Lavender, with its captivating fragrance and striking purple blooms, is a beloved plant around the world. Known for its calming effects and versatile uses, lavender has been cherished for centuries.
Whether you're planting a lavender hedge, crafting fragrant sachets, or enhancing your culinary creations, lavender is a versatile and rewarding addition to any home or garden. By selecting the right type of lavender for your climate and growing conditions, you can enjoy its beauty, fragrance, and numerous uses for years to come.
Here are five of the most common types of lavender available today.
1. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is a compact shrub with narrow, silvery-green leaves and dense spikes of fragrant purple flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region (however, not England), English lavender can grow up to 2-3 feet tall.
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Soil needs: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5.
Sun exposure: Full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day).
Growing tips:
Prune annually to maintain shape and promote vigorous growth.
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Décor ideas:
Use dried English lavender in sachets and potpourri.
Add fresh sprigs to floral arrangements for a touch of elegance.
Incorporate in culinary dishes for a subtle, aromatic flavor.
2. French lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French lavender features toothed leaves and tufted flower spikes with a distinctive, piney fragrance. Reaching heights of 2-3 feet tall, French lavender is endemic to the western Mediterranean as well as parts of the Arabian Peninsula, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Yemen.
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11
Bloom times: Late spring through summer, often with a second bloom in autumn
Soil needs: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil
Sun exposure: Full sun
Growing tips:
Trim regularly to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Protect from excessive winter moisture.
Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Décor ideas:
Use in Mediterranean-themed gardens for its distinctive look.
Create fragrant wreaths and garlands.
Display in rustic pots for an eye-catching indoor decoration.
3. Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Spanish lavender is known for its unique pineapple-shaped flower heads topped with colorful bracts. Like other types of lavender, Spanish lavender is native to the Mediterranean, specifically countries like Spain, Portugal, and France.
USDA hardiness zones: 7-10
Bloom times: Late spring to early summer, with potential for additional blooms in fall
Soil needs: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil
Sun exposure: Full sun.
Growing tips:
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Ensure soil has excellent drainage to avoid root rot.
Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of mold.
Décor ideas:
Plant in borders and rock gardens for a striking visual effect.
Use fresh or dried blooms in aromatic sachets and crafts.
Combine with other Mediterranean plants for a themed garden.
4. Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
Portuguese lavender, with its broad, grey-green leaves and tall spikes of violet-blue flowers, can reach a height of 3 feet. This aromatic shrub is native to the Western Mediterranean region, from central Portugal to northern Italy through Spain and southern France.
USDA hardiness zones: 6-9
Bloom times: Mid to late summer
Soil needs: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
Sun exposure: Full sun
Growing tips:
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Avoid heavy, clay soils to prevent waterlogging.
Plant in raised beds or slopes for better drainage.
Décor ideas:
Add to mixed perennial borders for height and color.
Use in dried floral arrangements and wreaths.
Plant near patios and walkways to enjoy its fragrance.
5. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandin, a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender, has long stems and large, fragrant, purple-blue flower spikes. When fully mature, the plant can grow to 2-3 feet in height.
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom times: Mid to late summer
Soil needs: Well-draining, sandy soil
Sun exposure: Full sun
Growing tips:
Cut back after flowering to promote new growth.
Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Water sparingly to avoid root rot.
Décor ideas:
Use in large-scale landscaping for its impressive size.
Harvest for essential oil production.
Create stunning dried flower bundles and bouquets.
AUTHOR
Check out the helpful blog posts written by the 1800Flowers crew! Everything from gifting to flower fun facts to DIYs we have you covered!
