English vs French lavender – BOTH French lavenders!

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.

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Which is best? Which one 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 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

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Botanical & Common names
English lavender	French lavender – UK	French lavender – USA & other
*Lavandula angustifolia*	*Lavandula stoechas*	*Lavandula dentata*

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

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

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 your location and what you want to use them for, you can plant either of the French lavenders, or go for English lavender.