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How to Grow Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia cultivars)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia cultivars)

Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

shrub

Lavender is a fragrant, semi-evergreen perennial shrub prized for its purple, pink, or white flower spikes and aromatic foliage. The cultivars Hidcote, Munstead, Grosso, and Phenomenal represent diverse options ranging from compact dwarf forms to tall, prolific bloomers. All are Mediterranean natives that thrive in sunny, well-drained conditions and require minimal maintenance once established.

Looking for a specific variety?

Hidcote Munstead Grosso Phenomenal

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Example Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia cultivars) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia cultivars)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia cultivars)

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia cultivars) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for best flowering)
💧
Water: Low to moderate. Water deeply after planting; once established, drought-tolerant. Water only when soil is dry to touch. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot. In rainy climates, ensure excellent drainage.
📏
Spacing: 18-36 depending on cultivar (Munstead 18-24"; Hidcote 18-24"; Grosso 24-36"; Phenomenal 24-36") inches
📅
Days to maturity: Flowers appear 60-90 days from planting; full mature size in 2-3 years
🌱
Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as pot; seeds shallow (barely cover)

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly loam
pH: 6.5-7.5
Amendments:
Coarse sand or gravel Perlite Avoid excessive compost or manure

Growing Zones

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Zones 5-9 (most cultivars); some tolerate zone 4 with winter protection

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Weeks 1-4)

4 weeks

Young transplants developing root system; foliage gray-green and compact

Water regularly to establish roots; mulch lightly with gravel, not bark. Plant in spring or early fall.

2

Vegetative Growth (Months 2-4)

8-12 weeks

Bushy, mounding growth with increasing foliage density; no flowers yet

Deadhead any early flower buds to encourage branching. Begin pruning in year 1 to shape. Reduce watering as roots establish.

3

Flowering (Months 5-8, usually June-August)

12-16 weeks

Dense spikes of fragrant flowers in purple, pink, or white; Grosso and Phenomenal produce extended, heavy blooms

Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming and promote bushiness. Water only during drought. Hidcote and Munstead typically flower once; Grosso and Phenomenal may rebloom if deadheaded.

4

Post-Flowering & Dormancy (Fall-Winter)

12-16 weeks

Flowers fade to brown; foliage remains gray-green; plant semi-dormant in cold climates

Do NOT cut back heavily in fall; wait until spring. Light deadheading acceptable. In zones 4-5, provide winter mulch or shelter.

5

Spring Renewal (Early Spring)

4-6 weeks

New foliage emerges as temperatures warm; pruning stimulates growth

Prune back dead stems to live wood; remove woody interior by 1/3 to 1/2. This is the primary pruning time. Do not prune into bare wood.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Rosemary Sage Thyme Catmint (Nepeta) Russian sage Santolina Germander Salvia Ornamental grasses Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Bees balm

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering (hostas, astilbes, hydrangeas) Nitrogen-loving plants (lupines, delphiniums) Invasive spreaders in confined spaces

Common Pests

  • Spray foliage with water or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation. Rarely problematic if not overwatered.

  • Usually cosmetic damage; remove affected leaves or spray neem oil if severe.

  • Hand-pick or shake onto cloth. Rarely destructive. Encourage beneficial insects.

  • Prevention key: ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering. Remove and replace severely affected plants. Improve soil with sand/gravel.

  • Rare with good air circulation and full sun. Prune for air flow; remove affected leaves. Sulfur dust if necessary.

Uses

🍳

Baking & Confections

Culinary

Lavender buds and flowers add floral sweetness to cookies, cakes, honey, and lemonades. The buds provide a subtle, complex flavor when used sparingly (1-2 teaspoons per recipe). [source]

💊

Relaxation & Sleep Support

Medicinal

Lavender tea and essential oil are traditionally used for anxiety relief, insomnia, and stress reduction. The herb's linalool and linalyl acetate compounds contribute to its calming properties. [source]

🏠

Natural Fragrance & Moth Repellent

Household

Dried lavender flowers freshen linens, closets, and rooms. The aromatic compounds repel moths and other insects while providing pleasant scent. [source]

🎨

Floral Arrangements & Crafts

Craft

Dried lavender is a popular dried flower for wreaths, sachets, potpourri, and decorative arrangements. It retains color and fragrance for many months. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

Lavender flowers attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It is an excellent nectar source and supports pollinator populations. [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 for drying at peak bloom when 50-75% of flowers on spike are open, typically early morning after dew dries. Dry hanging upside down in bundles in warm, airy, shaded space for 2-3 weeks. For culinary/medicinal use, harvest foliage anytime; best before full bloom. Cut no more than 1/3 of plant at once.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The four cultivars mentioned represent different breeding lines: Hidcote (dwarf, intense purple, excellent for hedging) derives from 1950s English hybridization; Munstead is even more compact and cold-hardy; Grosso is a larger Lavandula × intermedia hybrid known for essential oil production; and Phenomenal is a modern cultivar bred for extended reblooming and vigor.
  • 🌱 Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years, prized by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for perfume, medicine, and religious rituals. The name likely derives from the Latin 'lavare' (to wash).
  • 🌱 Commercial lavender essential oil is produced primarily from L. angustifolia (fine lavender), L. × intermedia (lavandin), and L. stoechas, with lavandin varieties like Grosso yielding higher essential oil content (up to 2-3% vs. 0.5-1.5% for English lavender).

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH Transplant
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