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English vs French lavender, which is best?

English vs French lavender
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Wondering how to choose between English and French lavender? Here are a few key facts to make a decision you won’t regret!

Read also:

French lavender and English lavender are related, but they’re different species and they do have a few crucial differences.

Which is best? Which lavender deserves a spot in your garden ? Read on to tell them apart and discover which is best for you!

English lavender vs both French lavenders!

First and foremost, it’s important to know that what people call French lavender is either of two species.

These are:

On the other hand, in the English language, English lavender is always Lavandula angustifolia.

Get to know them so you can choose the best variety for your garden and desires!

Description and appearance

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English lavender French lavender (UK) French lavender (USA)
Lavandula angustifolia Lavandula stoechas Lavandula dentata
Flower
no petals at the tip

long flower cluster, 1-3 in (2.5 to 8 cm)

slightly cone-shaped, larger at the bottom than at the top

usually, clearly marked levels or stages between rings of flowers

usually, lavender color. Other cultivars range from white to pale pink, pale blue, or violet

very long petals at the tip (4 or 6 of them)

shortest flower, 1 in (2.5 cm)

olive-shaped, roundish

rings of flowers tightly packed together

usually, a deep violet, but there are blue, white and even red cultivars

short but distinct petals at the tip

medium-length flower, 1-2 in (2.5 to 5 cm)

elongated shape

intermediate density of rings of flowers

usually, pale lavender. some cultivars are white, yellow, deep violet

english-lavender-flower french-lavender-uk-flower french-lavender-flower-usa
Leafage
smooth edge, very narrow, often covered in powdery-white  dust-like wax (not mildew!) giving it a silver-white sheen  smooth edge, very narrow, almost identical to those of English lavender but deeper green, less white covering edged with squarish teeth, hence “dentata”, pale green leaves, thinly covered in protective wax.
Leaves of the English lavender plant French lavender leafage, as designated in the UK French lavender leaves, USA version
Size
large
usually 3 to 6 feet tall (1 to 2 m)
medium
usually 1 to 3 feet tall (30 cm to 1 m)
small
usually 8 to 24 inches (20 to 50 cm)

Climate and hardiness

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English lavender French lavender (UK) French lavender (USA)
Lavandula angustifolia Lavandula stoechas Lavandula dentata
Climate and hardiness
dry, arid, low watering

cold-hardy

-20°F or -30°C with good drainage

perfect for outdoor growing & cultivation

great for large outdoor containers

dry, arid, low watering

frosty-hardy

0°F or -15°C with good drainage

perfect for outdoor growing

great for small outdoor containers

fine with either dry or humid

half-hardy

23°F or -5°C with good drainage

perfect for indoor growing, in pots

Fragrance, oil

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English lavender French lavender (UK) French lavender (USA)
Lavandula angustifolia Lavandula stoechas Lavandula dentata
Fragrance, oil
softest but most appealing fragrance, high oil production, highest quality. Leafage similar to rosemary.

perfect for cooking, perfume, cosmetics, lavender wands and soaps

strong and camphorus leafage, delicate-scented flowers, little oil in flowers

perfect for cosmetics, lavender pouches and wands, and soaps

strong and camphorus leafage, more delicate-scented flowers, little oil in flowers

perfect for cosmetics, wands, pouches and soaps

How to choose which lavender to plant

All three types are vibrant and lovely in the garden. Depending on the weather in your location, plant either of the French lavenders, or go for English lavender… or plant all three of them!

Smart tip about English and French lavenders

They’re all equally astounding, plant one of each in your flower bed. Their blooming will be staged over the whole season!


Images: CC BY 4.0: juanvi, CC BY-NC 4.0: Deb, tserrano; Pixabay: Adina Voicu, JacLou DL, Karissa Mohler, paravion
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  • Nic wrote on 30 May 2023 at 23 h 54 min

    The sections of the chart are not labeled with the type of lavender. How do we know what section is for what plant?

    • Gaspard wrote on 31 May 2023 at 2 h 56 min

      Thanks Nic, I had mistakenly removed it in a previous edit. Fixed now!