Cultivate 5 Lavender Varieties for Stunning Aroma and Visually Appealing Blossoms
Explore the world of lavender and discover the unique characteristics of English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Lavandin varieties. Each type offers distinct scents, colours, and growing conditions, making them suitable for various climates and garden uses.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Known for its pleasant fragrance and delicate purple flowers, English lavender is a popular choice for gardeners. Varieties such as 'Munstead' and 'Hidcote' are compact (18-24 inches tall), ideal for small spaces, borders, and hedges.
English lavender thrives in hardy USDA zones 5-9 and prefers sunny, well-drained soil with good air circulation. It is evergreen in mild climates and blooms mid to late summer, with potential for a second bloom if pruned.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French lavender is easily identified by its narrow, fine-toothed leaves with a rosemary-like scent. Compact varieties like 'Royal Crown' suit cottage gardens and container planting. French lavender is best in mild, warm climates with moderate winters (zones 8-11).
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Recognisable by its distinct “pine-like” scented flowers, often topped with colourful bracts, Spanish lavender is known for its heat and humidity tolerance, disease resistance, and drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, humid climates zones 8-10, particularly well-suited to drought conditions and poor soils.
Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia or spike lavender)
Portuguese lavender has larger, broader leaves compared to other lavenders, with pale blue-lilac flowers and a stronger camphor-like scent. It is praised for its ability to attract bees and beneficial insects. Native to the Iberian Peninsula, Portuguese lavender is highly heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, ideal for warm, dry climates.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandin is a hybrid created by crossing English lavender with another species. Known for its larger, more vigorous plants and very fragrant blooms, lavandin is considered less fussy and adaptable. Lavandin hybrids are hardy in USDA zones 5b-9 and are generally tougher, suitable for a wider range of climates.
Common Growing Tips
- All types of lavender favour well-drained, slightly dry soils and full sun exposure.
- Avoid heavy clay or soggy soils as lavender roots do not tolerate waterlogging.
- Most lavenders prefer minimal fertiliser and are drought tolerant once established.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and extend blooming periods.
These distinctions allow gardeners to select lavender best suited to their climate, soil, and garden use, ranging from hardy English types for cooler areas to heat-loving Spanish and Portuguese varieties for warmer, drier zones.
The 'Royal Anouk' variety of Spanish lavender is available from Proven Winners, while 'Munstead' lavender heirloom seeds can be found in the article's platform Shop. Portuguese lavender, also known as Lavandula latifolia or spike lavender, is praised for its immense ability to attract bees and other beneficial insects. The 'Royal Crown' variety of French lavender is a compact shrub that is perfect for cottage gardens. English lavender produces immensely fragrant purple-blue flowers.
For those seeking a wider variety, Portuguese lavender seeds can be purchased from Eden Brothers, and some useful varieties of English lavender include 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead'. Many lavandin varieties are considered to be the most fragrant of lavender plants.
[1] Proven Winners: https://provenwinners.com/ [2] Eden Brothers: https://www.edenbrothers.com/ [3] The Lavender Lady: https://www.thelavenderranch.com/ [4] The Lavender Farm: https://www.thelavenderfarm.co.uk/ [5] The Herb Society: https://www.herbsociety.org/
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) can be an excellent addition to home-and-garden projects, with its delightful scent and charming purple flowers. Varieties such as 'Munstead' and 'Hidcote' are suitable for small spaces and are perfect for borders, hedges, or even lifestyle uses in gardens.
Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia or spike lavender), native to the Iberian Peninsula, is renowned for its strength in attracting bees and beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for home and garden enthusiasts wanting to create a sustainable home-and-garden environment with a stunning display of colours.
