English Lavender 'Vicenza Blue' (Lavandula angustifolia): Compact Fragrant Shrub

Overview

English lavender 'Vicenza Blue' (Lavandula angustifolia 'Vicenza Blue') is a compact, early-blooming cultivar selected for its intense violet-blue flower spikes and strong fragrance. It forms a neat, rounded mound ideal for edging, containers, and small gardens.

Botanical Description

Dense, mounded shrub 30–45 cm tall and wide. Leaves are linear, gray-green, aromatic. Flowers are borne in dense, terminal spikes 5–8 cm long, vibrant violet-blue, blooming late spring to early summer, often with a lighter second flush. Calyxes are also colored, enhancing the display.

Taxonomy

Family:	Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Lavandula (lav-AN-dew-lah)
Species:	angustifolia (an-gus-tee-FOH-lee-uh)
Cultivar:	'Vicenza Blue'
Synonyms:	L. officinalis, L. spica

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, alkaline, lean; gritty or sandy ideal.
• Water: Low; drought-tolerant. Wet soil kills lavender.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9.

Uses

Ornamental: Edging, rock gardens, containers, knot gardens. Fragrance: Sachets, oils, potpourri. Culinary: Flowers in desserts, teas, herb blends. Wildlife: Bees, butterflies love lavender.

Maintenance

Prune lightly after flowering; shear to shape in spring. Never cut into old wood. Replace plants every 5–10 years as they become woody. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable.