smell fades.
English lavender is the type used in cooking. Use only home-grown or food-grade buds that have not been sprayed. A little goes a long way, and too much tastes soapy.
Cut stems look lovely in a vase and dry in place. Keep them out of reach of cats and dogs that like to chew plants.
NC State Extension lists lavender as attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Avoid spraying insecticides while it is in flower.
Florist and craft lavender may be treated with pesticides or dyes. Do not eat it or use it in food. If you have a known allergy to plants in the mint family, handle lavender with care.
Lavender oil: how it is made
True lavender oil comes from English lavender flowers by steam distillation. Steam passes through the flowering tops and carries the volatile oils, which separate from the water as they cool. Historically, French distillers even carried portable stills to wild lavender stands, according to Trees and Shrubs Online.
Much commercial “lavender” oil actually comes from lavandin, which yields more oil per plant. Lavandin oil smells sharper and more camphor-like. If you want true lavender oil, look for Lavandula angustifolia on the label. Its two best-known components are linalool and linalyl acetate. Our separate article on lavender oil covers its history in perfumery and ritual.
What research shows about English lavender
Lavender has a strong reputation for calm and sleep. The research is more mixed than wellness articles suggest. NCCIH, the US government’s center for complementary health, says more high-quality studies are needed before firm conclusions.
| Use | What the evidence says | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety, oral capsules | NCCIH says oral lavender oil products may help anxiety. Most studies used one standardized product, Silexan. | Promising, limited |
| Anxiety, inhaled or massage | A 2019 review in Phytomedicine found reduced anxiety scores, but rated average study quality as low. | Low quality |
| Sleep and insomnia | NCCIH says it is unclear whether lavender aromatherapy improves sleep. | Unclear |
| Pain | NCCIH says effects on pain are unclear. NCI reports mixed results in small cancer-care trials. | Unclear |
| Treating disease | NCI found no published studies of aromatherapy as a cancer treatment. No reliable evidence shows lavender treats infections or skin disease. | Not supported |
The 2019 review, which looked at 65 randomized trials, illustrates why caution matters. Its authors found most trials had a high risk of bias. They also could not tell whether massage helped because of lavender or because of the massage itself. Small, poorly controlled studies tend to overstate benefits.
In Europe, the European Medicines Agency has a herbal monograph for lavender flower. It covers temporary sleep problems and mild mental stress. EU traditional herbal registrations rest on long-standing use rather than proof from clinical trials.
Lavender is not a substitute for medical care. If anxiety, depression or insomnia is affecting daily life, talk to a doctor. Effective treatments exist. If you ever feel unsafe, contact emergency services or a crisis line right away.
Safety: English lavender, children, pets and skin
Pets
The ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It names linalool and linalyl acetate as the toxic compounds. Signs include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. NC State Extension rates the severity as low. Concentrated essential oil is a much greater risk than a nibbled leaf, so keep oils and diffusers away from pets, especially cats.
If a pet eats lavender or licks lavender oil, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Skin and allergies
NCCIH notes topical lavender can cause allergic skin reactions. Old or oxidized oil is a particular problem. As lavender oil ages in air, linalool and linalyl acetate oxidize into stronger skin sensitizers. Store oil tightly capped in the dark. Robert Tisserand, a leading essential oil safety author, suggests discarding opened oils that no longer smell fresh after about a year.
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before skin contact. Tisserand writes that a 2% dilution poses no risk for most adults. That is roughly 12 drops of essential oil per ounce (30 ml) of carrier. Patch test a small area first, and stop if redness or itching appears.
Children and hormones
In 2007, researchers reported three prepubertal boys with breast tissue growth after using lavender or tea tree oil products on their skin. The growth resolved after the products were stopped. NCCIH says the cause in these cases is unclear, since breast swelling has many causes. The NCI notes lab studies found weak estrogen-like effects. Until this is settled, take extra care with lavender products on children, and ask a pediatrician first.
Swallowing, medicines and pregnancy
- Food amounts: NCCIH says lavender in normal food amounts is likely safe. English lavender is the type used in baking.
- Essential oil: never swallow lavender essential oil. Oral products used in studies are specially formulated capsules, used under guidance.
