How to Grow Wonderland Lavender Blue
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Wonderland Lavender Blue
Lavandula angustifolia 'Wonderland Blue'
herbWonderland Lavender Blue is a compact cultivar of English lavender known for its vibrant blue-purple flowers and aromatic foliage. This dwarf variety is ideal for containers, borders, and small garden spaces, reaching only 12-18 inches tall. It blooms prolifically from early to mid-summer with fragrant spikes that attract pollinators and provide excellent fresh or dried flowers.
When should you plant Wonderland Lavender Blue in your zone?
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Example Wonderland Lavender Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wonderland Lavender Blue
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 Blue
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wonderland Lavender Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with protection in zone 4
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Get my Wonderland Lavender Blue timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-4 weeksTiny green seedlings with narrow opposite leaves emerge. Growth is slow initially.
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early. Do not overwater.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops a compact mounding form with fine, silvery-green linear foliage. Stems become woody at base.
Water moderately during establishment (first 4-6 weeks). Once rooted, reduce watering significantly. Pinch growing tips early to encourage bushier form if desired.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower spikes begin to emerge from the foliage, showing tight clusters of unopened blue-purple buds.
Maintain consistent watering schedule but do not overwater. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive leaf growth. Full sun is critical at this stage.
Flowering
4-8 weeks (longer with deadheading)Vibrant blue-purple flowers fully open along dense spikes, creating a striking display. Peak bloom occurs in early to mid-summer.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and extend flowering season. Ensure excellent drainage. Cut flowers in early morning when fragrance is strongest.
Seed Development & Dormancy
Ongoing through dormancyFlowers fade and seed pods form. Foliage may yellow slightly in late summer. Plant enters semi-dormancy in fall and winter.
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production and winter interest, or remove all for continuous blooming. Reduce watering in fall. In spring, prune back to 6 inches to encourage new growth; do not prune into old wood.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe. Ensure good air circulation. Most problematic in hot, dry conditions.
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Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Usually minor issue.
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning. Remove infested flower spikes. Rarely requires chemical intervention.
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Prevent with excellent drainage and sparse watering. Remove affected plants. Improve soil with sand/gravel amendment.
Uses
Culinary flavoring & beverages
CulinaryLavender flowers add a delicate, floral flavor to teas, baked goods, honey, sugar, and savory dishes. The edible flowers can garnish salads and desserts, providing both visual appeal and subtle floral notes. [source]
Relaxation & aromatherapy
MedicinalLavender is renowned for its calming properties and is commonly used in essential oils, sachets, and herbal preparations to promote relaxation and support restful sleep. Linalool and linalyl acetate are the key aromatic compounds responsible for these effects. [source]
Natural fragrance & pest deterrent
HouseholdDried lavender flowers fill drawers, closets, and rooms with pleasant fragrance while naturally repelling moths and other storage pests. Lavender sachets are a chemical-free alternative to synthetic air fresheners. [source]
Dried floral arrangements & crafts
CraftWonderland Lavender Blue's compact flower spikes and vibrant color make it excellent for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, potpourri, and other craft projects that retain beauty and fragrance for months. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe abundant nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making this cultivar an excellent choice 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 in early morning after dew dries but before full sun, when 50% of flowers on the spike have opened—this is when fragrance and color are most concentrated. Use sharp shears and cut stems 6-8 inches long, leaving at least 2-3 inches of foliage on the plant. For dried flowers, hang bundles upside down in a warm, airy, dark location for 2-3 weeks. Harvest regularly to encourage additional blooming. Avoid cutting after mid-August in cold climates to allow plant to harden off for winter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wonderland Lavender Blue was specifically bred to be more compact and earlier-flowering than standard English lavender, making it ideal for small spaces and containers—the 'Wonderland' series is known for these dwarf characteristics.
- 🌱 Lavender has been used by humans for over 2,500 years; ancient Romans added it to their bathwater (the name comes from Latin 'lavare,' meaning 'to wash') and used it to scent their famous baths.
- 🌱 A single mature lavender plant can bloom for 15-20+ years with minimal maintenance, making it one of the longest-lived perennial herbs and an exceptional investment for permanent garden features.
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