Sentivia Blue Lavender is a cultivar of English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) known for its compact growth and abundant blooms. This variety, part of the ‘Sentivia’ series, was bred to offer gardeners a reliable and visually appealing plant. It produces vibrant flowers over an extended period and offers a pleasing fragrance.
Distinctive Features
Sentivia Blue Lavender grows to a compact size, reaching about 14 inches tall (20 inches with flowers) and spreading approximately 12 inches wide, making it suitable for smaller gardens or container planting. The plant produces masses of fragrant violet flowers with distinct blue overtones, emerging from deep purple flower buds. These blooms appear early and prolifically from late spring through late summer. Its gray-green evergreen foliage maintains visual interest throughout the year.
Planting Guide
Sentivia Blue Lavender thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant flowering. Good air circulation around the plant is also beneficial, helping prevent fungal issues. The soil should be well-draining, as lavender is sensitive to excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot.
Lavender prefers low to moderately fertile soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. If your soil is heavy clay, amending it with grit or sand can significantly improve drainage. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, then backfill gently and firm the soil around the base. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Care and Maintenance
Once established, Sentivia Blue Lavender is drought-tolerant, but young plants need regular watering to develop a strong root system. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Avoid overhead watering, as keeping the foliage dry helps deter fungal diseases.
Lavender thrives in low-nutrient soil, so fertilizing is rarely necessary and can even reduce flower production by promoting excessive foliage. If growth appears weak, a light application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be considered. Pruning is important for maintaining the plant’s shape and encouraging continuous blooming. Prune after the first flush of flowers to encourage reblooming, and a more substantial pruning can be done in early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead stems. Do not cut into the woody base of the plant, as new growth does not emerge from this older wood.
Sentivia Blue Lavender is resilient. Proper air circulation and avoiding overwatering are preventative measures against common fungal issues. Occasional issues with aphids or spider mites can occur, which can often be managed with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap if necessary.
Versatile Uses
Its compact, mounded form and vibrant blue-purple flowers make Sentivia Blue Lavender an excellent choice for ornamental purposes, such as border edging, rock gardens, or as a focal point in containers. Its dense growth habit means it fills out well and can be used for mass plantings or low hedging.
The fragrant flowers can be used for fresh or dried floral arrangements. Sentivia Blue Lavender also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden, contributing to local ecosystems. Its strong, classic lavender scent makes it suitable for sachets, potpourri, or even culinary applications.