A Comprehensive Guide to Lavender Types and Growing Tips
A fragrant garden staple that thrives in sunlit, well-drained spots for years to come.
Lavender Types & Perennial Plants: An In-Depth Growing Guide
Lavender, a beloved perennial plant known for its fragrance, beauty, and versatility, is a mainstay in gardens worldwide. With over 40 species and hundreds of cultivars, understanding lavender types and proper growing techniques is essential for cultivating lush, aromatic displays and harvesting quality blooms. This guide will walk you through the main lavender categories, essential growing tips, and answers to common gardeners’ questions.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Lavender
- Main Types of Lavender
- Popular Lavender Varieties
- How to Grow Lavender
- Popular Uses of Lavender
- Care, Pruning & Maintenance
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to Lavender
Belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family, lavender (Lavandula) is native to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India. It adapts well to a range of climates and is prized for:
- Fragrant flowers and foliage used in essential oils, crafts, and cuisine
- Attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies
- Tolerance of drought and hot, dry conditions (with some varieties more adaptable than others)
Gardeners can choose from several main types of lavender based on climate, garden style, and end-use, from compact border plants to dramatic bouquets. Next, we’ll explore the main groups and their characteristics.
Main Types of Lavender
| Type | Botanical Name | Key Traits | Hardiness | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | Compact, sweetly scented, cold-hardy | Zones 5-9 | Borders, edging, culinary |
| Lavandin (Hybrid Lavender) | Lavandula x intermedia | Large plants, long stems, strong aroma | Zones 5-8 | Commercial oil, bouquets |
| French Lavender | Lavandula dentata | Serrated leaves, moderate fragrance, long bloom | Zones 8-11 | Ornamental, heat-tolerant gardens |
| Spanish Lavender | Lavandula stoechas | Distinctive ‘rabbit-ear’ bracts, compact, blooms early | Zones 7-10 | Containers, warm climates |
| Others | L. multifida, L. lanata | Less common, varied foliage, heat tolerance | Zones 9-11 | Specialty gardens |
Note: Hardiness and ideal uses may vary slightly among cultivars. Always consult local guidance for best results.
Popular Lavender Varieties to Grow
With over 450 recognized cultivars and hybrids, here are eleven reliable types recommended for gardeners of all skill levels:
- ‘Hidcote’ (English): Deep violet flowers, compact growth. Excellent for borders and drying. Cold-hardy.
- ‘Munstead’ (English): Early blooming, small habit, fragrant blue-lilac flowers. Thrives in pots and paths.
- ‘Ellagance Purple’ (English): Striking, rich purple flower spikes with uniform growth and strong stems.
- ‘Grosso’ (Lavandin): Long, aromatic stems ideal for sachets. Large plant with heavy, dark purple heads.
- ‘Provence’ (Lavandin): Famous for intense scent and graceful, elongated blooms. Top choice for drying and crafts.
- ‘Phenomenal’ (Lavandin): Exceptional tolerance to heat, cold, and humidity. Silvery leaves and long, fragrant wands.
- ‘Otto Quast’ (Spanish): Marked by showy ‘bunny ear’ bracts topping the compact purple spikes. Loves sun and heat, adds whimsy.
- ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’ (French): Silver-toothed foliage and dark violet flowers; highly drought-resistant.
- Fernleaf Lavender (L. multifida): Ferny foliage, low spreading habit, thrives in warmth, blooms much of the year in mild regions.
- ‘Anouk’ (Spanish): Notable for burgundy bracts, compactness, and multiple blooming cycles.
- ‘Imperial Gem’ (English): Robust, neat shrub, abundant mid-blue spikesâgreat for edging and hedging.
Comparing English, French, Spanish, and Hybrid Lavenders
| English | French | Spanish | Lavandin (Hybrid) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloom Period | Late springâsummer | Spring to fall | Early spring | Summer |
| Size | Small, compact | Medium-large | Small to medium | Large, bushy |
| Scent | Sweet, mild | Flowery, slightly resinous | Strong, piney | Pungent, herbal |
| Hardiness | Very hardy | Less hardy | Moderate | Hardy, especially to drought |
| Ornamental Value | High (classic herbal) | High (foliage interest) | High (unique blooms) | High (height, fragrance) |
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How to Grow Lavender Successfully
Choosing the Right Spot:
- Sun: Full sun is crucialâensure at least 6-8 hours daily.
