Old-Fashioned English Lavender (Vera) is one of the most beloved and classic varieties of lavender known for its exceptionally fragrant flowers and versatile uses in both gardening and herbal remedies. This cultivar of Lavandula angustifolia, also referred to as English Lavender, is prized for its compact growth and stunning purple blooms that make it a perfect addition to any garden. Revered for its calming and soothing properties, this lavender is often used to create essential oils, aromatherapy products, and herbal teas. The Old-Fashioned English Lavender (Vera) variety is especially well-known for its strong, sweet floral aroma and its ability to thrive in cooler climates, making it ideal for gardens in temperate regions. It’s not only valued for its fragrance but also for its ability to attract pollinators, repel pests, and be a beautiful decorative plant in the garden.

Key Features:

• Fragrant Flowers: Old-Fashioned English Lavender (Vera) is renowned for its intensely fragrant purple flowers, which are perfect for creating essential oils or dried arrangements.
• Culinary and Medicinal Uses: The leaves and flowers can be used in culinary recipes, such as in herbal teas, desserts, and salads, and have long been used in herbal medicine.
• Attractive to Pollinators: The plant is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
• Compact and Hardy: This variety is more compact compared to other lavender types, with its mound-shaped growth making it perfect for small garden spaces or containers.
• Drought-Tolerant and Low Maintenance: Once established, English Lavender is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.

Growing Information:

Light:

• Full sun is ideal for growing Old-Fashioned English Lavender (Vera), requiring 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive and produce abundant flowers.
• Lavender thrives in warm, sunny environments, so it is best planted in areas with plenty of sunlight.

Soil Preferences:

• Prefers well-drained, light, and sandy soil with a slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5).
• English Lavender does not thrive in heavy or waterlogged soils, so ensure good drainage. It does best in dry, somewhat poor soil that is not too rich in nutrients.
• Loamy or gravelly soil that drains well is ideal for Lavandula angustifolia.

Planting Tips:

• Direct Sowing: If starting from seed, sow Old-Fashioned English Lavender seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow them directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
• Indoor Sowing: When planting indoors, use seed trays or small pots, and provide warmth and plenty of light to ensure proper germination.
• Planting Depth: Lavender seeds should be lightly pressed into the soil but not covered with more than a thin layer, as they need light to germinate.
• Germination Time: Lavender seeds typically germinate in 14-28 days. They require warm conditions and good light exposure for best results.
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and room for their growth.

Watering Needs:

• Watering: Lavender prefers low moisture conditions once established, making it highly drought-tolerant.
• When first planting, ensure the soil remains slightly moist but never waterlogged.
• Water once the soil has dried out, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Lavender does best in conditions where the soil can dry out between waterings.

Benefits:

• Calming and Relaxing: Lavender is famously known for its calming and stress-relieving properties. It is often used in aromatherapy for anxiety, insomnia, and relaxation.
• Skin Care: The plant's oils have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for treating minor burns, cuts, and bug bites.
• Culinary Use: Lavender flowers are edible and can be used in desserts, herbal teas, and as a flavoring in various dishes.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The sweet-smelling flowers attract bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
• Insect Repellent: Lavender naturally repels mosquitoes, moths, and other garden pests. Planting it around your home or garden can act as a natural deterrent to these pests.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.
• It can survive cold winters but may benefit from some winter protection in zones 5-6. In warmer climates, it may continue growing through the year but may need light pruning to maintain its shape.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Garden: This Old-Fashioned English Lavender (Vera) is perfect for any medicinal or culinary herb garden. It can be used in herbal remedies, teas, and cooking.
• Pollinator Garden: Lavender flowers are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a key plant for a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Decorative and Companion Planting: The striking purple spikes of lavender work beautifully in flower beds, borders, or as a companion plant to deter pests.
• Container Gardening: Lavender does exceptionally well in containers and pots, so it’s a great choice for balconies, patios, or small gardens.
• Aromatic Uses: Use dried lavender for making sachets, potpourri, or as a natural air freshener. Lavender is also fantastic for creating essential oils used in aromatherapy.

Conclusion:

Old-Fashioned English Lavender (Vera) is the perfect combination of beauty, function, and low-maintenance care. Known for its fragrant purple flowers and calming properties, this classic lavender variety is an essential addition to any garden. Whether you’re growing it for its aromatic blooms, culinary uses, or medicinal properties, Lavender (Vera) offers year-round appeal. Easy to grow and adaptable to a variety of conditions, this lavender variety is perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Add Old-Fashioned English Lavender to your garden to enjoy its natural charm, relaxing qualities, and pollinator benefits.