20+French Lavender Vs. English Lavender Complete Guide

You’ve fallen in love with lavender at the garden center, but now you’re stuck. Two beautiful plants sit before you, one with quirky pom-pom-like flowers and another with classic purple spikes. You need to choose between French lavender vs. English lavender, but you’re not sure which one fits your garden, climate, or plans. Pick the wrong variety, and you might watch your plant struggle through winter or fail to deliver that heavenly fragrance you’re craving.

Here’s what makes this decision tricky. French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) look different, smell different, and survive in vastly different conditions. One thrives in heat and humidity while the other handles freezing temperatures like a champ. One produces essential oils prized worldwide while the other wins hearts with showy, rabbit-eared blooms.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about lavender varieties. You’ll learn which lavender species matches your USDA zone, what each offers for cooking and crafts, and how their care requirements differ. Let’s help you make the right choice for your space.

Table of Contents

What Is French Lavender?

French lavender stands out immediately with its distinctive appearance and Mediterranean charm. This lavender plant species, scientifically known as Lavandula stoechas, produces compact flower heads topped with showy, petal-like bracts that gardeners call “butterfly tops” or rabbit ears. These bracts extend upward from dense, pineapple-shaped flower spikes, creating a whimsical look that’s hard to miss in any garden bed.

Native to the Mediterranean region, French lavender evolved to handle warm, dry summers and mild winters. It grows as a small, rounded shrub reaching 18-24 inches tall with grey-green, narrow leaves. The flowers bloom earlier than most lavender varieties, often starting in late spring and continuing through summer with proper deadheading. While visually striking, the fragrance is less intense than its English cousin, more herbaceous and camphoraceous with hints of rosemary.

Growing Conditions for French Lavender

French lavender demands specific conditions to thrive in your landscape. This Mediterranean plant prefers USDA hardiness zones 8-11, though some cultivars stretch into zone 7 with winter protection. It tolerates heat brilliantly but suffers when temperatures drop below 20°F. Unlike English lavender, it actually handles humidity better, making it suitable for southern gardens where summers stay muggy.

The soil requirements stay consistent with other lavender species, well-drained, slightly alkaline, and lean. French lavender actually performs better in containers than in-ground planting in cooler climates. You can overwinter potted plants indoors or in a protected garage. Full sun exposure (6-8 hours daily) keeps plants compact and flowering abundantly. Water sparingly once established, as overwatering triggers root rot faster than cold snaps.

What Is English Lavender?

English lavender represents the classic lavender plant most people picture when they think of Provence fields and sachets. Botanically named Lavandula angustifolia, this species produces long, slender flower spikes in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white. The blooms rise on tall, unbranched stems above silvery-green foliage, creating those iconic rows you’ve seen in photographs. This variety earned its common name from its popularity in English gardens, though it originated in the Mediterranean mountains.

The fragrance of English lavender sets the gold standard for aromatherapy and perfumery. It contains the highest concentration of linalool and linalyl acetate compounds that create that sweet, clean, universally beloved lavender scent. This makes it the preferred choice for essential oils, dried sachets, culinary applications, and homemade beauty products. The plant grows 12-24 inches tall depending on the cultivar, with a similar spread creating neat, mounding shapes.

Growing Conditions for English Lavender

English lavender wins the cold hardy championship among lavender varieties. Most cultivars thrive in USDA zones 5-9, with some tough selections surviving zone 4 winters when mulched properly. This lavender species handles temperatures down to -20°F once established, making it the obvious choice for northern gardeners. However, it struggles in hot, humid climates where fungal diseases take hold quickly.

Soil drainage matters even more for English lavender than its French relative. Clay soils spell disaster amend with gravel, sand, or perlite to create fast-draining conditions. Slightly alkaline pH (6.7-7.3) encourages robust growth and flowering. Plant in full sun where air circulation stays strong. In southern zones, afternoon shade prevents stress during brutal summer heat. English lavender resents wet feet year-round, so avoid automatic irrigation systems that water daily.

Key Differences Between French Lavender vs. English Lavender

The visual distinction between French lavender vs. English lavender hits you immediately. French lavender flowers feature those characteristic petal-like bracts extending from compact, cone-shaped blooms. English lavender produces clean, cylindrical spikes without extra ornamentation. The foliage differs too; French lavender leaves stay greener while English lavender develops that silvery-grey coating that adds winter interest.

Fragrance separates these lavender varieties dramatically. English lavender delivers that classic, sweet, floral scent you find in soaps and perfumes. French lavender smells more medicinal and herbal, with camphor notes some describe as similar to rosemary or eucalyptus. For culinary use and essential oils, English lavender dominates because of its superior aroma and flavor profile. French lavender rarely appears in recipes due to its higher camphor content.

