Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
$3.00
English Tall Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a classic aromatic perennial producing tall spikes of fragrant purple-blue flowers above silver-grey foliage. Prized for culinary use, dried arrangements, sachets, and essential oil production, it is also a premier pollinator plant. While English lavender can be challenging in Austin’s humidity and heat, tall varieties with good drainage and airflow perform well in well-sited gardens.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our English Tall Lavender transplants are grown for strong establishment and maximum adaptability to Central Texas conditions.
Out of stock
Low water needs once established
Drought-tolerant; overwatering is the primary cause of failure
Allow soil to dry fully between waterings
No supplemental fertilizer needed in lean soils
If growth is poor, light application of low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring only
Shear by one-third immediately after flowering
Do not cut into old, woody growth; will not regenerate
Replace plants every 4-6 years as they become woody
Root rot and crown rot in poorly draining or amended soils
Bacterial scorch in humid summers
Short-lived in Austin without excellent drainage and airflow
Raised beds with 50% coarse sand/grit mix are highly recommended in Austin
South or west-facing slopes with excellent drainage perform best
Avoid mulching around the crown; gravel mulch is preferable
English lavender is more challenging than Spanish or French in Austin’s humidity; proper siting is critical
Primary bloom period; most dramatic flowering
Excellent time to harvest flower spikes for drying
May go semi-dormant in peak Austin heat; reduce watering sharply
Humidity and heat are the main challenges
Resumes growth; excellent planting window
Evergreen; very cold-hardy
Fall (October-November) for best establishment
Spring planting also possible but requires more care through first summer
Ideal soil temperatures: 55-65 F
Full sun
Minimum 6-8 hours daily; excellent airflow essential
24-36 inches apart
Adequate
promotes airflow critical to disease prevention
Well-draining, alkaline to neutral, lean soil
Amend Austin clay heavily with coarse sand and grit
Do not add compost; high fertility reduces longevity
Water at planting; moderate moisture for first 4-6 weeks
Reduce significantly once established
Lavender is considered mildly toxic to:
Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Lavender essential oil is more concentrated and more toxic than the plant itself.
Keep pets from consuming plants and contact a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
