Lavender is a fantastic garden plant to grow. It provides visual spectacle, wonderful scents and has multiple practical uses.
With over 45 species and countless varieties, choosing the right lavender for your garden can be a challenge. This article will explore the different types of lavender, highlighting their key differences and essential growing information for keen gardeners.
Introduction to Lavender
Lavender (genus Lavandula) is a member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India. It thrives in sunny, dry climates and is grown for its aromatic flowers and foliage. Its tall flowers range in colour from deep purple to soft pink and white.
Lavender is not only beautiful but also practical, used in essential oils, culinary dishes, and as a natural pest repellent.
Different types of Lavender
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Perhaps the most well known of the different types of lavender, English lavender, despite its name, is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a compact, aromatic shrub typically growing 2-3 feet tall and wide. Known for its hardiness, it’s the most cold-tolerant of the lavender species, thriving in USDA zones 5-8.
The plant features narrow, grey-green leaves and produces spikes of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, blue-violet, or occasionally pink or white. English lavender blooms in late spring to early summer, with some varieties offering a second flush in late summer.
English lavender is widely used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and culinary applications. It is a favorite among gardeners for its drought tolerance, deer resistance, and ability to attract pollinators.
Popular varieties include ‘Munstead’, ‘Hidcote’, and ‘Folgate’.
Read our complete guide on growing English Lavender here.
Key Characteristics
- Flower Color: Deep purple, lavender, pink, white
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Fragrance: Sweet and floral
Growing Information
English lavender is one of the most popular types, known for its strong fragrance and versatility. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is also more tolerant of colder climates compared to other varieties.
Care Tips:
- Watering: Moderate; let soil dry between waterings
- Pruning: Trim back in early spring and after flowering
- Fertilising: Light feeding in spring
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French lavender, also known as fringed lavender, is native to Spain and North Africa. It’s an evergreen shrub that typically grows 2-3 feet tall and wide, characterised by its distinctive toothed (dentate) leaves, which give it its species name.
The plant features grey-green, aromatic foliage and produces light purple flowers, topped with purple bracts, reminiscent of rabbit ears. French lavender has a longer blooming period than English lavender, often flowering from late spring through to autumn/fall in mild climates.
While less cold-hardy than English lavender (suitable for USDA zones 8-11), French lavender is more tolerant of heat and humidity. Its scent is more camphor-like than English lavender, making it less favoured for culinary use but still popular in landscaping and container gardening.
Key Characteristics
- Flower Color: Violet-blue
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Fragrance: Pine-like with a hint of rosemary
Growing Information
French lavender is notable for its toothed leaves and long blooming period. It is less hardy than English lavender and prefers milder winters.
Care Tips:
- Watering: Moderate; prefers slightly drier conditions
- Pruning: Light trimming throughout the year
- Fertilizing: Minimal; too much fertiliser can reduce flower production
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as Spanish lavender, is a distinctive member of the lavender family. It typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) and spreads to about the same width.
It features narrow, silvery-grey leaves and differs from the English lavender by producing a unique flower spikes topped with showy purple bracts. These bracts, along with the deep purple flowers beneath them, give French lavender a more decorative appearance compared to its English lavender counterparts.
The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, particularly countries like Spain, Portugal, and parts of North Africa. It thrives in warm, dry climates and is well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
Lavendula Stoechas blooms earlier than other lavender varieties, typically flowering from late spring to early summer, with the potential for a second flush in late summer or early fall if properly maintained. The flowers and foliage emit a strong, pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Stoechas prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soil. It is very susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions.
While generally hardy, this lavender variety is less cold-tolerant than English lavender, so in colder regions, it may require winter protection or be better suited to container growing where it can be moved indoors during harsh weather.
Key Characteristics
- Flower Color: Purple with distinctive “rabbit ear” petals
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Fragrance: Strong and aromatic
Growing Information
Spanish lavender is easily recognised by its unique flower shape and strong fragrance. It is well-suited to hot, dry climates but needs protection from cold and wet conditions.
Care Tips:
- Watering: Low; drought-tolerant
- Pruning: Deadhead regularly to encourage new blooms
- Fertilizing: Minimal; use a low-nitrogen fertiliser if needed
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandin is a hybrid cross between English lavender (L. angustifolia) and spike lavender (L. latifolia). This vigorous hybrid combines the cold hardiness of English lavender with the heat tolerance of spike lavender, resulting in a robust plant suitable for a wide range of climates.
Typically larger than English lavender, lavandin plants can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and wide. They produce long flower stalks with fragrant, light purple blooms, usually flowering later than English lavender. The foliage is grey-green and highly aromatic.
Lavandin is prized for its high essential oil content, making it the most popular choice for commercial lavender oil production. While its stronger, more camphoraceous scent makes it less suitable for culinary use than English lavender, it’s excellent for perfumes, soaps, and other aromatic products. Popular varieties include ‘Grosso’, ‘Provence’, and ‘Phenomenal’.
