Cultivating 5 Varieties of Lavender for Stunning Scents and Captivating Blossoms
Lavender, with its fragrant blooms and versatile uses, is a popular choice for many gardeners. This article will explore the various types of lavender plants, their characteristics, and optimal growing conditions to help you choose the perfect lavender for your garden.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most common type, known for its hardiness, edibility, and ability to bloom twice a year. English lavender comes in various colours, including white, pink, blue-violet, purple, and more. Some popular varieties include 'Hidcote' (deep purple with silver-gray foliage), 'Munstead' (violet-blue and compact), and 'Miss Katherine' (pink and aromatic). English lavender prefers well-drained soil and tolerates cold winters, making it suitable for zones 5–9. It's excellent for fragrance, edible use, and attracting pollinators.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid created by crossing English lavender with another species. These plants are generally larger and bloom once a year, later in the summer. Lavandin varieties are known for their vigour and heat/humidity tolerance, with long flower spikes. Notable examples include ‘Phenomenal’ (disease-resistant) and ‘Provence’ (very fragrant). Lavandin is often grown for essential oils and is more vigorous but blooms less frequently than English lavender.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) is characterised by its fringed leaves, making it suitable for pots and containers. French lavender blooms mid to late summer and is winter-hardy only in warmer regions. It prefers warm, dry climates and well-drained soil. Compact shrubs like the 'Royal Crown' variety are ideal for cottage gardens and are more suited to warmer climates.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has a distinctive pine-like scent and is drought-tolerant and heat-resistant. It thrives in warm, dry regions with prolonged droughts and prefers well-drained soil. Spanish lavender is perfect for container gardening and is able to withstand harsh conditions without flower loss.
Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia or spike lavender) has broad leaves and taller plants with long stems. It produces pale blue-lilac flowers and has a stronger camphor-like scent. Portuguese lavender is highly heat-tolerant and is praised for its ability to attract bees and other beneficial insects.
All types of lavender require well-drained soil, full sun exposure (at least 6 hours daily), and slightly dry soil. Too much fertilizer or moisture can reduce flower production. Heat tolerance varies by species, with some blooming quickly when temperatures rise. Pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages new growth. Lavender is hardiest in zones approximately 5–9 for English lavenders and lavandins, and 7–11 for French and Spanish types.
Gardeners can find French lavender seeds and plants at local nurseries each spring. The 'Grosso' lavandin variety is fairly common, and most commonly cultivated varieties are divided into several categories, depending upon their species. The 'Royal Anouk' variety of Spanish lavender is a unique take on traditional lavender shrubs and is perfect for container gardening or landscape use.
English lavender's long stems are ideal for use in cut flower arrangements, dried bouquets, and craft projects. Portuguese lavender is praised for its immense ability to attract bees and other beneficial insects. Some of the most useful varieties of English lavender include 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead'. French lavender is best grown in regions where winter temperatures remain moderate.
When cooking with lavender, the English variety is recommended to avoid bitter or soapy tastes. English lavender varieties are available in both large and compact forms. Spanish lavender is most common in warmer regions that experience prolonged periods of drought. English lavender is commonly referred to as "true" lavender and begins blooming in early summer, producing immensely fragrant purple-blue flowers. Spanish lavender is able to withstand the harshest of conditions without noticeable decrease in the number or quality of flowers.
With this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped to choose the right lavender for your garden based on your climate, garden space, and desired use. Happy gardening!
[1] Lavender Varieties: A Complete Guide [2] Lavender: Choosing the Right Variety for Your Garden [3] Growing Lavender: A Guide for Gardeners [4] How to Grow Lavender: A Beginner's Guide
- When planning your home-and-garden, consider the diverse varieties of lavender such as English Lavender, Lavandin, French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, and Portuguese Lavender, each with unique characteristics and growing conditions.
- For a fragrant and attractive lifestyle, English Lavender is a popular choice due to its hardiness, edibility, and ability to bloom twice a year in suitable conditions, making it ideal for zones 5–9.
