French lavender is a stunning plant that can enhance the beauty of any garden. Despite its name, this species is actually native to Spain and the Mediterranean region. The leaves of French lavender are gray-green and have a delightful scent, and its violet blooms are abundant. French lavender is known for its longer blooming season compared to the English variety and its excellent tolerance to heat and humidity.
French lavender has distinctive violet bracts on the ends of the flower heads. For this reason, it is also called fringed or toothed lavender. In this article, we will learn how to properly grow and care for French lavender.
| Common name | French lavender, fringed lavender, toothed lavender |
| Botanical name | Lavandula dentata |
| Plant type | Perennial shrub |
| Hardiness zones | 8-11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-draining, sandy, alkaline |
| Planting time | Fall |
| Bloom time | Spring to fall |
| Flower color | blue-violet |
| Plant height | 70-90cm (3ft) |
| Spread | 1-1.5m (5ft) |
In This Article
How to Grow French Lavender
Planting
French lavender is most easily grown from nursery starts, but can also be grown from seeds. However, it will require lots of patience as it is very slow to germinate.
In warmer climates, plant lavender during the fall. If you live in zones 8 and below, it is best to plant during the spring. Planting in containers is also a great choice as you can easily bring the plant indoors for overwintering.
Light
French lavender thrives in full sun so choose an area in the garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Water
French lavender is extremely drought-tolerant and prefers to be on the drier side. Water newly planted lavender regularly to help establish roots, but once established, water only during extreme heat and dryness.
Avoid overhead watering, as this can lead to fungal diseases and instead water at the base of the plant. When planting in containers, make sure that it has lots of drainage holes as French lavender does not like sitting in water.
Soil and Fertilizing
French lavender prefers dry, well-draining, and alkaline soil. If your soil is very dense and heavy, add gravel mulch to improve drainage.
This plant does not require much fertilization and can thrive in poor soil. However, if your soil quality is very poor, you can use a light fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and blooming. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning French Lavender
To promote bushy growth and more flowers, it’s best to prune French lavender in the spring after the last frost. Cut back 1/3 of the plant’s growth, making sure not to cut into old wood, as the plant cannot grow back from it. In warmer climates, you can also prune back the plant in the fall.
Deadhead (remove dead flowers) regularly during the growing season to promote continuous blooming.
Propagating French Lavender
You can easily propagate more French lavender plants in a few steps, this is best done in the spring or summer:
- Pick stems that are current years growth – green in color, and pencil-thick. Avoid large woody stems.
- Using a sharp, clean pruner, trim an 8-10cm stem cutting just above a leaf node. Remove any flowers and leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Use equal parts regular potting soil and perlite for good drainage. Create a hole and insert the lavender cutting just below the leaves.
- Water in the cutting to moisten the soil and place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight. If growing indoors you should use grow lights and a heat mat if it gets too cold. Check soil moisture daily, watering lightly as needed to keep the soil slightly moist but not saturated.
- Look for new growth as an indication that roots have formed, typically taking 4-6 weeks.
- Once there are 2-3 sets of new leaves, transplant your French lavender cuttings into the garden or larger containers. Gradually harden off your young plants and only water when the soil is completely dry.
Overwintering
French lavender is hardy to USDA zones 8-11 and can tolerate mild frost. In colder climates, protect French lavender from freezing temperatures by mulching around the base of the plant. You can also bring potted plants indoors and water very sparingly or not at all.
Repotting
If you’re growing French lavender in containers, it is recommended to repot it every 1-2 years. This is necessary to refresh the soil and provide enough room for root growth. Repotting should be done in the spring, after the last frost. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the existing one and add lots of drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Since potted plants do not have access to an abundance of nutrients, it is a good practice to add a light fertilizer during the growing season.
Pests and Diseases
French lavender is a hardy plant that is typically resistant to most pests and diseases. It also serves as a natural insect repellent for pests such as aphids. However, it can become vulnerable to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot if exposed to wet climates or overwatering.
To keep your lavender healthy, make sure to water at the base of the plant and prune regularly to promote proper air circulation.
Uses of French Lavender
French lavender is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of your dishes and the ambiance of your home. When added to cooking and baking, it can provide a sweet and floral taste to roasted meats, desserts, and pastries. It pairs well with various ingredients such as berries, citrus, and herbs.
Additionally, brewing French lavender in tea can create a calming and aromatic beverage that promotes better sleep and helps relieve anxiety. Moreover, French lavender can be used to produce essential oils that are both fragrant and therapeutic.
Let’s not forget about its decorative uses – dried lavender bundles can be displayed in vases or used in potpourri to add a touch of elegance to any room
FAQ
What is the difference between French lavender and English lavender?
English lavender has dark purple stalks of tiny flower clusters. It also has a sweeter and stronger smell. French lavender on the other hand has bracts on the end of its flower heads and has a more subtle aroma resembling rosemary. English lavender is hardier and can withstand colder temperatures than French lavender. Their leaf patterns and heights are also different.
Is French lavender invasive?
No, it is not considered invasive in most regions, however, it has the potential to spread if not properly pruned and maintained.
How quickly does French lavender grow?
While germination is slow and may take up to a month, French lavender grows quickly and will bloom in about 2-3 months if started from propagation.
What is the lifespan of French lavender?
It usually lives up to 4-5 years, but can live longer in warmer climates.
