What Are the Four Types of Lavender, True Lavenders
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| English lavender |
The most commonly cultivated and readily available types of lavender are English lavender, Spike lavender, French lavender, and Spanish lavender. These four types of lavender are widely considered true lavenders, or historical lavenders. Understanding them is one key to understanding the many lavender varieties on the market today.
While these four lavender species are the major players, there are other lavender species that contribute to the abundance of modern lavender cultivars. Even so, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula dentata, and Lavandula stoechas are the foundational species for most commercially available lavenders on the market today. Here are some of their distinguishing characteristics:
Four Types of Lavender, the Basics
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
This is the most common type of lavender and the one most people picture when they think of lavender. It's known for its:
- Narrow, silvery-green leaves
- Sweet, floral fragrance
- Preference for cooler climates
- Mid to late summer blooms
Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
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This species offers a strong fragrance. It's other notable features include:
- Broad leaves
- A stronger, more camphor like scent
- Tolerance for heat and humidity
- Early blooming, often in early spring
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
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| French lavender |
Lavandula dentata (French Lavender): The delicately scalloped gray-green leaves of French Lavender look dramatic and distinctive in the garden. This lavender species is known for its:
- Scalloped, broader leaves
- Strong, camphoraceous fragrance
- Tolerance of warmer climates than English lavender
- Summer blooms
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
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Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender): This variety makes a statement with its striking "rabbit ear" flowers. Other characteristics include:
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
- Less emphasis on leaf characteristics
- Showy plump, dark purple bloooms
- Thrives in warm climates with some humidity tolerance
- Long blooming season from mid-summer to fall
Four Types of Lavender, Profiles
English Lavender
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a beloved flowering herb prized for its beauty and fragrance. It is the most popular of the four types of lavender. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), it brings a touch of elegance to the landscape. English lavender is a versatile plant, used for everything from cooking to potpourri and aromatherapy.Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9
Heirloom/GMO:
English lavender seeds can be saved and replanted, classifying them as heirloom. There are no commercially available GMO English lavender varieties.
Sowing Recommendations:
Direct sow seeds outdoors in late fall or early spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Alternatively, seeds can be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, then transplanted outdoors after hardening off.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination occurs.
- Days to Germination: 14 to 21 days
Moisture and Humidity Needs: English lavender is drought tolerant once established. Water deeply and occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid excessive watering. English lavender does not require high humidity.
Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
Spacing: Plant English lavender seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for mature growth.
Days to Maturity: English lavender will typically reach maturity within its first year, flowering in late spring or early summer.
Height at Maturity: Depending on the variety, English lavender can reach heights of 12 to 36 inches.
Pests and Diseases: English lavender is relatively pest and disease resistant. Occasional problems can include fungal diseases like fusarium wilt or botrytis in overly moist conditions. Watch for aphids or whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Other potential pests include mealy bugs and spider mites.
Common Uses:
Culinary: The fresh or dried flowers and leaves of English lavender can be used as flavoring for both hot and cold beverages, condiments, desserts, and savory dishes.
Medicinal: English lavender has calming properties and is often used in aromatherapy.
Sachets and Potpourri: The dried flowers of English lavender are used to create fragrant sachets and potpourri for drawers and closets.
Ornamental: English lavender is a popular ornamental plant, adding beauty and fragrance to gardens, borders, and containers.
Best Attributes:
- Beautiful fragrant flowersj
- Drought tolerant
- Low maintenance
- Versatile uses in cooking, crafts, aromatherapy and herbal medicine
- Attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies
Lore: Lavender has been associated with various symbolic meanings throughout history. It is often linked to love, purity, and peace. In some cultures, lavender is believed to ward off evil spirits and promote good luck.
Propagation Methods:
Seed: English lavender can be propagated easily from seed.
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer can be rooted in soil or water to create new plants.
Layering: Layering involves encouraging the growth of roots on a stem that is still attached to the parent plant.
Division: Established English lavender plants can be divided in spring or fall.
Common Names: True lavender, Common lavender, Narrow-leaved lavender
Seed Longevity: English lavender seeds can remain viable for 2-3 years when stored in a cool, dark location.
Companion Planting Pairings: English lavender is a beneficial companion plant for many vegetables and herbs. Its fragrant blooms attract pollinators that can help improve the yield of other plants. Here are some good companion planting pairings for English lavender:
Botanical Name: Lavandula latifolia
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 - 10 (Some cultivars are hardy down to Zone 6)
Heirloom/GMO: Spike lavender seeds can be saved and replanted, classifying them as heirloom. There are no commercially available GMO Spike lavender varieties.
Sowing Recommendations:
Common Names: True lavender, Common lavender, Narrow-leaved lavender
Seed Longevity: English lavender seeds can remain viable for 2-3 years when stored in a cool, dark location.
