English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Purple Treasure'
ABOUT
Lavandula angustifolia 'Purple Treasure', commonly known as English lavender, is a highly ornamental plant, notable for its deeply purple and fragrant flowers which appear on long, slender, and elegant stems. These flowers are small, tubular, and typically arranged in dense, terminal spikes that rise distinctly above the foliage. The blooms are very attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The foliage of English lavender 'Purple Treasure' consists of narrow leaves that are silvery-green in color, with a soft, velvety texture. These leaves are lance-shaped and tend to form a compact, bushy mound that serves as an evergreen backdrop for the striking flower spikes. The combination of the vivid purple flowers against the muted silver-green of the leaves creates a visually appealing contrast that makes this variety of English lavender particularly desirable for gardens and landscapes. When not in bloom, the foliage alone provides a textural and color accent to the garden, maintaining interest throughout the year. The overall form of the 'Purple Treasure' is neat and tidy, which makes it suitable for formal designs, borders, and as a focal point in a garden setting. It is this exquisite blend of color, form, and fragrance that makes English lavender 'Purple Treasure' a prized specimen for any plant enthusiast.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
English Lavender, Common Lavender, True Lavender, Garden Lavender
Common names
Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula vera, Lavandula spica.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Purple Treasure') is generally recognized as safe for human use, including in culinary and therapeutic contexts. It is not considered toxic to humans and is commonly used in food, fragrances, and herbal remedies without adverse effects in moderate quantities. However, like with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, and consumption in very large quantities could potentially lead to gastrointestinal distress or other negative reactions due to the presence of various compounds in the plant.
To pets
For pets, lavender is also not typically considered toxic. In fact, it's often used in pet-specific products for its calming scent. However, while the occasional nibble on a lavender plant might not cause harm, ingestion in significant quantities could potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals. The essential oils in lavender can be particularly potent, so essential oil preparations should be used with caution to avoid accidental ingestion or dermal exposure, which could be more hazardous than the plant material itself. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially harmful substance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender's purple blooms and green foliage add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Lavender is renowned for its soothing and pleasant scent, which can perfume the air and enhance a garden's sensory appeal.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are attracted to lavender, which can help pollinate plants and support biodiversity.
- Culinary Uses: Lavender can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from sweet desserts to savory dishes, adding a unique flavor profile.
- Low Maintenance: Lavender is drought-tolerant and typically requires minimal watering and care once established, making it suitable for a low-maintenance garden.
- Durable: Lavender is known for being hardy and can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types, with proper care.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Due to its strong fragrance, lavender is often resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for an ornamental garden.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic Effects: Lavender, as an herbal remedy, may help reduce anxiety in some individuals.
- Sleep Inducement: The plant's aroma is known for its calming effect and may aid in improving sleep quality.
- Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Lavender oil has been used to relieve inflamed skin conditions and support wound healing.
- Analgesic Effect: The essential oil from the plant can be used for pain relief, particularly for headaches or muscle aches.
- Antispasmodic: May ease digestive and respiratory spasms.
- Carminative: Lavender can help alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and gas.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The flowers of Lavender can be used to create a subtle dye for fabrics or wool, often imparting a soft lilac color to the material.
- Flavoring in baking: Dried lavender buds can be incorporated into cookies, cakes, and other desserts for a unique floral flavor.
- Homemade soap: Lavender's pleasant scent makes it a popular choice for homemade soaps and bath products.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of Lavender is often used in aromatherapy to impart a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Moth repellent: Dried lavender can be placed in sachets to protect clothes and linens from moths.
- Crafting: Lavender stems and flowers can be used to make wreaths, bouquets, and other decorative items.
- Bookmarks: Pressed lavender flowers can be laminated and used as unique and fragrant bookmarks.
- Drawer freshener: A sachet of lavender placed in a drawer can serve as a natural freshener and impart a pleasant aroma to stored clothing.
- Water infusion: Infuse cold water with lavender for a refreshing and subtly flavored beverage.
- Homemade potpourri: Dried lavender flowers can be mixed with other dried plants and essential oils to create fragrant potpourri for the home.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used in Feng Shui to introduce a sense of calm, purification, and serenity. It can be placed in living areas or bedrooms to promote relaxation and peaceful sleep. Its aromatic properties are said to cleanse the air, allowing chi to flow more freely and attract positive energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is commonly associated with tranquility and serenity due to its soothing fragrance, which is believed to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Purity: The color purple typically signifies purity and cleanliness, qualities long attributed to lavender through its historical use in scenting water and linens.
- Devotion: Lavender has been used as a symbol of devotion and undying love. In the language of flowers, giving someone lavender may mean a promise of faithfulness.
- Healing: Historically, lavender is recognized for its healing properties, both as an antiseptic and for its use in aromatherapy to soothe headaches and aid in sleep.
- Protection: Folklore suggests that lavender has the ability to ward off evil spirits. It was often used in sachets to protect against bad omens or harmful energies.
WaterEnglish Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia 'Purple Treasure', prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural dry habitat. It's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, typically watering about once every two weeks, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, increase to once a week. Water with roughly 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring you saturate the soil around the root zone. Overwatering can promote root rot, so it's crucial not to let lavender sit in soggy soil.
LightEnglish Lavender thrives in full sun with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. It's best planted in an area where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout most of the day, as adequate light is essential for the health of the plant and the development of its fragrant oils.
TemperatureEnglish Lavender prefers a temperate range between 60°F and 70°F but can withstand temperatures down to 20°F and up to 90°F. Ideal conditions involve warm days and cool nights, which helps in the production of essential oils.
PruningPrune English Lavender annually to maintain shape and encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is in the spring after the last frost or in early fall before the plant goes dormant. Remove about a third of the overall height of the plant, but avoid cutting into the woody part of the stem as this can damage the plant. Pruning every year is crucial to prevent woodiness.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix of two parts coarse sand, one part compost, and one part topsoil would be ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingEnglish Lavender should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or as needed when it becomes root-bound. To avoid stressing the plant, it's best to repot in the early spring.
Humidity & MistingEnglish Lavender prefers dry conditions and will thrive in an environment with low humidity, which mimics its native Mediterranean habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and good airflow for indoor English Lavender.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula angustifolia 'Purple Treasure', also known as English lavender, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring or early summer, given adequate light exposure and well-drained soil. After germination, the seedling stage involves developing a small rosette of leaves close to the ground before entering a vegetative growth phase marked by the production of more foliage and a robust root system. As the plant matures, typically within the first or second year, it enters the flowering stage, producing tall spikes adorned with fragrant purple flowers in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees and butterflies, these flowers develop into seed pods, and by late summer or fall, the plant may begin the process of seed dispersal. Throughout the growing season, English lavender may undergo vegetative propagation through cuttings or layering, which can give rise to new genetically identical plants. As temperatures cool and the growing season concludes, the plant enters a period of dormancy during winter, conserving energy to restart its life cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Lavender, specifically the Lavandula angustifolia 'Purple Treasure', is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in the spring, when the plant's new growth is just hardening off but still pliable. To propagate, cut a 3 to 4-inch (7.5 to 10 cm) section of a non-flowering stem, strip the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into the rooting hormone. Then, insert the cutting into a mix of perlite and peat or a well-draining soil. It is crucial to keep the cutting moist but not waterlogged and to provide indirect light until roots develop, which can take several weeks. After rooting, the new lavender plants should be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.
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