English vs French lavender, the hundred years war goes on…

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

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

Read also:

• How to care for lavender
• Lavender health benefits
• How lavender names came to be

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

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English lavender vs both French lavenders!

First and foremost, it’s important to be aware that what people call French lavender is either of two different species. These are:

• Lavandula stoechas in the United Kingdom
• Lavandula dentata in the rest of the world (United States, New Zealand, Australia…)

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!

Botanical name

Description and appearance

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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
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.
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

Fragrance, oil

How to choose which lavender to plant

All three types are vibrant and lovely in the garden. Depending on your location and what you want to use them for, you can plant either of the French lavenders, or go for English lavender.