The toughest lavender for warm Australian gardens, with grey toothed leaves and an exceptionally long flowering season. Tolerates humidity better than English types.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About French Lavender
Botanically, Lavandula dentata is a fast-growing perennial in the Lamiaceae family. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen, silver-grey and aromatic foliage. Purple flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow French Lavender
French Lavender suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit French Lavender provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
French Lavender handles dry conditions well once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune French Lavender after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using French Lavender in the garden
French Lavender earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, its fragrance, a fast screen or informal hedge and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Combine French Lavender with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying French Lavender
Plant Sale lists French Lavender as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