Climate Tolerance Comparison

Cold hardy performance flips the script on which variety you can grow. English lavender survives harsh winters down to zone 4, bouncing back from snow and ice. French lavender dies when exposed to temperatures below 20°F for extended periods. However, French lavender actually tolerates humidity and heat better than English lavender, which often succumbs to fungal issues in muggy southern summers.

Bloom time gives French lavender a slight edge for extended color. It starts flowering 4-6 weeks earlier than English lavender and continues blooming longer when you deadhead the flowers. English lavender concentrates its show in early to midsummer, though some varieties rebloom if cut back. Both need dry conditions; excessive rainfall or irrigation causes more problems for English lavender in humid climates and both varieties in poorly draining soil.

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Which Lavender Is More Fragrant?

English lavender wins the fragrance competition by a landslide for most noses. The scent contains higher levels of esters that create sweet, floral notes people associate with relaxation and cleanliness. This lavender species produces the essential oils used in high-end perfumery, aromatherapy, and natural medicine. When you crush the flowers or leaves, the aroma immediately fills the air with that unmistakable lavender sweetness.

French lavender offers a completely different olfactory experience. The fragrance leans herbaceous and sharp, with prominent camphor and balsamic notes. Some gardeners love this more complex, medicinal scent, while others find it too strong or “off” compared to classic lavender. The higher camphor content makes French lavender less desirable for culinary applications, though it still works beautifully in potpourri when you want something beyond the standard lavender smell.

Best Uses for Each Fragrance Type

English lavender dominates commercial essential oil production for good reason. The scent works in every application from baking to bath bombs. Dry the flowers for sachets that keep closets fresh without overwhelming clothes with scent. Use fresh or dried blooms in cooking they complement both sweet and savory dishes when used sparingly. The fragrance stays true whether fresh, dried, or distilled into oil.

French lavender shines in landscape situations where you want visual impact over scent. The unique flowers create stunning focal points in Mediterranean-style gardens. While the fragrance doesn’t suit culinary use, it still repels pests effectively. Some herbalists prefer French lavender for external applications like balms and salves, finding the camphor notes therapeutically beneficial. It also dries beautifully for wreaths and arrangements where appearance matters more than aroma.

How Do You Care for French Lavender?

French lavender care starts with proper placement and soil preparation. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden. This lavender plant needs 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Amend native soil with sand or perlite until water drains within minutes of watering. Avoid organic matter like compost or manure, which holds moisture and encourages rot. Plant in spring after frost danger passes, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart for air circulation.

Watering requires restraint once French lavender establishes roots after 6-8 weeks. Deep watering once weekly during the first summer helps roots develop. Afterward, water only during extended droughts when leaves start to grey. Container plants need more frequent watering but still prefer to dry between drinks. Overwatering kills French lavender faster than any pest or disease.

Pruning and Maintenance Tips

Deadheading spent blooms keeps French lavender flowering continuously through summer. Snip off finished flower stems just above the foliage using clean, sharp pruners. In early spring before new growth starts, prune plants back by one-third to maintain compact shape and encourage fresh shoots. Never cut into bare, woody stems, French lavender won’t regenerate from old wood like some shrubs.

Fertilizing stays minimal for healthy French lavender. This Mediterranean plant evolved in nutrient-poor soils and actually produces more flowers with less feeding. Skip fertilizer entirely in rich soils. In sandy or poor soils, apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Too much nitrogen creates leggy growth with fewer flowers and increased disease susceptibility.

How Do You Care for English Lavender?

English lavender care mirrors its French cousin in many ways but allows more flexibility with climate. Planting in full sun with excellent drainage these two factors determine success or failure. Rocky, gravelly soils work better than rich garden loam. If your native soil stays wet after rain, build raised beds or mounds to improve drainage. Space plants 24-36 inches apart since English lavender spreads wider than French lavender.

Water newly planted English lavender weekly during the first growing season. Once established, this cold hardy variety survives on rainfall alone in most climates. Supplemental watering during extreme droughts helps, but err on the side of too little rather than too much. Morning watering allows foliage to dry quickly, preventing fungal diseases that plague lavender varieties in humid conditions.

Winter Protection and Pruning

English lavender survives cold winters without protection in zones 5-9. In zone 4, apply 2-3 inches of mulch after the ground freezes to prevent frost heaving. Remove mulch in early spring when temperatures stabilize above freezing. Avoid mulching directly against stems leave 2-3 inches of space to prevent crown rot. Good drainage matters even more in winter when frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots.

