English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue'
ABOUT
Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue', commonly known as English lavender, is characterized by its striking purple-blue flowers that are known for their calming fragrance. These flowers are petite, tubular blooms that cluster together to form long, narrow spikes atop slender stalks. The plant has a bushy habit, with soft, silvery-green foliage that serves as a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant flower spikes. The leaves are narrow, with a slightly fuzzy texture, imparting a grayish-green hue and a soft, tactile quality to the touch. Together, the aromatic flowers and the textured foliage make English lavender 'Lullaby Blue' a popular choice for gardens where sensory experiences are cherished.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
English Lavender, Common Lavender, True Lavender, Narrow-Leaved Lavender.
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, including the variety Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue', is generally considered safe for humans when consumed in moderation. It is not considered toxic, and there are no common poisoning symptoms associated with its intake. It is often used in foods, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. However, excessive consumption of lavender oil or any part of the plant can potentially lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or headache.
To pets
Lavender is considered to be of low toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. The variety Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue' is included in this general assessment. While it is not typically poisonous, ingestion in large amounts can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet consumes a large amount of lavender, it is advisable to monitor them for any signs of distress and consult a veterinarian if any adverse symptoms are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender is widely appreciated for its beautiful purple-blue flowers, which add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant is known for its calming and pleasant aroma, which is used in perfumery and scented products.
- Pollinator Attraction: Lavender flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Lavender is a hardy plant that can withstand dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardening.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, lavender requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Culinary Uses: The flowers and leaves of lavender can be used to flavor various dishes, desserts, and beverages.
- Landscape Versatility: Lavender can be used in a variety of landscape designs including rock gardens, borders, and as a low hedge.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Lavender is traditionally used to relieve minor pains and aches.
- Antiseptic: It has properties that help to prevent infection in wounds.
- Anti-inflammatory: Lavender can be used to reduce inflammation.
- Antispasmodic: It can alleviate muscle spasms and cramps.
- Anxiolytic: Lavender is often used for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects.
- Sedative: It may aid in improving sleep quality and combating insomnia.
- Cicatrisant: Lavender is known for assisting in the healing of scars.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender sachets can be tucked into drawers to repel moths and scent clothes, utilizing its natural fragrance to replace chemical mothballs.
- Strewing lavender underfoot will release a pleasant aroma when walked upon, making for a fragrant alternative to traditional flooring.
- Natural dye from lavender flowers can be used for textiles or crafts, offering a pale purple hue when used in dyeing processes.
- Lavender wands or bottles are traditional crafts where the stems are bent around the flowers to create a beautifully scented decor item.
- Dried lavender stems can serve as kindling for fires, releasing a lovely scent when burned.
- An infusion of lavender in vinegar can be used as a fabric softener, imbuing linens with a gentle fragrance while reducing static.
- Lavender flower water is used for ironing clothes, providing a naturally occurring linen mist that leaves fabrics smelling fresh.
- The plant can add a subtle flavor to sugars or salts when infused, creating unique culinary seasonings.
- Lavender can be included in homemade potpourri blends, contributing its soothing scent to the mix.
- The flowers are sometimes used in the stuffing of pet beds to give them a calming scent and potentially deter fleas.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant commonly known as Lavender is often used in Feng Shui for its purifying qualities and its ability to promote relaxation and tranquility. In Feng Shui, Lavender can be placed in the living room or bedroom to help calm the energy and improve sleep quality. It is also considered beneficial in the knowledge and personal growth area, which is typically in the northeast part of a space or the home office.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender, which 'Lullaby Blue' is a cultivar of, is often associated with calmness and tranquility, likely due to its soothing scent and its use in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Purity: The clean, fresh fragrance and light purple hue are symbolic of purity, which can pertain to both the cleanliness of an environment and the moral integrity of a person.
- Devotion: In some cultures, lavender represents devotion and undying love, making it a popular choice in wedding bouquets and gifts expressing deep affection.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for its medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and the restoration of health.
- Serenity: The gentle nature of lavender is emblematic of serenity, promoting a peaceful state of mind and a serene atmosphere.
- Grace: The delicate and elegant form of lavender can symbolize grace and elegance, often associated with aristocracy and refinement.
WaterLavender, specifically the 'Lullaby Blue' variety, requires moderate watering with good drainage to thrive. Deep watering once or twice a week is recommended if there has been no rain. Allow the soil to slightly dry out before watering again, as lavender does not tolerate overwatering or waterlogged roots well. Typically, up to 1 gallon per plant during each watering will suffice, adjusting for size, heat, and soil conditions, but be sure not to waterlog the plant.
LightLavender, including 'Lullaby Blue', prefers full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot is an area that receives abundant sunshine and possibly afternoon shade in very hot, sun-intense regions. Avoid planting in heavily shaded areas as this can impede growth and decrease the production of essential oils.
TemperatureLavender 'Lullaby Blue' can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F in the short term but thrives in a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F. It prefers a temperate climate and full sun, with good insulation from the extremes of cold. Extended exposure to temperatures below 20°F or above 80°F can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPrune lavender 'Lullaby Blue' annually to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in the spring just after new growth appears, leaving at least a couple of inches of the previous year's growth. Pruning up to one-third of the plant can also be done after it blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers and to prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue') thrives in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix of one-third gravel or sand, one-third organic compost or well-rotted manure, and one-third topsoil creates an ideal growing medium. Ensuring good drainage is critical to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
RepottingLavender plants, including Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue,' generally need repotting every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound. It's best to choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous, as too much space can retain excess moisture.
Humidity & MistingLavender, specifically Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue,' prefers a dry to moderate humidity environment. Best humidity levels for this plant are around 40%-50%. It’s important to ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent mold and mildew.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place lavender in a sunny spot and ensure soil is well-draining.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space for airflow.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue', commonly known as English lavender, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-draining soil, typically in spring. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and have grown strong enough, they can be transplanted to a sunny location with ample airflow. The plant enters a vegetative stage, where it develops its distinctive silvery-green foliage and forms a compact, bushy shrub. English lavender then progresses to the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, displaying its characteristic blue-purple flowers which attract pollinators and are known for their fragrance and essential oils. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed in conducive conditions. As a perennial, English lavender will become dormant in the winter, especially in colder climates, and resume growth in the spring, continuing its life cycle for several years before it may need rejuvenation or replacement.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular way to propagate Lavandula angustifolia 'Lullaby Blue', commonly referred to as English lavender, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place during the late summer months. To propagate by cuttings, start by selecting healthy non-flowered shoots from the current year's growth. Cut a section 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.6 to 10.2 cm) in length just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to promote root development. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried in the soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Roots usually establish within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and finally transplanted to their permanent location.
