English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Purity'
ABOUT
Lavandula angustifolia 'Purity', commonly known as English lavender, is a perennial plant revered for its beauty and aromatic properties. This specific variety stands out with its pristine white flowers that cluster to form dense, elongated spikes, presenting a visual contrast to the green-grey foliage. The leaves are slender, lance-shaped, and have a somewhat silver hue, which is typical of many lavender species. The plant exudes a strong, pleasing scent, known to attract bees and butterflies, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking to promote local wildlife. 'Purity' blooms in the summer, bringing a refreshing look to gardens with its delicate white flowers that are less common among lavenders, which are usually known for their purple blooms. Overall, its distinctive coloration and fragrant presence make it a charming addition to any landscape design that aims for a touch of elegance and tranquility.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
English Lavender, True Lavender, Common Lavender, Garden Lavender
Common names
Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula vera, Lavandula spica.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, specifically Lavandula angustifolia 'Purity', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Consumption of lavender in small quantities, such as when used as a seasoning or tea, is typically safe. However, consuming large amounts of lavender may lead to gastrointestinal upset or central nervous system depression. Lavender oil, if ingested in significant quantities, can be toxic and potentially cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and CNS depression. It is essential to use lavender oil with caution, especially around young children, and to consult with a healthcare provider if any negative symptoms occur following ingestion.
To pets
Lavender, including the variety known as Lavandula angustifolia 'Purity', is generally considered to be non-toxic to most pets, such as dogs and cats. It is not commonly associated with serious poisoning in pets, and the ingestion of small amounts of plant material may only result in mild gastrointestinal upset. However, because pets can vary in their sensitivity to plants and essential oils derived from them, it is advised to keep lavender and its essential oil away from pets, particularly in concentrated forms. If a pet consumes a large quantity of lavender or if any adverse reactions are noticed, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it's a good idea to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender 'Purity' is known for its beautiful white flowers which can enhance the beauty of any garden setting.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant and calming scent that can create a relaxing atmosphere in outdoor spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Resistance: Lavender 'Purity' is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-conservative landscaping.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care beyond initial establishment, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Culinary Use: The flowers of Lavender 'Purity' can be used in culinary dishes, adding a unique flavor to desserts and beverages.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in various garden designs including borders, herb gardens, and as a fragrant ground cover.
- Deer Resistance: Lavender 'Purity' is typically resistant to deer, which can help to protect other garden plants.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic effects: Lavender is commonly known for its potential to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Sedative properties: May help improve sleep quality and combat insomnia.
- Antiseptic qualities: Lavender oil can be utilized for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Anti-inflammatory action: Can be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain from conditions like headaches.
- Analgesic effect: Lavender may have pain-relieving properties.
- Antispasmodic potential: Could relieve muscle spasms and cramps.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Freshener: Sachets filled with dried lavender flowers can be placed in drawers or closets to impart a fresh, pleasant scent to clothing and linens.
- Insect Repellant: The natural oils found in lavender can be used to repel moths, mosquitoes, and other insects without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Culinary Ingredient: The flowers of lavender can be used in baking or cooking to add a floral, slightly sweet flavor to dishes like cookies, cakes, and infused syrups.
- Natural Dye: Lavender can be used to naturally dye fabrics or paper, providing a range of shades from muted purples to soft pinks depending on the mordant used.
- Artistic Inspiration: Lavender's striking color and form can inspire artists and be used as a subject in paintings, drawings, and photography.
- Floral Water: Distilled lavender water can be used as a linen spray for bedding or as a gentle fragrance for homemade cosmetic products.
- Bookmarks: Dried lavender stems and flowers can be laminated to create aromatic bookmarks that release a subtle scent while reading.
- Relaxation Tool: Placing dried lavender under a pillow or by the bedside can create a calming atmosphere conducive to sleep without the direct use of its medicinal properties.
- Garden Companion Planting: Lavender can be planted alongside other garden crops to enhance growth and deter pests due to its strong scent.
- Candle Making: Infusing candles with lavender flowers adds a decorative element and infuses the space with its fragrance when the candle is burned.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is often used in Feng Shui to bring a sense of calm and purification to an environment. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to promote relaxation and peaceful sleep. Its soothing fragrance is believed to help reduce stress and create a tranquil atmosphere. Lavender can also be used in the home office to enhance focus and clarity of thought.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lavender plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is widely known for its calming and soothing properties both in aromatherapy and symbolism, making it a symbol of tranquility.
- Purity: The specific cultivar 'Purity' references the white flowers, which traditionally symbolize cleanliness and innocence.
- Silence: In some traditions, lavender represents silence, likely due to its association with calming and quieting the mind.
- Devotion: The plant is also a symbol of devotion, representing a deep and lasting commitment, whether in love, faith, or friendship.
- Healing: Known for its therapeutic qualities, lavender symbolizes healing and restoration.
WaterLavender, specifically the 'Purity' variety, should be watered deeply but infrequently, as it prefers a dry to normal moisture level. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically translates to about once every week or two, depending on climate and soil conditions. Provide about half a gallon of water per plant, ensuring that it's applied directly to the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture first to avoid overwatering.
LightThe 'Purity' lavender thrives best in full sunlight. This plant should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, although more is preferable to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming. Avoid areas that are shaded for a significant portion of the day, as too little light can lead to leggy growth and reduce flower production.
TemperatureLavender 'Purity' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. The ideal growing conditions for this plant are daytime temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures dropping no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is capable of surviving temperatures as low as 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is best to protect them from prolonged freezing conditions to avoid damage.
PruningPrune your 'Purity' lavender to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Pruning is best done in the early spring as new growth appears or right after the first flowering to promote a second bloom. Remove about a third of the overall height, cutting just above the new growth to avoid cutting into the woody part of the stems. Pruning can be done again in late summer after the last flush of blooms to tidy the plant before winter.
CleaningNot needed
SoilLavender 'Purity' thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.7 to 7.3. A mix should be one-third organic matter such as compost or aged manure and two-thirds coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingLavender 'Purity' should be repotted once every 1 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot, preferably in spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Purity' prefers low to moderate humidity levels, consistent with its Mediterranean origin, and does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lavender 'Purity' near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Lavender 'Purity' in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula angustifolia 'Purity', commonly known as English lavender, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in spring when soil temperatures warm. Upon sprouting, the seedling goes through a period of vegetative growth, developing a characteristic woody stem and gray-green leaves. Throughout the late spring to summer, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing long-stemmed spikes with fragrant, pure white flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into seed heads, which eventually release seeds for the next generation while the plant itself may undergo a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates. English lavender is a perennial herb, so after the seeds are dispersed, the original plant can continue to grow and will typically become more robust, entering a mature phase that can last several years before it starts to decline. As the plant ages, it may become woody and less productive, signaling the end of its life cycle, although it can sometimes be rejuvenated through careful pruning.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Lavandula angustifolia 'Purity', commonly known as English lavender, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a cutting of about 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 cm) is taken from a healthy stem that has not flowered. The lower leaves are carefully removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to provide a warm environment and indirect light until the cutting has rooted, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be potted on or planted out into the garden.
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