Prune English lavender twice yearly for peak performance. Deadhead finished flower stems immediately after blooming to encourage a second flush. In early spring as green growth emerges, shape plants by cutting back one-third of the previous year’s growth. Always leave green foliage on stems cutting into bare wood prevents regrowth. This annual pruning keeps English lavender compact and extends its lifespan from 10 to 15+ years.

Can You Grow French Lavender in Cold Climates?

French lavender struggles in regions where winter temperatures regularly dip below 20°F. Gardeners in zones 7 and colder face significant challenges keeping this Mediterranean plant alive through winter. However, container growing offers a practical workaround. Plant French lavender in terracotta or ceramic pots using a fast-draining potting mix. Grow outdoors during warm months, then move containers into an unheated garage or sunny indoor space before frost.

Some French lavender cultivars show improved cold hardy traits compared to species plants. ‘Anouk’ tolerates temperatures to 10°F and survives zone 7 winters with protection. ‘Javelin’ also pushes cold tolerance limits while maintaining the distinctive butterfly tops. Even with hardy cultivars, winter protection helps mulch heavily and choose the warmest microclimate in your yard, such as against south-facing walls.

Indoor Overwintering Strategies

Bringing French lavender indoors requires adjusting your care routine. Find the brightest window in your home south-facing works best. Temperatures between 40-60°F keep plants dormant and healthy. Water sparingly through winter since growth slows dramatically. The biggest indoor challenge is humidity and air circulation. Run a small fan nearby to prevent fungal issues, and avoid placing plants near heating vents.

Alternatively, overwinter French lavender in an unheated garage or basement if you have a window. Plants tolerate near-freezing temperatures indoors better than outdoors because roots stay protected. Water once monthly just to prevent complete desiccation. This semi-dormant approach works brilliantly in zones 6-7 where outdoor survival remains questionable. Move plants back outside after the last spring frost when daytime temperatures consistently reach 50°F.

Can You Grow English Lavender in Hot Climates?

English lavender faces challenges in USDA zones 9-10 where summers stay brutally hot and humid. The combination of heat and moisture creates perfect conditions for fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot. However, success remains possible with strategic variety selection and modified care. Choose heat-tolerant cultivars like ‘Phenomenal’ or ‘Grosso’ bred specifically for challenging climates. These varieties handle humidity better than traditional English lavender selections.

Soil preparation becomes critical for English lavender in hot regions. Amend soil with even more drainage material aim for at least 50% sand, perlite, or decomposed granite mixed with native soil. Plant in raised beds or mounds to ensure water drains away from roots quickly. Afternoon shade helps in the hottest climates, though plants still need 5-6 hours of morning sun. Good air circulation prevents fungal issues, so space plants generously and avoid crowding with other perennials.

Summer Care in Warm Regions

Water management makes or breaks English lavender in hot climates. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow downward rather than spreading near the surface. Water early in the morning so foliage dries by afternoon. Avoid evening watering that leaves plants wet overnight. During the worst summer heat, check soil moisture more frequently. English lavender still needs water, just not constantly soggy conditions.

Prune English lavender immediately after spring flowering in hot climates. This timing allows plants to recover and harden off before summer stress arrives. Remove spent flower stems and shape plants lightly. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, which stimulates tender new growth vulnerable to sudden heat spikes. If plants look stressed by midsummer despite proper care, consider treating them as annuals and replacing them every 2-3 years rather than fighting losing battles.

What Are the Best Culinary Uses for Each Type?

English lavender reigns supreme in the kitchen thanks to its sweet fragrance and low camphor content. The flowers add floral notes to both sweet and savory dishes when used sparingly. Infuse sugar with dried buds for baking lavender shortbread, scones, and macarons become sophisticated treats. Add fresh flowers to honey, creating a spread for toast or cheese boards. English lavender also works in savory applications like herbs de Provence blends, roasted chicken, or grilled lamb.

French lavender rarely appears in recipes because of its high camphor content and more medicinal flavor profile. The taste doesn’t complement food the way English lavender does. If you want to experiment, use French lavender only in small amounts for teas or infusions, never in baking or main dishes. Most chefs and food writers specifically recommend against using French lavender for culinary purposes, suggesting you grow English lavender instead if cooking interests you.

Preparing Lavender for Cooking

Harvest English lavender buds just before flowers fully open for the strongest flavor. Cut stems in the morning after dew dries but before afternoon heat. Strip buds from stems by running your fingers downward along the flower spike. Dry buds on screens in a dark, well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks. Store dried lavender in airtight containers away from light, where it keeps potency for up to one year.

