Types of Lavender Plants: Complete Growing Guide

Exploring Lavender Types

Getting a grip on the different kinds of lavender plants is a must-do for anyone keen on growing and tending to these sweet-smelling wonders. We’ll dig into the French and English versions first and then check out some of the top lavender picks out there.

French vs. English Lavender

French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) stand out in the lavender crowd with their distinct traits.

Even though France is famous for its lavender, you won’t find French lavender growing all over the place. French lavender has a long blooming season from spring clear through summer, which means you get to enjoy its fresh blooms for a good chunk of the year.

English lavender is the go-to for folks who need a plant that can handle the cold and smells heavenly (Gardenia.net). It easily survives in chillier climates, making it perfect for places where winters can be tough.

Top Lavender Varieties

Besides the French and English types, there are several other lavender versions worth a look:

1. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): Mixing English and Portuguese vibes, Lavandin grows big and gives off a strong scent. It’s a favorite for essential oils because of how much oil it packs.

2. Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia): Known for its pointed leaves and strong smell, it thrives where it’s warm and adds zest to dishes while also being handy for oils.

3. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): With its funky ‘rabbit-eared’ blooms, Spanish lavender catches the eye and nose in equal measure. It’s a big hit in Mediterranean spots where it’s nice and sunny.

4. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): Mentioned before, it’s great for places with mild winters and is loved for its long blooms and decent scent, perfect for sprucing up gardens.

These lavender stars offer something for everyone, whether it’s about where they will grow best, how they look, or how you plan to use them. Wanna dig deeper into lavender stuff like fitting companion plants or nailing the sunlight needs? Check out our in-depth articles for more.

Characteristics of Lavender Types

Sorting through the different kinds of lavender can save you a headache when picking the perfect one for your garden. Think about how big they get, how they grow, how their flowers look, and how they smell.

Size and Growth Habit

Lavender types are like people—coming in all shapes and sizes. Here’s a quick comparison of some popular picks:

If your garden’s on the petite side, English lavender’s your buddy, snug and tidy for compact spaces or potted up on your porch. French lavender, on the other hand, is your show-off neighbor, spreading out and stealing the spotlight—great if you’ve got the space (does a lavender plant need a focal point).

Flower Appearance and Fragrance

Those lavender blooms aren’t just for looks—they offer quite the nose experience too. Here’s a little breakdown:

French lavender’s like the TV series that never ends, flowering away from spring through summer. English, on the flip side, goes for a short but sweet run, tossing out an intense aroma in the process. Check out the detailed lavender plant bloom time for more on their schedules.

Knowing these traits helps you pick great lavender companion plants that play well together in your garden sandbox. And if you’re more about the feels—like a traditional lavender scent or the quirky look of Spanish lavender—each type’s got its groove. Dive into more lavender goodies at lavender plant fun facts if you’re curious!

Common Lavender Varieties

Lavender, a garden superstar known for its soothing scent, comes with many personalities, perfect for garden decoration or whipping up essential oils. Let’s chat about three fan-favorites: English Lavender, Lavandin, and Portuguese Lavender.

English Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Meet the superstar of the lavender world, English Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia if you’re feeling fancy. Famous types include ‘Hidcote’, ‘Nana Alba’, and ‘Little Lottie’ (Gardenia.net).

This slow-moving champion is a perennial favorite, literally, that grows steady and sure. It loves to chill in zones 5 through 8 and spreads around 24 inches in height and 36 inches wide when it’s all grown up (Modern Frontierswoman). Thanks to its knockout fragrance and good looks, it’s the belle of many gardens and kitchens alike.

Lavandin (Lavandula x Intermedia)

Then there’s Lavandin, or Lavandula x intermedia, the hybrid that gets its groove from English and Portuguese Lavender. This variety stands out for being a big deal in the essential oil corner, getting praise for its size and oil bounty.

Say hello to ‘Provence’, ‘Grosso’, and ‘Phenomenal’, all popular picks in the Lavandin crew (Gardenia.net). With their bigger stature, these guys shoot up to 36 inches and feel most at home in zones 6 through 9.

Curious about trimming your lavender the right way? Swing by our guide on how to prune lavender plants.

Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula Latifolia)

Portuguese Lavender, or Lavandula latifolia, likes to take things up a notch. Standing tall at about 36 inches, it’s perfect for warmer zones 7 through 9. It fits right in with those who like their lavender a little higher off the ground.

This type is loved for its sleek, long leaves and captivating flowers that make noses twitch with its camphor-like scent. And for those who like to experiment in the kitchen, its leaves and blooms make their culinary mark in recipes like salads, breads, and desserts (Modern Frontierswoman).

Need more info on which lavender thrives where? Check out our piece on Best Lavender for Different Climates.

Each variety of lavender brings something special to the garden party. Whether you’re in it for the eye candy, the nose tinglers, or gourmet adventures, there’s a lavender for you.

