How to Grow Blue Cushion Lavender
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Blue Cushion Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Blue Cushion'
shrubBlue Cushion Lavender is a compact cultivar of English lavender known for its dense, mounding habit and prolific production of deep blue-purple flower spikes. This evergreen shrub reaches only 12-18 inches tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, containers, and rock gardens. It blooms prolifically from early summer through fall with fragrant flowers attractive to pollinators.
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Example Blue Cushion Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Cushion Lavender
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blue Cushion Lavender
Around Apr 19≈ 2 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Cushion Lavender dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Blue Cushion Lavender timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplants with minimal foliage, establishing root system
Water regularly for first 4-6 weeks to establish deep roots. Avoid overwatering. Mulch lightly away from stems. Protect from extreme heat in first season.
Vegetative Growth
Late spring through early summerPlant develops dense, mounding foliage; narrow gray-green leaves form compact structure
Water sparingly once established (only during drought). Pinch back in late spring to encourage bushier growth. No fertilizer needed; thrives in poor soil.
Flowering
June through OctoberDeep blue-purple flower spikes emerge abundantly above foliage, highly fragrant
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming through fall. Do not cut back during blooming season. Ensure adequate sunlight for prolific flowering.
Post-Bloom Maintenance
October through NovemberFlowers fade, plant prepares for dormancy; foliage may take on silvery or muted tones
In late fall (after first frost), cut back entire plant by one-third to half its height to rejuvenate for next season. Remove any dead or diseased wood. Avoid cutting into bare wood.
Dormancy
December through FebruaryEvergreen but growth slows significantly; maintains silvery-gray foliage year-round
No watering needed unless extreme drought. No fertilizer. Mulch lightly if in cold zones (5-6). Ensure good drainage to prevent winter root rot.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase air circulation and humidity by misting foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Generally not a major problem in well-ventilated gardens.
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Hand-pick beetles and larvae in early morning. Remove affected plant material. Spray with neem oil for heavy infestations. Encourage natural predators like lacewings.
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Ensure excellent drainage; never overwater. Remove and discard affected plants. Amend soil with sand and gravel. Avoid planting in clay or waterlogged areas.
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Improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Remove infected foliage promptly. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust as preventive in humid climates.
Uses
Culinary Flavoring & Teas
CulinaryLavender flowers are used to infuse herbal teas, flavor baked goods, sugar, honey, and savory dishes. The Blue Cushion variety's strong fragrance makes it ideal for culinary applications. [source]
Relaxation & Sleep Support
MedicinalLavender is traditionally used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Its essential oil (linalool and linalyl acetate) is valued in aromatherapy and herbal preparations. [source]
Fragrance & Craft Products
HouseholdDried flowers are used in sachets, potpourri, closet fresheners, and handmade soaps and candles. The intense fragrance of Blue Cushion lavender makes it excellent for dried arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeLavender is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens and landscapes. [source]
Landscape & Ornamental Use
HouseholdThe compact, mounding habit and prolific blue-purple flowers make Blue Cushion ideal for borders, edging, rock gardens, containers, and drought-tolerant landscapes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For fresh flowers: Cut spikes in early morning after dew dries, just as flowers are opening, for peak fragrance and oil content. For drying: Harvest at same stage and hang-dry in bundles in a warm, airy, dark location for 2-3 weeks. For essential oil extraction: Harvest mid-bloom when volatile oils are highest. Regular deadheading of faded flowers encourages continued blooming and improves appearance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'lavender' comes from the Latin 'lavare,' meaning 'to wash,' because Romans used it in bath water for its fragrance and supposed therapeutic properties.
- 🌱 Blue Cushion Lavender produces flowers that remain intensely fragrant for months, whether fresh or dried, making it one of the longest-lasting fragrant flowers for dried arrangements.
- 🌱 This variety is highly deer and rabbit resistant due to its strong aromatic oils, making it an excellent choice for gardens plagued by browsing wildlife.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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