Using English lavender sparingly in cooking goes a long way. Start with 1 teaspoon dried buds (or 1 tablespoon fresh) per recipe serving 6-8 people. You can always add more, but too much lavender makes food taste soapy and medicinal. Grind dried buds in a spice grinder before using to release oils and create even distribution throughout dishes. Pair English lavender with lemon, berries, chocolate, or herbs like rosemary and thyme for balanced flavors.

Which Lavender Attracts More Pollinators?

Both lavender varieties attract pollinators abundantly, though they appeal to slightly different insects. English lavender draws honeybees, bumblebees, and native bee species who favor its nectar-rich flowers. The classic flower shape allows easy access for various bee sizes. Butterflies visit English lavender but prefer other plants with larger landing platforms. The long bloom period in early to midsummer provides consistent food sources when many spring flowers finish.

French lavender attracts similar pollinators but adds hummingbirds to the mix. The showy butterfly tops create landing spots that butterflies love, and the bracts’ bright color draws attention from greater distances. Carpenter bees particularly favor French lavender, along with various native bee species. The earlier bloom time (late spring) makes French lavender valuable for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy before many other flowers open.

Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Lavender Garden

Plant multiple lavender varieties to extend bloom time from late spring through fall. Combine early-flowering French lavender with mid-season English lavender and late-blooming Spanish lavender for continuous nectar availability. Mass plantings create stronger attraction than single specimens aim for groups of at least three plants per variety. Pollinators spot these purple patches from farther away and spend more time foraging in concentrated areas.

Avoid pesticides anywhere near lavender plants. These Mediterranean plants rarely suffer from pest problems serious enough to warrant chemical intervention. If aphids appear, spray them off with water rather than reaching for insecticides that harm beneficial insects. Leave some flowers unpicked through fall so late-season pollinators have food sources. Cut back plants in early spring rather than fall, allowing stems to provide overwintering spots for native bees.

How Long Do French and English Lavenders Live?

English lavender typically lives 10-15 years with proper care and annual pruning. Some exceptionally well-maintained plants in ideal conditions survive 20+ years. Lifespan depends heavily on climate, soil drainage, and pruning practices. Plants in zones 5-7 with cold winters often live longer than those in hot, humid climates where stress accumulates. Regular pruning prevents plants from becoming woody and unproductive, the main reason lavender plants decline prematurely.

French lavender generally lives 5-8 years under optimal conditions. This shorter lifespan stems from its more tender nature and susceptibility to winter damage in marginal climates. Even in warm zones where French lavender thrives, plants tend to become woody and flower less after 5-6 years. Many gardeners treat French lavender as a short-lived perennial or even an annual in colder regions, replacing plants every few years to maintain garden aesthetics.

Extending Lavender Plant Longevity

Annual pruning makes the single biggest difference in lavender plant lifespan. Cut back one-third of each year’s growth in early spring before buds break. This practice keeps plants compact, encourages fresh shoots from the base, and prevents that leggy, woody appearance. Never cut into old, bare stems both lavender species struggle to regenerate from wood without green growth. Time your pruning after the last frost but before new leaves fully emerge.

Proper drainage extends life more than any other environmental factor. Even brief periods of waterlogged soil damage roots and shorten lifespan. If your lavender varieties decline after 3-4 years despite good care, poor drainage likely causes the problem. Transplant to raised beds or containers with exceptional drainage. Feed sparingly overfertilization creates lush growth that ages plants faster. Replace plants when they become more than 50% woody, as rejuvenation rarely succeeds at that stage.

Common Pests and Diseases for Both Varieties

Lavender varieties face relatively few pest problems compared to most garden plants. Their aromatic oils naturally repel many insects. Spittlebugs occasionally appear on young growth in spring, creating foamy masses on stems. These cause minimal damage and disappear without intervention. Root weevils notch leaf edges in some regions, though damage stays cosmetic. Aphids cluster on tender new shoots but wash off easily with water spray.

Fungal diseases pose bigger threats than pests for both French lavender vs. English lavender. Root rot from Phytophthora or Pythium kills plants quickly in poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting despite wet soil, and blackened roots. Prevention through excellent drainage beats any treatment. Leaf spot fungi create brown patches on foliage during humid weather. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal issues.

Prevention and Organic Solutions

Cultural practices prevent 90% of lavender plant problems. Plant in full sun with fast-draining soil. Space adequately for air movement. Water at the soil line rather than overhead. Avoid mulching directly against stems. These simple steps eliminate most disease pressure. If root rot appears, remove affected plants immediately to prevent spread. Sanitize tools between cuts when pruning diseased plants.

