Types of Lavender: A Comparison Guide for the Perfect Choice
Types of Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula) is such a beautiful and versatile plant! For centuries, people have used it for everything from medicine to cooking to decoration. There are so many types of lavender out there, each with its own unique traits and uses. In this blog post, let's dive into the five main categories: English, Hybrids-Lavandin, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Believe it or not, there are over 450 different cultivars to explore!
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English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Appearance: English lavender is known for its small fragrant flowers on long stems that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers can range in color from light purple to deep blue, and the plant has a compact and bushy growth habit. Also known as common or true lavender.
Growing Conditions: English lavender thrives in cooler climates and is best suited for Zones 5-9.
Uses: This type of lavender is commonly used for its essential oils, culinary purposes, or as a decorative plant in gardens.
Popular varieties: Munstead, Hidcote, Lady Lavender, Royal Velvet, Superblue, Thumbelina.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Appearance: Lavandin is a hybrid cross between Lavandula angustifolia (English) and Lavandula latifolia (Portuguese) lavender, resulting in larger plants with longer stems and bigger flowers than English lavender. The flowers can range in color from pale purple to deep blue. They are the most popular type due to their vitality and excellent disease resistance.
Growing Conditions: They do best in Zones 5-9.
Uses: Due to their high oil content, hybrids are often grown commercially for use in perfumes and other products.
Popular varieties: Grosso, Phenomenal, Sensational, Provence, Dilly Dilly, Sweet Lavender.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
Appearance: French lavender is easily identifiable by its unique serrated leaves and compact, plump flower spikes. The blooms are a pale purple with darker tips, earning it the name Fringed lavender.
Growing Conditions: thriving in zones 8 to 9.
Uses: French lavender is commonly used for ornamental purposes and is often planted in pots or borders. It is less fragrant than English Lavender.
Popular varieties: Royal Crown
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Appearance: Spanish lavender is similar in appearance to French lavender, with its "rabbit ear" bracts and large vibrant purple flowers. However, it can also have pink, white, or blue flowers. This beautiful variety is also known as Butterfly lavender.
Growing Conditions: Spanish lavender is more heat-tolerant than other types of lavender and does best in Zones 8-9. It also can tolerate higher levels of humidity
Uses: Along with being a popular ornamental plant, Spanish lavender is often used for crafting and making sachets due to its strong fragrance.
Popular varieties: Anouk, Silver Anouk, Ballerina, Bandera Purple.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
Appearance: Portuguese lavender, also known as broadleaved or spike lavender, has a unique scent that is stronger and more pungent than other types of lavender due to its high camphor content. The flowers are pale lilac and grow on long, slender stems without leaves.
Growing Conditions: This type of lavender is best suited for Zones 6-8 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Uses: Portuguese lavender is commonly used for its essential oils. Its strong fragrance makes it a popular choice for medicinal applications.
Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
Choosing the Right Lavender for Your Garden
When selecting which type of lavender to plant in your garden, it's important to consider the specific conditions and climate of your area. English lavender is a great option for cooler climates, while French and Spanish lavender are more suited to hot, dry areas. If you're looking for a robust and high-yielding plant, lavandin (a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender) may be the perfect choice.
Planting Tips
Soil: All types of lavender prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
Sunlight: Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun.
Spacing: Give each plant enough room to grow and spread out, as lavender can become quite large if not properly spaced.
RELATED: How to Plant a Lavender Hedge: A Step-by-Step Guide
Enjoying Your Lavender
No matter which type of lavender you choose to grow in your garden, all have their own unique beauty and uses. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorites and enjoy the benefits of this versatile plant. From the calming scent of English lavender to the vibrant colors of French and Spanish lavender, there is a type for every gardener to enjoy.
