How to Grow Wonderland Lavender
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Wonderland Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Wonderland'
herbWonderland Lavender is a compact English lavender cultivar prized for its deep purple flowers and dwarf growth habit, reaching only 12-18 inches tall. This aromatic perennial is ideal for borders, containers, and small gardens where full-sized lavender varieties would overwhelm the space. It blooms profusely from early to midsummer with fragrant flower spikes that attract pollinators.
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Example Wonderland Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wonderland 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 Wonderland Lavender
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wonderland 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 Wonderland Lavender timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplants with minimal foliage, establishing root systems
Water regularly (2-3 times weekly) until roots establish. Ensure excellent drainage. Protect from extreme heat first year. Do not fertilize yet.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksCompact mounding growth with silvery-green needle-like foliage, no flowers yet
Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Begin light pruning to encourage branching. Minimal fertilization if any. Monitor for drainage issues.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (June-July)Abundant deep purple flower spikes rise above foliage; plant reaches 12-18 inches tall
Maintain dry conditions; do not overwater. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Harvest flowers at peak color. Support with light staking if needed in wind.
Peak Bloom
2-3 weeksMaximum flower production with intense fragrance; spikes fully formed and darkly colored
Ideal time for harvesting. Cut flowers in early morning after dew dries. Leave some flowers for pollinators and self-seeding. Watch for pests attracted to blooms.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning; use neem oil spray if severe; encourage natural predators
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Ensure excellent drainage; never overwater; avoid waterlogged soil; remove infected plants; improve air circulation
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Increase humidity with light misting; use insecticidal soap; avoid excessive heat stress; encourage predatory mites
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur dust or sulfur-based fungicide; remove affected foliage
Uses
Teas & Cooking
CulinaryDried lavender flowers can be steeped into fragrant, subtly floral teas with mild calming properties. The flowers are used sparingly in gourmet cooking to flavor honey, sugar, baked goods, and savory dishes. [source]
Relaxation & Sleep Support
MedicinalLavender is traditionally used to promote relaxation and sleep; the aromatic oil contains linalool, a compound studied for its calming properties. Dried flowers are used in herbal teas, sachets, and aromatherapy diffusers. [source]
Fragrance & Cleaning
HouseholdDried flowers and essential oil serve as natural room fresheners and are added to homemade cleaning products, sachets, and drawer liners. The strong scent repels some insects like moths and flies. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Crafts
CraftWonderland Lavender's compact size and long-lasting flowers make it ideal for dried bouquets, wreaths, sachets, and floral crafts. The dried flowers retain color and fragrance for months. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Wonderland Lavender excellent for pollinator gardens. It provides reliable nectar source in midsummer. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flowers at peak bloom in early morning after dew dries but before heat of day. Cut stems 4-6 inches below the flower head, just as flowers are opening or just opened (most fragrant). Hang bundles upside-down in a warm, dry, dark location with good air circulation for 1-2 weeks. Foliage can be harvested anytime during growing season. For drying, harvest when 50-75% of flowers on the spike are open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Wonderland' refers to this cultivar's miniature stature—it's one of the most compact English lavender varieties, perfect for container gardening and small spaces.
- 🌱 Lavender has been used in Mediterranean and European cultures for over 2,500 years for fragrance, medicine, and household purposes; Roman soldiers carried it into battle.
- 🌱 The flower spikes can remain decorative on the plant for weeks even after drying, providing extended visual interest in the garden without intervention.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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