For pest issues, start with the gentlest interventions. Hand-pick visible insects like caterpillars or beetles. Spray aphids with a strong water jet. If problems persist, use insecticidal soap or neem oil both OMRI-approved organic options. Apply in the early morning or evening to avoid burning foliage. For fungal issues, remove affected leaves and improve growing conditions. Avoid fungicides except in severe cases, as lavender varieties rarely warrant chemical intervention when grown properly.

Can You Mix French and English Lavender in Gardens?

Mixing French lavender vs. English lavender in the same landscape creates stunning visual contrast and extended bloom periods. The different flower forms, colors, and textures complement each other beautifully in Mediterranean-style gardens or perennial borders. French lavender’s compact habit works well as edging or container specimens, while English lavender makes excellent mid-border plants or hedge rows. Plant them in separate groups rather than alternating to show off each variety’s unique characteristics.

Consider bloom time coordination when combining lavender varieties. French lavender flowers 4-6 weeks earlier, creating spring color while English lavender buds up. Place French lavender in foreground positions where early blooms catch attention. Position English lavender behind or beside it for a seamless transition as French lavender finishes and English lavender peaks in summer. This layering extends your garden’s lavender display from late spring through late summer.

Design Tips for Mixed Plantings

Match companion plants to each lavender species’ needs. Both prefer lean, dry soils, so choose neighbors with similar requirements. Ornamental grasses, sedums, salvias, and yarrow work beautifully with all lavender varieties. Avoid planting near moisture-loving perennials or heavy feeders that require rich soil and regular watering. The contrasting cultural needs create management headaches and compromise lavender health.

Color coordination enhances mixed lavender plantings. French lavender typically blooms in darker purple with bright pink or white bracts, while English lavender ranges from pale pink to deep violet. Select English lavender cultivars that harmonize or contrast intentionally with your French lavender colors. White English lavender like ‘Alba’ provides a cool contrast against dark purple French lavender. Silver foliage from both varieties unifies the planting even when flowers finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lavender is easier to grow for beginners?

English lavender offers easier care for most beginners, especially in temperate climates with cold winters. It tolerates a wider range of conditions and forgives occasional care mistakes better than French lavender. The cold hardy nature means it survives winters in zones 5-9 without special protection, and established plants tolerate brief drought periods.

Can I use French lavender for making essential oils at home?

You can extract oil from French lavender, but the high camphor content makes it less desirable for most aromatherapy and personal care uses. English lavender produces superior essential oils with the classic scent people expect. If you want to make lavender oil at home, always choose English lavender varieties for best fragrance and therapeutic properties.

How often should I water lavender plants?

Water newly planted lavender varieties weekly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established (after 2-3 months), lavender plants need water only during extended droughts. Container-grown lavender requires more frequent watering but should still dry between drinks. Overwatering causes more problems than underwatering for both French lavender vs. English lavender.

Why is my lavender turning brown and dying?

Brown, dying lavender usually indicates root rot from excessive moisture or poor drainage. Other causes include cutting into old wood during pruning, severe cold damage on tender varieties, or prolonged hot, humid conditions on English lavender. Check soil drainage first and adjust watering practices before assuming other problems exist.

What is the most cold-hardy lavender variety?

English lavender cultivars like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ survive zone 5 winters reliably, with some sources reporting zone 4 success. These cold hardy selections tolerate temperatures to -20°F when established in well-draining soil. All French lavender varieties die at temperatures below 20°F, making them unsuitable for cold climates without container growing.

Conclusion

Choosing between French lavender vs. English lavender comes down to matching plant characteristics with your specific climate, garden goals, and intended uses. English lavender delivers that classic fragrance, cold hardy nature, and culinary versatility that most gardeners prioritize. It survives harsh winters in zones 5-9 and produces the essential oils and dried flowers you’ll actually use in projects. French lavender offers unique visual appeal with its whimsical butterfly tops and tolerates heat and humidity better in southern zones 8-11.

Both lavender varieties share similar care requirements: full sun, excellent drainage, lean soil, and minimal watering once established. Success depends more on providing proper growing conditions than on variety selection. If you live in a cold climate, English lavender is your only reliable option. Southern gardeners can enjoy both varieties, using French lavender for containers and landscape color while growing English lavender for harvesting and crafts. Consider starting with a few plants of each variety if your climate allows. You’ll quickly learn which lavender species performs best in your specific conditions and meets your needs.