Key Characteristics
- Flower Color: Light to deep purple
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Fragrance: Strong, camphor-like
Growing Information
Lavandin is a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender, known for its robust growth and high oil content. It is ideal for larger gardens and commercial cultivation.
Care Tips:
- Watering: Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
- Pruning: Trim back by one-third after flowering
- Fertilizing: Annual light feeding
Comparison Table of Lavender Types
| Type | Flower Color | Height | Hardiness Zones | Fragrance | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Lavender | Deep purple, pink, white | 1-3 feet | 5-8 | Sweet and floral | Cold hardy, versatile uses |
| French Lavender | Violet-blue | 2-3 feet | 8-11 | Pine-like with rosemary hint | Long blooming, distinctive toothed leaves |
| Spanish Lavender | Purple with “rabbit ears” | 1-2 feet | 7-10 | Strong and aromatic | Unique flower shape, strong fragrance |
| Lavandin | Light to deep purple | 2-3 feet | 5-9 | Strong, camphor-like | Robust growth, high oil content |
Growing Lavender: Essential Tips
Soil and Planting
Lavender prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with lots of sand or gravel to improve drainage. Plant lavender in a sunny location with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Planting Steps:
- Choose a sunny spot: Lavender needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Prepare the soil: Ensure it is well-drained; amend if necessary.
- Plant spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for airflow.
- Planting depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot.
Watering
Lavender is drought-tolerant once established but needs regular watering during its first growing season. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and encourages new growth and flowering. Prune lavender in early spring and again after flowering. Avoid cutting into the woody part of the plant as it may not regrow.
The picture below shows what happens when you don’t prune after the previous year’s flowering. The plant has less new flowers and looks less attractive with the brown flowers and withered foliage.
Fertilising
Lavender does not require heavy fertilisation. A light application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the spring is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers as they promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Common Pests and Diseases
Lavender is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be affected by a few common issues:
- Aphids: These small insects can be washed off with a strong spray of water or treated with insecticidal soap.
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure proper planting conditions to prevent this.
- Fungal Diseases: Powdery mildew and botrytis can affect lavender in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Favourite Lavender cultivars
Grosso
‘Grosso’ is a lavandin, or hybrid lavender (Lavandula x intermedia), developed in France in the 1970s. This variety was specifically bred for its high essential oil content and is widely used in the perfume industry.
Growing up to 30 inches tall and wide, ‘Grosso’ is a larger, more robust plant than many English lavender varieties. Its foliage consists of long, grey-green leaves that are slightly broader than those of English lavender. The flowers are borne on tall, sturdy stems and are a rich lavender-blue color.
As a hybrid, ‘Grosso’ is typically shorter-lived than pure English lavender varieties, usually lasting 5-7 years. However, it compensates with its vigorous growth and prolific blooming. This variety is particularly known for its strong, sweet fragrance and is often used for commercial lavender oil production.
Phenomenal
‘Phenomenal’ is a relatively new lavender variety, introduced in 2012. It’s a hybrid lavender (Lavandula x intermedia) bred for improved tolerance to heat and humidity, making it suitable for a wider range of climates than many traditional lavenders.
This robust plant can grow up to 32 inches tall and wide, forming a large, rounded bush. Its foliage is silvery-green and highly aromatic. The light purple flowers are borne on long stems, creating an impressive display when in full bloom.
While still relatively new, ‘Phenomenal’ shows promise as a longer-lived hybrid, potentially lasting 8-10 years with proper care. Its resistance to common lavender problems like root rot and foliar diseases makes it an excellent choice for gardeners in challenging climates or those new to growing lavender.
Provence
‘Provence’ is another lavandin variety (Lavandula x intermedia), originating from the Provence region of France. This tall, vigorous cultivar is well-suited for creating lavender hedges and field plantings.
Growing up to 36 inches tall and wide, ‘Provence’ is one of the larger lavender varieties. Its foliage is grey-green and highly aromatic. The pale lavender flowers are borne on long stems, creating a soft, billowing effect in the garden.
As a hybrid, ‘Provence’ typically has a lifespan of 5-7 years. It’s valued for its high essential oil content and is often used in the production of lavender products. This variety is also known for its ability to withstand hotter summers better than many English lavender types.
Uses of Lavender
Culinary Uses
Lavender is used to flavour a variety of dishes, from baked goods to savoury meats. English lavender is the best type for culinary use due to its sweet flavour.
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Lavender oil is popular in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties. English and Lavandin lavenders are commonly used for essential oil production due to their high oil content.
Ornamental and Landscaping
Lavender’s beautiful flowers and foliage make it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding biodiversity to your garden.
Conclusion
Growing lavender in your garden offers both beauty and functionality. By understanding the differences between the various types of lavender and providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy this versatile plant for many years.
Whether you choose the hardy English lavender, the distinctive French lavender, the aromatic Spanish lavender, or the robust Lavandin, each type brings its unique charm and benefits to your garden.
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.