Imperial Gem English Lavender

Imperial Gem English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Imperial Gem')

Imperial Gem English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia 'Imperial Gem', is a compact English lavender prized for its deep purple flower spikes, tidy mounded habit, and strongly fragrant gray green foliage. Plants form a dense, rounded cushion that tucks neatly along paths, at the front of borders, and in containers, delivering classic lavender color and scent without taking much space. Short, full flower spikes rise just above the foliage in early to midsummer, drawing in pollinators and creating a rich ribbon of color that works as a subtle but effective focal point in sunny garden areas.

Distinctive Features

Imperial Gem English Lavender typically grows about 12 to 18 inches tall and 14 to 20 inches wide, forming a naturally compact dome that stays neat with light pruning. Flower spikes are shorter than some traditional varieties but densely packed with deep purple florets, giving a strong, saturated look when the plant is in bloom. Narrow, gray green leaves add fine texture and a soft, silvery cast that remains attractive well beyond the flowering season, so the plant continues to function as a foliage accent. The combination of rich flower color, strong fragrance, and a balanced, low profile habit makes this variety especially useful where you want full lavender impact on a smaller scale.

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; avoid heavy, wet ground and favor 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: Well suited to many temperate regions where English lavender is grown outdoors, especially when given sharp drainage in winter.
• Size: Forms a compact mound about 12 to 18 inches tall and 14 to 20 inches wide at maturity, depending on climate and care.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that fills in steadily without quickly outgrowing beds, borders, or containers.

Ideal Uses

• Edging and Low Borders: Plant in a row along walks, drives, or bed edges to create a low, fragrant band of gray green foliage and deep purple bloom.
• 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 beds where its neat shape and rich flowers form a dependable 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 Mediterranean Gardens: Mix with roses, salvias, grasses, and other sun loving perennials for classic cottage combinations, or pair with stone and gravel for a Mediterranean feel.

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 keep a dense mound; avoid cutting back into old, woody stems that lack leaves.
• 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 plant compact.

Why Choose Imperial Gem English Lavender?

• Rich Purple Flower Color: Deep, saturated blooms create a classic lavender look that stands out in borders and along paths.
• Compact, Tidy Habit: Naturally rounded form is easy to manage in small gardens, narrow borders, and containers.
• 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 cutting gardens, or as a container feature wherever you want dependable lavender color, fragrance, and structure in a compact package.

With its compact habit, deep purple flower spikes, and fragrant gray green foliage, Imperial Gem English Lavender is an excellent choice for adding classic lavender style, scent, and a refined, low maintenance focal point to sunny borders, pathways, and containers.