Companion Planting Pairings: English lavender is a beneficial companion plant for many vegetables and herbs. Its fragrant blooms attract pollinators that can help improve the yield of other plants. Here are some good companion planting pairings for English lavender:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, carrots, onions
- Herbs: Rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano
- Flowers: Roses, chamomile, yarrow, poppie
Spike Lavender
Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) offers a stronger, more camphor like fragrance than English lavender and is more heat and drought tolerant. This historically significant true lavender thrives in warmer climates, even when higher humidity levels are commonplace. This makes it a versatile choice for a fragrant and low-maintenance garden.Botanical Name: Lavandula latifolia
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 - 10 (Some cultivars are hardy down to Zone 6)
Heirloom/GMO: Spike lavender seeds can be saved and replanted, classifying them as heirloom. There are no commercially available GMO Spike lavender varieties.
Sowing Recommendations:
Spike lavender can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
- Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in late fall or early spring after the danger of frost has passed in warmer climates (Zones 8-10).
- In cooler climates (Zones 7-6), start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after hardening off.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination occurs.
Soil Requirements: Spike lavender prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly alkaline pH (between 6.7 and 7.8). Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Spike lavender is drought tolerant once established. Water deeply and occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid excessive watering. Spike lavender tolerates higher humidity levels than English lavender.
Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
Spacing: Plant Spike lavender seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for mature growth, as it has a bushier habit than English lavender.
Days to Maturity: Spike lavender will typically reach maturity from seed within 2 years. Plants grown from cuttings will mature faster.
Height at Maturity: Spike lavender can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet at maturity.
Pests and Diseases: Spike lavender is relatively pest and disease resistant. Occasional problems can include fungal diseases like fusarium wilt or botrytis in overly moist conditions. Watch for aphids or whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Other potential pests include mealy bugs and spider mites.
Common Uses:
Ornamental: Spike lavender is a popular ornamental plant, adding beauty and fragrance to gardens, borders, and containers. Its strong fragrance makes it a welcome addition to walkways and patios.
Culinary: The flowers and leaves of Spike lavender can be used in a limited capacity for culinary purposes, with a stronger, more camphoraceous flavor than English lavender. It can be used in savory dishes or herbal teas.
Medicinal: Spike lavender has antiseptic and decongestant properties and is sometimes used in aromatherapy.
Best Attributes:
- Strong, fragrant blooms
- Drought tolerant
- Tolerates higher humidity than English lavender
- Earlier blooming season than English lavender (typically blooms in early summer)
- Attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies
Seed: Spike lavender can be propagated from seed, though germination rates can be lower than cuttings.
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer can be rooted in soil or water to create new plants. This is the preferred propagation method for Spike lavender.
Common Names: Broadleaf lavender, French lavender (though not a true French lavender)
Seed Longevity: Spike lavender seeds can remain viable for 1-2 years when stored in a cool, dark location.
French Lavender
French lavender (Lavandula dentata), sometimes referred to as broadleaf lavender, is an arresting presence in the garden with its upright growth habit and unique scalloped leaves. While not as widely cultivated as its English cousin (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender is known for its bolder fragrance.Botanical Name: Lavandula dentata
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 - 11. French lavender is less cold-hardy than English lavender.
Heirloom/GMO: French lavender seeds can be saved and replanted, classifying them as heirloom. There are no commercially available GMO French lavender varieties.
Sowing Recommendations:
French lavender is best propagated from cuttings or division, as seed germination can be erratic. If attempting seeds, sow them indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost in well-drained soil.
- Press seeds lightly into the soil and keep them moist but not soggy.
- Seeds can also be directly sown outdoors in warm climates (Zone 8 and above) in late spring or early summer after danger of frost has passed.
Soil Requirements: French lavender prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly alkaline pH (between 6.7 and 7.8). Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Moisture and Humidity Needs: French lavender is drought tolerant once established. Water deeply and occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid excessive watering. French lavender does not require high humidity.
Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
Spacing: Plant French lavender seedlings 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for mature growth, as it has a bushier habit than English lavender.
Days to Maturity: French lavender will typically take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity from seed. Plants grown from cuttings or division will mature faster.
Height at Maturity: French lavender can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet at maturity.
Pests and Diseases: French lavender is relatively pest and disease resistant. Occasional problems can include fungal diseases like fusarium wilt or botrytis in overly moist conditions. Watch for aphids or whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Other potential pests include mealy bugs and spider mites.
Common Uses:
Ornamental: French lavender is a popular ornamental plant, adding beauty and fragrance to gardens, borders, and containers. Its upright growth habit and unique foliage make it a standout.
Culinary: The fresh or dried flowers and leaves of French lavender can be used in a limited capacity for culinary purposes, although the taste is stronger and more camphoraceous than English lavender.
Medicinal: French lavender has calming properties and is often used in aromatherapy.
Best Attributes:
- Beautiful fragrant flowers with unique scalloped leaves
- Drought tolerant
- Low maintenance
- Statuly growth habit
- Attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies
Propagation Methods:
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer can be rooted to create new plants. This is the preferred method for propagating French lavender.
