French lavender is an aromatic Mediterranean shrub recognized by its distinctive flower heads topped with colorful bracts that resemble tiny butterfly wings. It brings long-lasting color, fragrance and pollinator activity to sunny borders, gravel gardens and containers. Less cold-hardy than English lavender, it thrives where summers are hot and dry and winters remain relatively mild.
Did you know?
The name French lavender does not refer to the same plant everywhere. In the United Kingdom it usually means Lavandula stoechas, while in the United States, Australia and New Zealand it often refers to Lavandula dentata.
Lavandula stoechas is also called Spanish lavender or butterfly lavender because of the prominent bracts above each flower head.
French lavender is generally damaged more by wet winter soil than by short periods of drought.
Key French lavender facts
Name in the United Kingdom – Lavandula stoechas
Name often used in the United States – Lavandula dentata
Family – Lamiaceae
Type – aromatic evergreen subshrub
Height – 24 to 40 inches (60–100 cm)
Exposure – full sun
Hardiness – approximately H3/H4 in the UK, USDA zone 8b or 9a depending on the species
Soil – light, alkaline to neutral and very well-drained
Foliage – evergreen
Flowering – spring to summer, often with repeat flowering
French lavender is a shared common name for two closely related plants. Their cultivation requirements are similar, although their foliage and flower shape differ.
United Kingdom:Lavandula stoechas, also called Spanish or butterfly lavender.
United States, Australia and New Zealand:Lavandula dentata, recognizable by its toothed foliage.
French lavender prefers light, dry and free-draining soil. It performs particularly well in Mediterranean-style gardens, rock gardens, raised beds and gravel borders. Heavy, compacted soil should be improved before planting because excess moisture around the roots quickly causes decline.
Plant French lavender in full sun and sharply drained soil
Plant in spring in regions with cold or wet winters.
Fall planting is suitable in mild, dry climates.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting, then allow the soil to dry before watering again.
Avoid rich manure or high-nitrogen fertilizer, which produces soft foliage and fewer flowers.
French lavender tolerates chalky and alkaline soils but dislikes strongly acidic ground.
Choose a warm, open location with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If the soil is clay-rich, mix in gravel, grit or coarse sand and consider planting slightly above ground level.
For a low lavender hedge, space plants 12 to 16 inches apart (30–40 cm).
Growing French lavender in pots
French lavender is particularly well suited to container growing, especially in regions where it must be moved under cover for winter. The most important rule is to prevent moisture from remaining around the roots.
Choose a terracotta pot with generous drainage holes
Use a container with one or more large drainage holes.
Add a drainage layer of small gravel or clay pebbles.
Use a gritty mixture of two parts potting soil and one part sand, grit or perlite.
Choose a pot only 2 inches (5 cm) wider than the existing root ball when repotting.
Do not leave the pot standing in water after rainfall or watering.
Once the plant reaches its final container size, refresh the upper layer of growing mix each spring. If growth becomes weak, use a very light feed such as diluted fermented weed tea.
Watering French lavender
Water deeply but only when the soil has dried
French lavender tolerates drought extremely well once established. Too much water is far more dangerous than temporary dryness.
Water only:
at planting, with one thorough watering;
during prolonged heat waves above 95°F (35°C);
if the plant grows beneath a roof overhang where it receives no rainfall;
in containers, once the growing mix has dried several inches down.
A drier growing season often results in more strongly scented foliage and flowers. During winter, reduce watering to a strict minimum.
French lavender pruning and care
Regular pruning helps French lavender remain compact and prevents the center from becoming bare. However, pruning must always be carried out on stems that still carry green leaves.
Shape French lavender without cutting into bare old wood
At the end of winter, lightly reshape the shrub while following its natural rounded form.
Do not cut deeply into old, leafless stems because they rarely produce new shoots.
Remove faded flower heads after each flush to encourage repeat flowering.
In mild climates, a second light trim can be carried out in fall.
If an old plant has developed bare patches, rejuvenate it gradually rather than cutting everything back at once.
Layer the lavender to create new plants before removing the aging shrub. Lavandula dentata also responds well to air layering.
French lavender is less hardy than Lavandula angustifolia. Temperatures below 19°F (-7°C), particularly when combined with wet soil, may damage or kill the plant.
