‘Little Lady Lavender’ is a popular and compact variety, valued for its smaller stature. Its appealing characteristics and straightforward care contribute to its widespread appeal. This guide provides practical advice for its successful cultivation.
Understanding Little Lady Lavender
‘Little Lady Lavender,’ scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia ‘Little Lady,’ is a dwarf English lavender cultivar. It reaches a mature height and spread of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm), forming a dense, mounded habit. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, rockeries, or container planting.
This variety produces abundant, fragrant, violet-blue flowers that bloom from early to mid-summer. The blooms stand out against the plant’s narrow, silver-green foliage, which remains evergreen in many climates, offering year-round visual interest. ‘Little Lady Lavender’ is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8.
Planting Little Lady Lavender
This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant flowering. Well-draining soil is paramount, as lavender is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Sandy or gravelly soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal.
To enhance drainage in heavier clay soils, incorporate grit, sand, or small gravel. Proper air circulation around the plants is also beneficial, particularly in humid climates.
Space individual ‘Little Lady Lavender’ plants approximately 12 to 18 inches apart for mature growth and adequate airflow. Plant them at the same depth they were in their nursery container, ensuring the crown is not buried.
Caring for Little Lady Lavender
Once established, ‘Little Lady Lavender’ is drought tolerant, a characteristic inherited from its Mediterranean origins. Young plants require regular watering to establish root systems, but mature plants need minimal irrigation. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common cause of decline.
Lavender has low nutrient requirements. Fertilization is minimal or not needed; excessive nutrients can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. If soil fertility is very low, a light application of a slow-release fertilizer in early spring can be considered. Consistent full sun exposure ensures the plant receives the energy needed for healthy foliage and prolific blooms.
Pruning Little Lady Lavender
Regular pruning maintains its compact shape, encourages new growth, and promotes abundant flowering. Pruning also prevents the plant from becoming overly woody and leggy.
Primary pruning should occur after the first flush of blooms, in mid to late summer. During this post-flowering prune, remove spent flower spikes and trim back about one-third of the plant’s overall height. This encourages a second, smaller flush of blooms and prepares the plant for winter.
A light trim can also be done in early spring to remove any winter damage or to lightly shape the plant before new growth emerges. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems, as lavender does not readily regenerate from old wood.
Common Issues and Solutions
‘Little Lady Lavender’ can encounter a few common problems, primarily related to environmental conditions. Root rot is a significant concern, caused by excessive moisture from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and general decline. Ensuring well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering are the best preventative measures.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew or botrytis gray mold can appear in humid conditions with poor air circulation. These manifest as a powdery white or gray coating on leaves. Providing ample spacing and good airflow can help prevent these issues.
Lavender is resistant to most pests due to its aromatic oils, but occasionally, leafhoppers may occur. Maintaining overall plant health contributes to its natural resilience.