- Side effects of oral products: NCCIH lists diarrhea, headache, nausea and burping.
- Medicines: lavender might add to the effect of sedatives. Tell your doctor before surgery or if you take any medicine.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: NCCIH says little is known about safety, so ask your doctor or midwife first.
Lavender in folklore and tradition
Lavender’s name is traditionally linked to the Latin lavare, “to wash”. It reflects the plant’s long use in bathing water and for scenting laundry. Linen cupboards across Europe were packed with lavender bags to keep cloth fresh and to discourage moths.
Many traditions treat lavender as a plant of cleanliness, calm and protection. In folk practice it was strewn on floors, hung in doorways and tucked under pillows for restful sleep. Modern spiritual traditions use it in purification rituals and meditation spaces. These are cultural beliefs and practices, not tested effects. Our oils and scents articles cover more scent traditions.
You may also see lavender listed under homeopathy online. Lavandula is not one of the major remedies in classical texts such as Boericke’s Materia Medica. Most “homeopathic” lavender advice is really herbal or aromatherapy advice. In any case, NCCIH finds no reliable evidence that homeopathy works for any condition.
Common mistakes with English lavender
- Planting it in wet ground. Heavy, waterlogged soil is the main cause of death. Drainage beats feeding every time.
- Cutting into old wood. Bare woody stems rarely regrow. Always leave some green.
- Buying French lavender for a cold garden. Check for Lavandula angustifolia on the label.
- Overfeeding and overwatering. Rich conditions give floppy, short-lived plants.
- Putting undiluted or old oil on skin. Oxidized oil is a known skin sensitizer.
- Diffusing oil around cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to pets.
- Treating it as medicine. Lavender may ease mild stress, but it does not replace care for anxiety, insomnia or infection.
A year with English lavender
| Season | Task |
|---|---|
| Early spring | Light trim of frost-damaged tips. Plant new lavender once soil warms. |
| Late spring | Water new plants regularly. Weed around young plants. |
| Early to midsummer | Harvest for drying as the first flowers open. Take softwood cuttings. |
| Late summer | Prune after flowering, staying above the woody stems. |
| Autumn | Take hardwood cuttings. Collect seed from dry heads. |
| Winter | Keep pots on the dry side. Do not plant into cold, wet soil. |
Lavender pairs well with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants. Browse our garden and houseplant guides for more care profiles. For calming evening routines without supplements, see our yoga and breathing articles.
Your first step this season
Before you buy, turn the plant label over and look for Lavandula angustifolia. Then pick the sunniest, best-drained spot you have. Make a note in your calendar to prune just after it flowers. Those three choices decide most of a lavender plant’s life.
Free download
English Lavender Care Calendar and Pet Safety Checklist (PDF)
One printable page: a season-by-season care calendar, the pruning rule, a harvest and drying checklist, essential oil storage and dilution basics, and pet safety steps.
This article describes gardening practice, traditions, beliefs and research for educational purposes. It is not a guide to treating any illness. If you have a health concern, please see a doctor or qualified healthcare professional first. Never delay or stop medical treatment because of anything you read here. If a pet swallows lavender or lavender oil, contact your veterinarian.
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Plants of the World Online. powo.science.kew.org
- Royal Horticultural Society. Lavender growing guide. rhs.org.uk/plants/lavender/growing-guide
- Utah State University Extension. How to Grow English Lavender in Your Garden. extension.usu.edu
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Lavandula angustifolia. plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- Trees and Shrubs Online. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. treesandshrubsonline.org
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Lavender. aspca.org
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Lavender. nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender
- National Cancer Institute. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (PDQ), patient version, updated September 2023. cancer.gov
- European Medicines Agency. Lavandulae flos, European Union herbal monograph. ema.europa.eu
- Effects of lavender on anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine 2019; 65: 153099. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31655395
- Henley DV, et al. Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. New England Journal of Medicine 2007; 356: 479–485. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17568039
- Patch testing with oxidized lavender oil and its main sensitizers. Acta Dermato-Venereologica 2016. medicaljournals.se
- Tisserand R. Lavender oil safety discussion. roberttisserand.com; and Tisserand R, Young R. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition, 2014.