Move container plants into a bright, frost-free greenhouse, porch or conservatory.
In the ground, protect the root area with mineral mulch.
Avoid thick organic mulch against the crown because it retains moisture.
Ensure excellent drainage before winter begins.
Drying French lavender flowers
Harvest flower stems before the blooms begin to fade
French lavender flowers can retain their fragrance for months when they are dried correctly and stored away from sunlight.
Cut stems on a dry morning after the dew has evaporated.
Choose flower heads that are fully colored but not yet fading.
Gather small bunches and hang them upside down in a dark, ventilated room.
Use the dried flowers in bouquets, potpourri, scented sachets and crafts.
French lavender generally experiences few pest problems. Its strongly aromatic foliage is unattractive to many leaf-eating insects, and the flowers are valued mainly by nectar-feeding pollinators.
Healthy French lavender has few pest or disease problems
Root rot: the main risk, caused by excessive watering or poorly drained soil. Leaves turn gray or yellow and stems begin to die back.
Leaf spot: weakened plants may occasionally develop Septoria leaf spot during prolonged wet weather.
Aphids: uncommon on established plants. French lavender is sometimes planted near rose trees because its fragrance may help discourage aphids.
Poor flowering: usually caused by insufficient sunlight, overly fertile soil or pruning at the wrong time.
All there is to know about French lavender
The colorful upper bracts give French lavender its butterfly-like appearance
French lavender has long been associated with Mediterranean gardens and perfume production. Its flower heads are shorter and broader than those of common lavender, and the decorative bracts above them resemble wings.
Lavender has traditionally been used in bathing preparations, linen cupboards, perfumes and herbal remedies. Learn more about its traditional medicinal benefits and how to make lavender oil.
Together with the olive tree, lavender is one of the most recognizable symbols of Provence and the Mediterranean landscape. In garden design, it works particularly well in sunny borders, raised beds, rock gardens and containers.
Important: Lavandula stoechas is considered invasive in certain regions, including parts of Australia and Spain. Check local recommendations before planting.
French lavender is a valuable nectar source for bees and beneficial insects. Plant it close to a terrace or pathway where its fragrance and unusual flowers can be appreciated up close.
Images: 123RF: Christian Bridgwater; Adobe Stock: Kotcha K; CC BY 2.0: M’s Photography, Katja Schulz; CC BY-SA 2.0: Tracie Hall; Dreamstime: Chernetskaya; Pixabay: Courtney, Daniel Wanke
Written by Gaspard Lorthiois | Loves helping out, especially when it comes to growing things. Worked in herbal medicine, runs a farm, and dabbles in tech. Master's degree and engineer.
This was such a well-written and insightful post. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!
Carol vivian wrote on 5 November 2021 at 13 h 40 min
My French lavender is still in bloom, I would like to prune them but we have had our first frost, would this do any harm.
Gaspard wrote on 6 November 2021 at 11 h 14 min
Hi Carol, usually for French lavender you can actually leave the plant as it is until the end of winter. There’s no need to prune now. That way, you might still get the occasional flower. If you prefer to prune now, it’s also possible, but it’s best to wait for a warmer spell: it takes a few days for plants to cure their wounds well. It’s best if it doesn’t freeze during this period. So check the weather for a warm spell when it won’t freeze for 3-4 days in a row.
Annabel Hurdman wrote on 21 June 2021 at 14 h 35 min
Hello – I have just received 2 x French Lavender patio trees – they look “grey” half way up and battered – what can I do to help it?
Gaspard wrote on 21 June 2021 at 23 h 35 min
Hi Annabel, seems like the older leaves have taken a beating! It’s normal for the older leaves to turn gray and, in the end, fall off. Newer leaves higher up are taking over. What you can do to get bushes that are dense and lush is to prune them back to just above the first few “nice, green” leaves: this will trigger branching out in many places. It’ll fill the shrub up and hide the barer branches inside. Keep the shape round, it usually looks nicer. Here’s a link on how to prune french lavender (all lavenders are similar in this respect). Note that it’s best to do this in Spring so that flowers still have time to form over Summer, but if you’re willing to sacrifice this year’s blooming you can go ahead and prune now, you’ll have a slightly higher chance of getting new growth lower down, in the area where the gray leaves are.