- Drainage: Well-drained soil; amend heavy soil with sand or gravel.
- Soil pH: Prefers alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.5â7.5).
- Air Flow: Good circulation reduces fungal disease risk.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in early spring or early fall, allowing roots to establish before heat or frost.
- Space plants 18â36 inches apart, depending on mature width.
- For containers, use gritty potting mix and ensure pots have adequate drainage holes.
Watering:
- Water newly planted lavender regularly until established (about 1 year).
- Once established, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of failure.
Fertilizing: Lavender prefers lean soils. Excess fertilizer can reduce fragrance and flower production.
For containers or poor soils, a light spring feeding with low-nitrogen fertilizer is sufficient.
Climate Considerations
- Hot, dry climates: Spanish and French lavenders excel; mulch with gravel, not organic matter.
- Humid areas: Choose disease-resistant varieties (like ‘Phenomenal’) and focus on airflow.
- Cold climates: English types and hardy lavandins overwinter best, often with winter mulch for roots.
Popular Uses of Lavender
- Essential oils: Distilled for aromatherapy, soaps, and lotions.
- Culinary: English types preferred for flavoring baked goods, teas, and salads.
- Dried arrangements: Harvest flower stems before full bloom for the longest-lasting bunches.
- Landscaping: Hedging, borders, rock gardens, and Mediterranean schemes.
Lavender Care, Pruning & Maintenance
- Pruning: Prune hard in early spring to maintain bushiness and prevent woodiness. Lightly trim spent blooms in summer for reblooming (especially Spanish and French types).
- Mulching: Use gravel mulch to protect roots and improve drainageâavoid bark or compost around stems.
- Dividing and Propagation: Take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early fall; seeds are slow but possible for some types.
- Common Problems: Watch for root rot (from wet soil), fungal diseases (in humid climates), and periodic aphid infestations. Most lavenders are deer- and rabbit-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between English and French lavender?
English lavender is more cold-hardy, with sweet fragrance and compact growth, ideal for culinary uses. French lavender has more decorative foliage, tolerates hot, dry summers, but offers a lighter floral scent and is less cold-tolerant.
Can I grow lavender in pots?
Yes. Use a gritty, well-drained soil mix and water sparingly. Container lavender may require winter protection in cold climates.
How often should I prune lavender?
Hard pruning in early spring (removing about one-third of top growth) keeps plants compact and healthy. Light deadheading after flowering can encourage repeat blooms.
Why is my lavender not flowering?
Poor flowering is often due to too much shade, excessive water, or overly rich soil. Ensure full sun and good drainage for best flowering.
Which lavender is best for hot climates?
Spanish and French lavenders perform best in hot, dry conditions. ‘Phenomenal’ (Lavandin) is notably heat- and humidity-tolerant.
Is lavender poisonous to pets?
Lavender is not considered highly toxic to pets, but large quantities could cause mild digestive upset if eaten. Most animals generally avoid it.
How do I overwinter lavender?
In zones colder than the plantâs rating, provide winter mulch around the base, avoid standing water, and consider potted lavender for easier sheltering indoors.
Which lavender varieties are best for culinary use?
Stick to English lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) and avoid hybrids and French types for the best flavor and lowest camphor content.
How long do lavender plants live?
With proper care and pruning, lavender can thrive for 10â15 years or more.
Does lavender attract bees and pollinators?
Yes; lavender is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it excellent for wildlife and vegetable gardens.
References
- https://homegrown-garden.com/blogs/blog/how-many-types-of-lavender-plants-are-there
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu2ySDv2isk
- https://www.gardenia.net/guide/how-to-choose-the-right-lavender
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/lavender-types-perennial-plants-growing-guide/
- https://www.gardenista.com/garden-design-101/perennials/lavender-lavandula/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/field-guide-lavender/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-things-nobody-tells-lavender/
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