Description

Lavender Blue Spear (Lavandula angustifolia) is a compact, early-flowering English lavender variety known for its vivid blue-purple flower spikes, intensely fragrant foliage, and upright growth habit. A standout in any herb garden or ornamental border, this variety is perfectly suited to South African conditions, thriving in hot, dry summers and tolerating mild winter frost once established.

Growing to a height of around 30–35 cm, with a spread of 25–30 cm, Blue Spear offers a tidy, bushy form ideal for containers, borders, and pathways. It begins blooming earlier in the season than most lavenders, producing dense, vertical flower spikes that are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it both a productive companion plant and an aesthetic focal point.

Its grey-green aromatic foliage not only adds textural interest to the garden, but also deters pests, making it a valuable natural barrier in integrated pest management. The flowers and leaves are also edible and can be used in culinary recipes, teas, and home remedies.

 

Benefits

Pollinator & Pest 

• Naturally repels aphids, moths, whiteflies, and some beetles due to its aromatic oils.
• Interplanting lavender in vegetable gardens can help divert pests from tender crops.
• Flowers provide nectar well into late summer, supporting pollinators during dry spells.
• Attracts bees and butterflies with its small, nectar-rich flowers.

Compact and Ornamental

• Dense, fragrant foliage and showy flower spikes enhance visual and sensory appeal in gardens.
  
• Grows well in pots, borders, rockeries, and raised beds.
  
• Excellent for dried arrangements, sachets, and potpourri.
  

Herbal and Culinary 

• Mild sedative effects: Used in teas or oils to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
  
• Acts as a digestive aid, often used in herbal blends to ease bloating and indigestion.
  
• Has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties – used in natural skincare and first aid salves.
  

• Edible flowers can be used in desserts, syrups, and herbal mixes in small quantities.

Health and Aromatherapy

• Aromatic oils support stress relief, sleep quality, and mental clarity.
  
• Steam-inhaled or diffused oils may help alleviate headaches and sinus congestion.
  
• Topically used to calm skin irritations, burns, and bug bites.
  

 

How To Use

Lavender Blue Spear flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Spring to Early Summer
• Temperature: 13-28°C
• Germinate: 14-21 days
• Depth: 2-3 mm
• Spacing: 25x25 cm
• Harvest: 90-110 days
• Height: 30-35 cm
• Flowering Season: Early summer to late autumn
• Exposure: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Ideal Growing Environment 

• Well-drained, sandy to loamy soil; pH 6.5–7.5. Avoid waterlogged soils—add coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage.
• Low water needs once established. Water deeply but infrequently to prevent root rot.
• Avoid overfeeding; apply light compost or slow-release organic fertiliser at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds.
• Prefers dry, warm regions such as the Western Cape and Karoo; can tolerate light frost if well-established.
• Performs best in low to moderate humidity (40–60%). Ensure excellent airflow in humid areas to prevent fungal disease.
• Generally pest-resistant. May deter whiteflies, moths, and aphids. Watch for root rot in overwatered areas.
• Ideal for containers, borders, rock gardens, and as a low hedge.
• Benefits from being planted alongside rosemary, thyme, sage, cabbages, lettuce, and strawberries.
• Intercropping: Pair with tomatoes, capsicums, broccoli, or strawberries to deter pests.
• Crop Rotation: Use as companions or rotate after heavy feeders. Perennials (rosemary and thyme) stay in place longer.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Enhance soil microbes; use as borders between cycles.
• Avoid planting with mint or overly thirsty plants; lavender dislikes wet roots and heavy shade.

 

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