black thumb wrote on 21 April 2021 at 23 h 59 min
what is recommended pot size for french lavender
Gaspard wrote on 23 April 2021 at 3 h 51 min
Hi black thumb, soon to turn green! At the beginning, a smallish pot will do, for instance 6 or 8 inches across (15-20 cm), but once your lavender is already three or four years old you should double the size of the pot for it to have the space to grow (1 to 1½ feet or 30 to 40 cm). That size will suit it to the end. You can also start it directly in the larger of the two sizes, but it’ll seem small for its pot size!
MRS R WEST wrote on 26 February 2021 at 20 h 44 min
Can you tell me how to protect French lavender in winter ours has died possibly through the frost where it is in a normal flower bed THANK YOU.
Gaspard wrote on 27 February 2021 at 19 h 36 min
Hello Mrs West, sure. If it gets really cold every year, a good solution would be to try planting it using the pot-in-the-ground system, so that you can take it out before winter and store it in a garage or place that won’t freeze.
If you prefer to leave it in place, try to winterize it (article on winterizing here) with horticultural fleece or a clear plastic bag loosely wrapped around the bunch. You can also heap a pile of straw atop the shrub. Usually that keeps the harshest frost at bay. Come Spring, pull the hay away to free your French lavender.
Lastly, you should know French lavender is the least hardy species. If it fails you repeatedly, try planting English lavender or Spike lavender, they’re both hardier than French Lavender.
Christina wrote on 27 July 2020 at 19 h 06 min
I recieved a French lavender tree for mothers day. It was doing great, flowering and looked healthy for a couple months. Now its turning brown and yellow and no more flowers. Its in the 80s and I only water when its dry… How am I killing my beautiful lavender? 🙁
Gaspard wrote on 31 July 2020 at 15 h 53 min
Hello Christina, brown is usually lack of water but yellow is often a sign of overwatering… If the plant is in a pot and the pot itself in a pot holder, it’s really important to make sure that when you water, the pot doesn’t wallow in water inside the pot holder. If you’re careful to let it drain out fully before putting the pot back in the pot holder, then it probably isn’t a problem of overwatering.
So it might be drying out for lack of water perhaps. Try watering it a bit more often, still smaller amounts. This is especially true for potted plants, they tend to dry out faster.
It might be that the soil is too acidic. This happens if you use bark mulch or if there isn’t much lime in the soil. Compost will raise pH from acid towards neutral. Wood ash will even bring it into slightly alkaline range, which is good for lavender.
To a point, it’s normal for the plant to stop blooming. After all, usually the blooming season for French Lavender is around two-three weeks, after that the flower panicles dry out over the next two months.
Charlene wrote on 16 May 2020 at 19 h 23 min
My french lavender is doing wonderful where I planted it. It has so many flowers n I wanted to use them so I cut them off. I work w herbs n dry them all the time when I when I tried to dry them they got sticky. That doesn’t happen w my mother
Lavender. Do u know why it does that? Thank u
Gaspard wrote on 16 May 2020 at 19 h 45 min
Hi Charlene, that’s surprising. Do you think a disease or an insect was on them? Normally French lavender dries just like the other ones. It’s still spring so maybe they were really full of sap, possibly it rained before picking them? In this season you’d have to dry them by tying smaller clumps together not more than 10 or 15 to a cluster.
VANESSA ANN Merriman wrote on 30 November 2019 at 12 h 31 min
😉 LAVENDER
Mythia Sky Bergren wrote on 4 August 2019 at 20 h 54 min
How do I know how much to water my plant?
Gaspard Lorthiois wrote on 6 August 2019 at 17 h 30 min
French lavender can take drought but not overwatering. Water only when the dirt around the plant is dry deep down, like a finger’s depth deep. If the ground drains well, water thoroughly. But if the soil retains water well (if you have mulch, for example), then only water a little, like a glassful of water, and wait until dry again.
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This was such a well-written and insightful post. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!
My French lavender is still in bloom, I would like to prune them but we have had our first frost, would this do any harm.
