English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Backhouse Purple'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Lavandula angustifolia 'Backhouse Purple', commonly known as English lavender, boasts a striking appearance characterized by its richly colored flowers and fragrant foliage. The plant displays a lush mound of narrow, silvery-green leaves that are highly aromatic when brushed or crushed. Upon this greenery, vibrant purple flower spikes ascend, bearing a multitude of small, tubular blooms that create a visual and olfactory delight. The flowers present a deeper shade of purple, giving 'Backhouse Purple' a distinguished look compared to the lighter hues found in other varieties of English lavender. These blossoms are favored by garden enthusiasts not only for their beauty but also for their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The leaves of the 'Backhouse Purple' maintain their silvery-green color throughout the growing season, providing a striking contrast against the bold purple flowers and contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant. This lavender variety is often utilized in gardens for its decorative effect and is also popular in cut flower arrangements and dried floral crafts due to the durability and enduring fragrance of its blooms.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae.
- Synonyms
  English Lavender, True Lavender, Common Lavender.
- Common names
  Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula vera, Lavandula spica, Lavandula delphinensis.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Lavender, specifically the Lavandula angustifolia 'Backhouse Purple', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Typically, lavender is used safely in culinary applications and aromatherapy in small amounts.
- To pets
  Lavender is generally regarded as safe for pets, and there is no widespread evidence to suggest that the Lavandula angustifolia 'Backhouse Purple' is poisonous to animals. Nonetheless, as with any non-food plant, if a pet were to ingest a large amount of lavender, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to monitor pets around plants and ensure they do not consume anything that isn't part of their regular diet.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Gray-green
- Flower color
  Purple
- Height
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Spread
  3 feet (0.91 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic appeal: The Lavandula angustifolia 'Backhouse Purple', commonly known as lavender, offers striking purple flowers that beautify gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Lavender is renowned for its soothing and pleasant fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience in gardens or when used in dried flower arrangements.
- Pollinator attractor: Lavender flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought tolerance: Lavender is well-adapted to dry conditions, making it a suitable plant for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Low maintenance: Once established, lavender requires minimal care, thus it is ideal for gardeners seeking plants that do not need constant attention.
- Culinary use: Lavender can be used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, though it should be used sparingly due to its strong taste.
- Crafts and decoration: Dried lavender flowers are commonly used in crafts, such as potpourris, sachets, and wreaths, offering longevity and lasting fragrance.
Medical Properties
- Antiseptic: Lavender has properties that may help prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in lavender may help reduce inflammation and soothe inflamed skin conditions.
- Anxiolytic: Lavender is commonly used for its calming effects and may help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Sedative: May provide mild sedative effects, aiding in sleep or reducing restlessness.
- Analgesic: Lavender may be used to alleviate pain, especially headaches, and minor aches.
- Antispasmodic: May help in reducing muscular spasms or cramps.
- Carminative: Could aid in reducing gas and bloating by relaxing the intestines.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Natural Moth Repellent: Dried lavender can be placed in closets or drawers to deter moths and keep clothes smelling fresh.
- Flavor Enhancer: Lavender can be used in cooking, to add a floral, slightly sweet flavor to desserts and some savory dishes.
- Lavender Lemonade: The flowers can be infused into lemonade to create a refreshing and calming summer drink with a distinctive taste.
- Eco-Friendly Air Freshener: Lavender sachets can naturally freshen up the air in a room without the need for chemical sprays.
- Sleep Aid: Placing a lavender sachet under a pillow may help encourage a more restful night's sleep through its natural soothing fragrance.
- Antiseptic Wash: A lavender infusion can be used as a gentle antiseptic wash for minor cuts and abrasions.
- Linen Freshener: A few drops of lavender oil on linens can give bedding an inviting scent and potentially improve the sleep experience.
- Natural Fabric Softener: Lavender can be used in a homemade fabric softener recipe to softly scent laundry without harsh chemicals.
