English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia Blue Ice = 'Dow3' (PBR)
![English lavender [Blue Ice]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b59b625120.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Lavandula angustifolia Blue Ice, commonly known as English Lavender, features a distinctive appearance with its stunning icy blue flowers that elegantly rise above the foliage on slender stalks. The blooms are highly fragrant and are known to attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding to the dynamic display in a garden setting. The plant's foliage is equally attractive, composed of silvery-green leaves that possess a soft, fuzzy texture which contributes to its overall visual appeal. The leaves form a dense mound beneath the flowering spikes, creating a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms. With its cool-toned flowers and contrasting greenery, English Lavender Blue Ice presents a serene, yet colorful, presence in any planting arrangement.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Blue Ice Lavender, English Lavender Blue Ice
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia 'Blue Ice', Lavandula angustifolia 'Dow3'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetically Pleasing: Lavender 'Blue Ice' produces beautiful blue-ice colored flowers, which can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: It emits a delightful fragrance, which can be enjoyed in the garden or used in potpourris and sachets to scent indoor spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Lavender is known for its ability to withstand dry conditions, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Lavender 'Blue Ice' generally requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is less palatable to deer, making it a good option for areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Culinary Use: Lavender can be used in cooking to add flavor to various dishes, although this should be done cautiously and with suitable culinary varieties.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including rock gardens, borders, and as a low hedge.
- Lasting Cut Flowers: Lavender 'Blue Ice' can be cut and dried for arrangements that hold their shape and scent for a considerable time.
- Herb Garden Addition: It is a classic herb garden plant, known for its use in a wide array of herbal applications.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: Lavender oil, derived from the plant, is known for its antiseptic properties, potentially aiding in the prevention of infection in cuts and burns.
- Anti-inflammatory: Lavender may help reduce inflammation and pain, making it beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis.
- Anxiolytic: The scent of lavender is reported to have a calming effect, which might be helpful for people experiencing anxiety or stress.
- Sedative: Traditionally, lavender has been used to induce sleep and improve sleep quality, possibly due to its soothing scent.
- Antispasmodic: It is suggested that lavender can help alleviate muscle spasms and cramps.
- Analgesic: Lavender may have pain-relieving properties, which can be beneficial for headaches and other minor aches.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender can be used as a natural dye, offering a range of colors from pale purple to soft pinks, depending on the mordant used.
- The fresh or dried flowers can be used in cooking, adding a floral flavor to dishes such as cookies, ice cream, or savory sauces.
- Lavender is used as a natural moth repellant, where dried lavender bags or sachets are placed in closets or drawers to protect clothing.
- Lavender sachets can also be placed under pillows or near the bed to serve as a relaxation aid and to promote sleep due to its calming scent.
- The plant can be infused into oils or vinegars to create flavorful and aromatic condiments for culinary uses.
- Lavender can be incorporated into homemade soaps or bath bombs for a soothing bathing experience, imparting its fragrance and color.
- In crafts, lavender stems can be woven or bent into decorative wreaths, adding aesthetic and fragrance to home decor.
- Dried lavender can be used as a natural filling for homemade heat packs or eye pillows, used for relaxation or minor pain relief.
- The plant can be utilized as a natural confetti at weddings or celebrations, being biodegradable and less harmful to the environment than traditional confetti.
- Lavender flowers can be used to make a scented ink, which can add a creative and aromatic touch to handwritten letters or artwork.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Lavender is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Lavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is widely known for its calming effects, often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Serenity: The soft color and gentle fragrance of lavender symbolize tranquility and peace, promoting a serene atmosphere.
- Purity: The clean and fresh scent of lavender is commonly associated with cleanliness and purity, both physically and spiritually.
- Devotion: Historically, lavender represents devotion and undying love, making it a popular plant in wedding bouquets and arrangements.
- Healing: With its medicinal properties, lavender is also a symbol of healing, providing relief from various ailments.
- Elegance: The elegant appearance of lavender, with its slender stems and delicate blooms, signifies grace and sophistication.
WaterEnglish lavender, including the 'Blue Ice' variety, prefers dry to moderately moist soil and does not tolerate overwatering well. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Typically, providing water once a week with about 1 inch (approximately 0.623 gallons for an area of 10 square feet) is sufficient. During hot, dry spells, a bit more water may be necessary. Cut back on watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant.
LightEnglish lavender thrives in full sunlight, benefiting from at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in the garden that receives ample sunshine throughout the day, as this promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms. The plant's tolerance for light shade is limited and may lead to reduced flowering and vigor.
TemperatureEnglish lavender performs best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from the mid-40s to the lower-90s Fahrenheit. It is hardy and can survive brief periods of cold down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this may damage the plant. Ideally, place them in locations that avoid the harsh winter winds and extreme cold.
PruningPrune English lavender to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Pruning is best done in the spring after new growth appears, removing about a third of the plant. Additionally, deadheading during the flowering season encourages more blooms. Annual or biannual pruning helps prevent the plant from becoming woody and bare at the center.
SoilLavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Blue Ice') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix of two parts coarse sand or gravel to one part compost or garden soil will create ideal conditions. Ensure that the soil is not too fertile, as lavender prefers less rich conditions. Adding a slow-release fertilizer can benefit the plant but should be done sparingly.
RepottingLavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Blue Ice') typically does not need to be repotted often as it prefers to be a bit root-bound. Repotting every two to three years or when the plant significantly outgrows its current pot is sufficient. When repotting, choose a container only slightly larger than the previous one to ensure the roots remain cozy.
Humidity & MistingLavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Blue Ice') prefers low to moderate humidity levels. It is well-suited to dry conditions and does not thrive in high humidity environments. Maintaining air circulation around the plant will help keep humidity levels optimal for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Position lavender in a sunny spot, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula angustifolia 'Blue Ice', commonly known as English lavender, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, will germinate under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic narrow leaves, and as it matures, it forms a woody base with clusters of aromatic, silvery-blue flowers, typically in the summer. During its peak blooming season, the plant attracts bees and butterflies essential for pollination. After flowering, seed heads may form and can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed, allowing the life cycle to repeat. In favorable conditions, English lavender is a perennial, surviving for several years, but will eventually decline and may require replacement. The plant also responds well to pruning after flowering, which encourages new growth and helps to maintain a compact, bushy form.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Lavandula angustifolia 'Blue Ice', commonly known as English lavender, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. Typically, the best time for taking cuttings is in late summer. To propagate, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 2 to 4 inch (approximately 5 to 10 cm) section just below a node. It's essential to strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the node where the leaves were removed is buried, as this is where the roots will emerge. After planting, the cutting should be watered gently and placed in a warm spot with indirect light until roots have developed, which generally takes a few weeks.