Hi Carol, usually for French lavender you can actually leave the plant as it is until the end of winter. There’s no need to prune now. That way, you might still get the occasional flower. If you prefer to prune now, it’s also possible, but it’s best to wait for a warmer spell: it takes a few days for plants to cure their wounds well. It’s best if it doesn’t freeze during this period. So check the weather for a warm spell when it won’t freeze for 3-4 days in a row.
Hello – I have just received 2 x French Lavender patio trees – they look “grey” half way up and battered – what can I do to help it?
Hi Annabel, seems like the older leaves have taken a beating! It’s normal for the older leaves to turn gray and, in the end, fall off. Newer leaves higher up are taking over. What you can do to get bushes that are dense and lush is to prune them back to just above the first few “nice, green” leaves: this will trigger branching out in many places. It’ll fill the shrub up and hide the barer branches inside. Keep the shape round, it usually looks nicer. Here’s a link on how to prune french lavender (all lavenders are similar in this respect). Note that it’s best to do this in Spring so that flowers still have time to form over Summer, but if you’re willing to sacrifice this year’s blooming you can go ahead and prune now, you’ll have a slightly higher chance of getting new growth lower down, in the area where the gray leaves are.
what is recommended pot size for french lavender
Hi black thumb, soon to turn green! At the beginning, a smallish pot will do, for instance 6 or 8 inches across (15-20 cm), but once your lavender is already three or four years old you should double the size of the pot for it to have the space to grow (1 to 1½ feet or 30 to 40 cm). That size will suit it to the end. You can also start it directly in the larger of the two sizes, but it’ll seem small for its pot size!
Can you tell me how to protect French lavender in winter ours has died possibly through the frost where it is in a normal flower bed THANK YOU.
Hello Mrs West, sure. If it gets really cold every year, a good solution would be to try planting it using the pot-in-the-ground system, so that you can take it out before winter and store it in a garage or place that won’t freeze.
If you prefer to leave it in place, try to winterize it (article on winterizing here) with horticultural fleece or a clear plastic bag loosely wrapped around the bunch. You can also heap a pile of straw atop the shrub. Usually that keeps the harshest frost at bay. Come Spring, pull the hay away to free your French lavender.
Lastly, you should know French lavender is the least hardy species. If it fails you repeatedly, try planting English lavender or Spike lavender, they’re both hardier than French Lavender.
I recieved a French lavender tree for mothers day. It was doing great, flowering and looked healthy for a couple months. Now its turning brown and yellow and no more flowers. Its in the 80s and I only water when its dry… How am I killing my beautiful lavender? 🙁
Hello Christina, brown is usually lack of water but yellow is often a sign of overwatering… If the plant is in a pot and the pot itself in a pot holder, it’s really important to make sure that when you water, the pot doesn’t wallow in water inside the pot holder. If you’re careful to let it drain out fully before putting the pot back in the pot holder, then it probably isn’t a problem of overwatering.
So it might be drying out for lack of water perhaps. Try watering it a bit more often, still smaller amounts. This is especially true for potted plants, they tend to dry out faster.
It might be that the soil is too acidic. This happens if you use bark mulch or if there isn’t much lime in the soil. Compost will raise pH from acid towards neutral. Wood ash will even bring it into slightly alkaline range, which is good for lavender.
To a point, it’s normal for the plant to stop blooming. After all, usually the blooming season for French Lavender is around two-three weeks, after that the flower panicles dry out over the next two months.
My french lavender is doing wonderful where I planted it. It has so many flowers n I wanted to use them so I cut them off. I work w herbs n dry them all the time when I when I tried to dry them they got sticky. That doesn’t happen w my mother
Lavender. Do u know why it does that? Thank u
Hi Charlene, that’s surprising. Do you think a disease or an insect was on them? Normally French lavender dries just like the other ones. It’s still spring so maybe they were really full of sap, possibly it rained before picking them? In this season you’d have to dry them by tying smaller clumps together not more than 10 or 15 to a cluster.
😉 LAVENDER
How do I know how much to water my plant?
French lavender can take drought but not overwatering. Water only when the dirt around the plant is dry deep down, like a finger’s depth deep. If the ground drains well, water thoroughly. But if the soil retains water well (if you have mulch, for example), then only water a little, like a glassful of water, and wait until dry again.