Ellagance Purple Lavender
Lavandula augustifolia
Approximately 25 seeds per packet
Packed for 2025
Origins and History:
Ellagance Purple Lavender is a refined cultivar of Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender. This heirloom variety is part of the Ellagance series, bred for uniform growth and exceptional flowering performance. While English lavender has been cherished for centuries across the Mediterranean and English countryside, the Ellagance Purple strain is a more recent selection developed for its early bloom time and intense flower color. It reflects a long tradition of cultivating lavender for fragrance, beauty, and utility, and has quickly gained popularity among gardeners and herbalists alike for its reliability and rich coloration.
Appearance and Characteristics:
Ellagance Purple Lavender is a compact, bushy perennial known for its deep violet-purple flower spikes and silvery-green, aromatic foliage. The plants typically grow 12 to 14 inches tall and wide, creating a neat and uniform mound that’s ideal for borders, herb gardens, and containers. Its flowers bloom profusely from early to mid-summer and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. This cultivar is valued for its consistency in flowering and tight growth habit, making it one of the top choices for ornamental and functional plantings.
Uses:
This lavender variety has many uses, both practical and ornamental. Its fragrant blooms can be dried and used in sachets, potpourris, and teas, or incorporated into culinary recipes where a subtle floral note is desired. The essential oils, though in smaller quantities compared to some commercial varieties, are suitable for homemade body care products. In the landscape, it serves as a striking border plant, hedge, or accent in pollinator and Mediterranean-style gardens. Its calming aroma also makes it ideal for sensory gardens and relaxation spaces.
Growing Tips:
Ellagance Purple Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Avoid heavy clay or overly damp areas, as the roots are susceptible to rot. Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or directly in the garden once soil has warmed. Light is essential for germination, which can take 14 to 21 days. Space plants 12–14 inches apart to ensure good air circulation. Lavender prefers minimal fertilization and benefits from being kept relatively dry between waterings. Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage additional blooming.
Vegetation Zones:
Ellagance Purple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. It can survive mild winters with minimal protection but may need mulching in colder climates to protect the roots. In warmer zones, it performs reliably as a perennial, returning each year with strong vigor.
Harvesting Guidance:
Harvest lavender blooms when about half of the flower buds have opened for the best fragrance and longevity. Use sharp shears and cut stems early in the morning after dew has dried. Hang bundles upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area to preserve color and fragrance. Regular harvesting encourages repeat blooming and prevents the plant from becoming woody. With proper care, Ellagance Purple Lavender will provide years of aromatic and visual pleasure.