Layering: Layering involves encouraging the growth of roots on a stem that is still attached to the parent plant.
Division: Established French lavender plants can be divided in spring or fall. However, this method is not as successful as with English lavender.
Common Names: Dentate lavender, Broadleaf lavender (though not a true Broadleaf lavender)
While French lavender may require slightly warmer climates and a bit more patience to establish, its rewards are plentiful. This lavender offers a unique fragrance profile, stunning upright growth, and the unique presence of its crenulated leaves. French lavender thrives with minimal care, and does an excellent job of attracting pollinators.
Botanical Name: Lavandula stoechas
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 - 10 (Some cultivars are hardy down to Zone 6)
Heirloom/GMO: Spanish lavender seeds can be saved and replanted, classifying them as heirloom. There are no commercially available GMO Spanish lavender varieties.
Sowing Recommendations: Spanish lavender seeds can be sown directly outdoors in late fall or early spring after all danger of frost has passed in Zones 8-10. In cooler climates (Zones 7-6), start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after hardening off.
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer can be rooted to create new plants. This is the preferred method for propagating French lavender.
Layering: Layering involves encouraging the growth of roots on a stem that is still attached to the parent plant.
Division: Established French lavender plants can be divided in spring or fall. However, this method is not as successful as with English lavender.
Common Names: Dentate lavender, Broadleaf lavender (though not a true Broadleaf lavender)
While French lavender may require slightly warmer climates and a bit more patience to establish, its rewards are plentiful. This lavender offers a unique fragrance profile, stunning upright growth, and the unique presence of its crenulated leaves. French lavender thrives with minimal care, and does an excellent job of attracting pollinators.
Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has a distinctive appearance for lavender. Unlike its English lavender, Spanish lavender has prominent "rabbit ear" bracts atop its flower spikes. This heat-loving perennial thrives in warmer climates and will add interest and fragrance any residential landscape.Botanical Name: Lavandula stoechas
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 - 10 (Some cultivars are hardy down to Zone 6)
Heirloom/GMO: Spanish lavender seeds can be saved and replanted, classifying them as heirloom. There are no commercially available GMO Spanish lavender varieties.
Sowing Recommendations: Spanish lavender seeds can be sown directly outdoors in late fall or early spring after all danger of frost has passed in Zones 8-10. In cooler climates (Zones 7-6), start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after hardening off.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination occurs.
Soil Requirements: Spanish lavender prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly alkaline pH (between 6.7 and 7.8). Poor drainage can easily result in root rot.
Moisture and Humidity Needs: Spanish lavender is drought tolerant once established. Water deeply and occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid excessive watering. Spanish lavender tolerates higher humidity levels than English lavender.
Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
Spacing: Plant Spanish lavender seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for mature growth, as it has a bushier habit than English lavender.
Days to Maturity: Spanish lavender will typically reach maturity from seed within 2 years. Plants grown from cuttings will mature faster.
Height at Maturity: Spanish lavender can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet at maturity.
Pests and Diseases: Spanish lavender is relatively pest and disease resistant. Occasional problems can include fungal diseases like fusarium wilt or botrytis in overly moist conditions. Watch for aphids or whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Other potential pests include mealy bugs and spider mites.
Common Uses:
Ornamental: Spanish lavender is a popular ornamental plant, adding beauty and fragrance to gardens, borders, and containers. Its showy flowers and rabbit ear bracts make it a conversation starter.
Culinary: The flowers and leaves of Spanish lavender can be used in a limited capacity for culinary purposes, although the taste is stronger and more camphoraceous than English lavender.
Medicinal: Spanish lavender has calming properties and is sometimes used in aromatherapy.
Best Attributes:
- Showy flowers with unique rabbit ear bracts
- Drought tolerant
- Tolerates higher humidity than English lavender
- Long bloom time (typically blooms from mid-summer to first frost)
- Attractives pollinators like bees and butterflies
Propagation Methods:
Seed: Spanish lavender can be propagated from seed, though germination rates can be lower than cuttings.
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer can be rooted to create new plants. This is the preferred propagation method for Spanish lavender.
Common Names: Butterfly lavender, Topped lavender, French lavender (though not a true French lavender)
You'll often find that notations describing important cultivars reference one of these four true lavenders by botanical name. Recognizing these relationships can help you understand many of the cultivars on the market better.
For more information about varieties and cultivars associated with these four true lavender species, please visit: List of Lavender Cultivars for English, Spike, French and Spanish Lavender.
Photo credits:
English lavender photo 1 Courtesy of JLPC https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lavande_off_FR_2012.jpg#mw-jump-to-license
Spike lavender photo 2 from top: Photo courtesy of Famberhorst
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lavandula_latifolia._Locatie,_De_Kruidhof_Buitenpost_02.jpg#mw-jump-to-license
French lavender photo 3 from top: Photo courtesy of Kenpei
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lavandula_dentata1.jpg#
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