How to Grow Elegance Purple Lavender
Elegance Purple Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Elegance Purple'
shrubElegance Purple is a compact lavender cultivar prized for its deep purple flowers and silver-green foliage. This hardy perennial is valued both for ornamental appeal and its fragrant, therapeutic essential oils. It grows as a low mounding shrub ideal for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens.
When should you plant Elegance Purple Lavender in your zone?
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Example Elegance Purple Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Elegance Purple 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 Elegance Purple Lavender
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Elegance Purple Lavender dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9; prefers cooler to moderate climates with good drainage
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Seedling/Transplant
4-6 weeksYoung plants with small silver-green linear leaves; compact growth habit begins to establish
Keep soil lightly moist (not wet) until roots establish. Provide full sun. Protect from wind if newly planted. Avoid overwatering.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksPlant develops bushy mounding form with increasing silver-green needle-like foliage; no flowers yet
Allow to dry between waterings. Pinch back growing tips early in season to encourage bushier form. No fertilizer needed (prefers poor to moderate soil).
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower spikes begin emerging from leaf axils; distinctive deep purple buds appear at stem tips
Maintain consistent light watering. Do not fertilize—excess nitrogen delays flowering. Ensure excellent drainage.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (summer through early fall)Dense spikes of deep purple flowers in full bloom; strong aromatic fragrance; highly attractive to pollinators
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water during dry spells. Fragrance is strongest in late morning after dew dries.
Dormancy/Hardening
Autumn through early springFlower production slows as temperatures cool; foliage remains evergreen; plant prepares for winter
Reduce watering significantly. Do not prune heavily; light tidying only. No mulch needed in well-draining soil. In cold zones, mulch lightly after ground freezes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick adults; encourage beneficial insects; ensure good air circulation. Rarely requires chemical control.
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Increase humidity with occasional misting; spray with water; prune affected foliage. Insecticidal soap if severe.
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Prevent with excellent drainage; improve soil with sand/gravel; reduce watering. Remove affected plants. No chemical cure.
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators. Isolate heavily infested plants.
Uses
Culinary flavoring and tea
CulinaryCulinary-grade lavender flowers add floral, slightly sweet notes to baked goods, honey, sugar, and herbal teas. Dried flowers and buds are commonly used in French cuisine and can infuse vinegars and oils. [source]
Aromatherapy and relaxation
MedicinalLavender essential oil and dried flowers are widely used to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote sleep. The scent has been traditionally used for centuries in herbal medicine for its calming properties. [source]
Natural fragrance and pest deterrent
HouseholdDried lavender flowers freshen closets, drawers, and living spaces while naturally repelling moths and other fabric pests. Sachets and bundles provide long-lasting fragrance. [source]
Floral arrangements and crafts
CraftThe dense purple flower spikes and aromatic qualities make Elegance Purple ideal for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower crafts that maintain color and fragrance for months. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeLavender is a premier nectar source for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies throughout the growing season, making it essential for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower spikes when 3/4 of florets are open for fresh arrangements or drying. Best harvested in morning after dew dries. For dried flowers, hang upside-down in warm, dark, well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks. Harvest foliage anytime during growing season for culinary/craft use. Cut back plant by 1/3 in early spring or after flowering to maintain shape; do not cut into woody growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Elegance Purple is a compact cultivar specifically bred for smaller spaces and containers, making it ideal for balconies and urban gardens compared to full-size lavender varieties.
- 🌱 Lavender's scientific name 'angustifolia' means 'narrow-leaved,' referring to its distinctive thin, needle-like foliage that reduces water loss in dry conditions.
- 🌱 A single lavender plant can produce fragrance for 15-20 years or more, making it one of the longest-lived garden perennials with exceptional durability and low maintenance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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