Herb · Lamiaceae family · with preparation per the EMAornamental and medicinal · also in Medicinal herbs
English lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
In short a 10-second read
English lavender (herb) grows to 0.45–0.9 m tall and 0.3–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in June–August; the flowers are purple, white, pink or blue. Hardy to −26 °C.
× spread 0.3–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −26 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: sandy, loamy, gravelly
Soil pH 6.5–7.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–August · purple, white, pink or blue
Pruning
deadhead spent flowers (June–August); prune after flowering (August)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −26 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include English lavender
Purple lavender and salvia over silver fescue, with pink sedum in…
Clipped lavender and wall germander with grey fescue — a neat edge…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does English lavender flower?
In June–August; the flowers are purple, white, pink or blue.
Does English lavender tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does English lavender need?
At maturity 0.3–0.9 m wide and 0.45–0.9 m tall; recommended spacing 38 cm.
Does English lavender survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 19 expert sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (19)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS Plant Finder
- Plants For A Future
- Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Finder
- EPPO Reporting Service — update of the EU list of invasive alien species
- Gärtnerei Strickler, katalóg
- Bamberger Staudengarten (Strobler), katalóg
- Foerster-Stauden, katalóg
- EMA/HMPC - Lavandulae flos (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - European Union herbal monograph, Lavandulae flos
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
- RHS
- RHS
- Andre Briant
- RHS
- Proven Winners
- Olfactory Warehouse
- Native Sons Nursery
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Preparation and use · English lavender
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: flower
For: mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1–2 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1–2 g of dried flowers in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink 3× a day.
EMA 4.2
part: flower
Tincture from a pharmacy
For: mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 50–60 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 2–4 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 3× a day EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 2–4 ml of tincture.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Take it 3× a day.
EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: flower | 1–2 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | ||
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: flower | 2–4 ml EMA 4.2 | 3× a day | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 50–60 % EMA 2 | |
| Children under 12: not recommended EMA 4.2 | |||||
Who should not use it
- Children under 12: not recommended EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If symptoms persist, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol). EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist. GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it. GridGarden
Home-made tincture · per the EMA
Tincture at home.
The EMA also lists a tincture. This is how to make it from dried herb from your bed.
Weigh
of dried flowers, chopped
calculated · 1 : 5Cover with alcohol
ethanol 50–60 %, in a glass jar
EMA 2Leave to steep
close the jar, keep it in the dark and shake it now and then
pharmacopoeia (USP)Use
3× a day · from 12 years
EMA 4.2Before taking the tincture
The tincture contains alcohol. Read this before use:
- Children under 12: not recommendedEMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plantEMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)EMA 4.6
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol).EMA 4.4
- If symptoms persist, see a doctor.EMA 4.2
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor.EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist.GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it.GridGarden
Source: EMA/HMPC monograph EMA/HMPC/734125/2010 · Steeping days and straining