Dilly Dilly English Lavender

Dilly Dilly English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Dilly Dilly')

Dilly Dilly English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia 'Dilly Dilly', is a compact English lavender that forms a neat, rounded mound of fragrant gray green foliage topped with soft blue violet flower spikes. The low cushion like habit makes it ideal for edging paths, lining sunny borders, and filling containers where you want classic lavender color and scent in a smaller footprint. Flower spikes rise just above the foliage in late spring and early summer, drawing in pollinators and creating a gentle but distinct focal point in bright, open garden spaces.

Distinctive Features

Dilly Dilly English Lavender typically grows about 10 to 16 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, forming a naturally compact, rounded clump that stays tidy with only light pruning. Flower stems are well branched and proportionate to the plant, giving a full yet controlled display of blue violet blooms rather than tall, floppy wands. Narrow, gray green leaves provide fine texture and a soft, silvery cast that remains attractive long after the main flush of flowers has passed. The combination of modest size, classic flower color, and strong fragrance makes this variety especially useful wherever you need an easy to manage lavender that still delivers traditional look and scent.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily for best flowering, compact growth, and strong fragrance.
• Soil: Thrives in well drained, lean to average soils; avoids heavy, wet ground and performs best in sandy or gravelly conditions that keep roots on the dry side.
• Water: Water regularly after planting to establish; once rooted in, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top of the soil to dry between waterings.
• Hardiness: Suited to many temperate regions where English lavender is grown outdoors, especially when provided with sharp drainage in winter.
• Size: Forms a compact mound about 10 to 16 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide at maturity, depending on climate and care.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that fills in steadily without quickly outgrowing containers or narrow border spaces.

Ideal Uses

• Edging and Pathways: Plant in a row along walks, drives, or bed edges to create a low, fragrant ribbon of gray green foliage and blue violet blooms.
• Containers and Patio Pots: Excellent in clay pots, troughs, and mixed planters where the compact mound and upright flower spikes add height, scent, and color without overwhelming companions.
• Front of Border Accent: Ideal for the front of sunny borders where its low cushion shape and soft blue flowers form a gentle visual anchor.
• Herb and Scent Gardens: Perfect near seating areas, entries, and paths so aromatic foliage and blooms can be brushed and enjoyed up close.
• Cottage and Rock Gardens: Fits naturally among stones, low perennials, and groundcovers in cottage or rock garden designs that favor compact, drought tolerant plants.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water when the top inch of soil is dry; avoid constant moisture or soggy conditions that can lead to root problems.
• Pruning: Shear lightly after the main flush of bloom to remove spent spikes and maintain a dense cushion; avoid cutting back into old, woody stems below the leafy growth.
• Fertilizing: Requires only light feeding; in spring, apply a small amount of balanced, slow release fertilizer if soil is very lean, since excessive nutrients can cause soft, floppy growth.
• Mulching: Use a thin layer of gravel or coarse mulch around the base to improve drainage and keep foliage off wet soil, avoiding heavy organic mulches against the stems.
• Seasonal Care: In colder climates, provide excellent drainage and a sunny, sheltered spot; in late winter or early spring, tidy lightly to remove any winter damage and keep the mound compact.

Why Choose Dilly Dilly English Lavender?

• Compact Cushion Habit: Naturally low, rounded form is ideal for edging, rock gardens, and small spaces.
• Soft Blue Violet Blooms: Classic English lavender flower color in a controlled, proportional display that suits both formal and informal designs.
• Aromatic Foliage: Fragrant gray green leaves add soothing scent and soft texture to paths, patios, and outdoor seating areas.
• Sun and Heat Tolerant: Performs well in hot, bright exposures when planted in well drained soil or raised beds.
• Versatile Design Use: Works as edging, in mixed borders, in herb and scent gardens, or as a container accent wherever you want classic lavender style and fragrance in a compact package.

With its cushion like habit, soft blue violet flower spikes, and fragrant gray green foliage, Dilly Dilly English Lavender is an excellent choice for adding classic lavender charm, scent, and a refined focal point to sunny borders, pathways, and containers.