- Lavender Syrups: The flowers can be used to create a sweet syrup ideal for flavoring beverages, desserts, and ice creams.
- Lavender Bath Soaks: Adding dried lavender to a warm bath can create a relaxing bathing experience after a stressful day.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Lavender can be used in Feng Shui for purifying energy, promoting relaxation and bringing a sense of calm to an environment. It is associated with the Metal element and can be placed in the living room or bedroom to enhance tranquility.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The lavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Calmness: Commonly known as lavender, this plant is widely known for its soothing fragrance which is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Purity: The clean and fresh scent of lavender is often associated with cleanliness and purity, evoking a sense of clear-mindedness and serenity.
- Devotion: Lavender represents devotion and undying love, making it a symbol of fidelity and steadfastness in relationships.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used in herbal remedies for its healing properties, symbolizing health and wellness.
- Protection: Folklore often references lavender as a plant of protection, to ward off evil spirits or negative energies.
- Silence: The name "lavender" comes from the Latin "lavare," meaning 'to wash,' but in some contexts, it can symbolize silence or a peaceful state of being.
- Grace: The elegance of the lavender plant, with its delicate purple hues, represents grace, elegance, and a noble, gentle beauty.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the common lavender, known as English lavender, it's vital to be cautious with watering as it prefers a drier environment. Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 gallon per plant every two weeks during the growing season, depending on the climate and soil moisture. Adjust your watering schedule during prolonged dry spells to ensure the soil doesn't completely dry out. It's important not to let the plant sit in waterlogged soil, so allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering sessions. Overhead watering is not recommended as it can lead to fungal diseases—water at the base of the plant instead.
Light
English lavender thrives best in full sun conditions, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing location is ideal to ensure the plant receives ample sunlight. Avoid planting in shaded areas, as this can lead to poor flowering and a greater susceptibility to fungal diseases.
Temperature
English Lavender is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F but does best in a range between 60°F and 70°F. It is important to protect the plant from extreme cold, and it might need to be covered or brought indoors in areas with harsh winter conditions. During the summer, lavender can handle high temperatures but should be monitored for signs of heat stress, especially if temperatures exceed 90°F.
Pruning
Pruning English lavender promotes vigorous growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody and sparse. The best time to prune is in the spring after the last frost or in early fall before the plant goes dormant. Remove about a third of the growth to shape the plant and encourage new flower buds. It's important not to cut into the woody base of the plant as this can cause damage. Pruning should be done annually to maintain the plant's compact shape and to help it produce the most flowers.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Backhouse Purple') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 to 8.0. A soil mix of equal parts coarse sand, perlite, and compost is ideal. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Repotting
Lavender should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil. Do not over-pot; choose a container only slightly larger than the root ball to encourage better flowering and growth.
Humidity & Misting
Lavender prefers a dry to average humidity environment. It is tolerant of dry air and low humidity conditions, making it suitable for most indoor settings without the need for additional humidity.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure full sun, low humidity, and infrequent watering.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from harsh winter.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
Lavandula angustifolia 'Backhouse Purple', commonly known as English lavender, begins its life as a seed, which after sowing will germinate in warm conditions with adequate light. Once germinated, the seedling will emerge, developing its root system and first true leaves, eventually forming a small shrub. The plant enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, building a framework for future flowering. As it matures, typically in its second year, it begins to produce spikes of fragrant purple flowers in late spring to early summer, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, seed formation occurs, and once the seeds mature, they are dispersed naturally or collected for propagation. English lavender is a perennial plant, so after the flowering season, it will enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, only to regrow from its woody base the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Backhouse Purple', commonly known as lavender, is primarily propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to propagate lavender is during late summer, as this allows time for the cuttings to root and establish before the cooler winter temperatures set in. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them to a length of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters). Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried where the leaves were removed. Water the cuttings lightly and place them in a warm, bright area, but out of direct sunlight. Root formation usually occurs within a few weeks, after which the new lavender plants can be transplanted to their final location.