Uncommon Lavender Types

While English lavender and lavandin are the stars of the lavender world, let’s not overlook some other cool lavender varieties that have their own charm. Get ready to meet French lavender and Spanish lavender—each with its special traits and perks.

French Lavender (Lavandula Dentata)

Say hello to French lavender, or “Lavandula dentata” if you’re feeling fancy. This one doesn’t hang out as much as its English cousin. Originally from the Mediterranean’s sunny shores, it likes life in places with cool, damp winters and hot, dry summers. It’s a bit of a beach bum, really.

You can spot French lavender by its funky leaves that look like someone’s been giving them a little trim with pinking shears. The flowers are a sweet shade of violet-blue, lounging on long, sleek stalks and giving off a camphor-like smell that’s stronger than your morning coffee. You’ll find this plant showing off in gardens purely for its looks, livening up any landscape.

• Scientific Name: Lavandula dentata
• Common Use: Eye candy in gardens and landscapes
• Flower Color: Violet-blue
• Fragrance: Smells like camphor
• Climate Preference: Wants steamy summers and cooler, wet winters
• Hardiness Zone: 8-11

Thinking of sprucing up your garden with some of this purple magic? Check out our guide on fab ways to use lavender in your garden.

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas)

Next up, Spanish lavender—a.k.a. Lavandula stoechas. This one’s quite the looker, sporting pineapple-esque flower buds and bright colors that’ll fetch plenty of compliments. It’s made for living the hot, dry life, flourishing in hardiness zones 7 through 9 without breaking a sweat.

It’s easy to spot Spanish lavender: just look for flower spikes with bracts on top, resembling little hats. The blooms are a rich, deep purple and smell oh-so-sweet. Hardy and pretty, it doesn’t mind if conditions aren’t perfect—it’s still gonna shine in your garden.

• Scientific Name: Lavandula stoechas
• Common Use: Ornamentation and jazzing up landscapes
• Flower Shape: Hello, pineapple!
• Flower Color: Deep, plush purple
• Fragrance: Sweet like candy
• Climate Preference: Loves it when it’s hot and dry
• Hardiness Zone: 7-9

For all the tips on keeping your lavender happy through the seasons, see our article on how to care for your lavender.

French and Spanish lavender each bring something awesome to the table. Whether it’s those sawtooth leaves on the French kind or the quirky flower tops on the Spanish, both add a splash of beauty and resilience to gardens. Thinking about mixing these up with other greenery? Dive into more lavender companion ideas.

Best Lavender for Different Climates

Picking the perfect lavender for where you live is kind of a big deal. Different kinds of lavender play by their own rules when it comes to climate and growing quirks.

Lavender Varieties for Hot and Dry Climates

Got more heat than a pepper and the rain’s on strike? You need lavender that laughs at the sun. French and Spanish types are like the desert’s best pals.

Check this out if you’re curious about plants that resemble lavender.

Lavender Varieties for Hot, Humid Climates

Humidity got you sweating bullets? You need lavender that doesn’t mind a little steam. Lavandin and Portuguese versions stand strong in muggy weather.

Lavender Varieties for Cool, Wet Climates

Living where coats are in fashion more often than not? You need lavender that’s cool with high moisture and a drizzle. English lavender is your trusty companion here.

English lavender’s a fan favorite in cool spots, blooming like a champ and surviving the chill. If you’re thinking pots over plots, peep our guide on lavender plant in pot.

Need to baby these lavender types more? Visit our lavender plant care page. And remember, knowing about where lavender likes to hang out – its habitat – makes all the difference in getting it to bloom like a boss.

Caring for Lavender Plants

Lavender plants boast captivating blooms and a delightful aroma. They’re nature’s way of offering a pinch of calm to your garden, but to keep them on their A-game, they need some TLC. This bit lays out how to give them the proper care they crave, touching on growing conditions to pruning those wild branches.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Lavender has its quirks—it’s picky about sunlight, soil, and how much water it gets. Nail these basics and you’re on your way to becoming the lavender-whisperer.

Check out our guide on where lavender likes to chill for more on making it feel at home.

Pruning and Maintenance

Keeping your lavender tidy and thriving isn’t too hard if you stick to a good pruning game. It helps the plant grow better, look neat, and bloom like it means it.

• Pruning Time: Time to trim is around late summer or early fall after the flowers have done their thing.
• Pruning Technique: Give it a hairdo by snipping about a third of the plant but avoid the woody parts—it’s not forgiving if you cut too deep.
• Deadheading: Keep up with plucking off those faded blooms all season to keep the flowers coming and stop seeds from setting.
• Fertilization: Lavender isn’t too needy in the food department. An occasional light sprinkle of fertilizer is more than enough (basics of lavender care).
• Pest Control: Usually, bugs don’t bother too much, but do keep an eye out for aphids or root rot. Keep air moving around and don’t drown it while watering (treating pests).

Show lavender a little love and you’ll enjoy its charm and scent in spades. Want to get into the specifics of different lavender types and their quirks? Peek at our guides on lavender varieties and creative uses for lavender.