Understanding the Appeal of Lavender Varieties
Lavender plants (Lavandula) are cherished for their intoxicating fragrance, beautiful purple blooms, and drought tolerance, making them a staple in many gardens. While many people picture a single, uniform plant, there is a rich tapestry of different lavender plant varieties, each possessing unique characteristics that suit specific purposes and growing conditions. From compact bushes perfect for borders to taller specimens for hedging, and from intensely fragrant blooms to those favoured for essential oil production, the choice can be overwhelming yet rewarding. Exploring these diverse types is key to unlocking lavender’s full potential in your outdoor space.
The primary distinctions between lavender varieties often lie in their species, which influences their hardiness, growth habit, and the shape or colour of their flower spikes. Broadly, they can be categorised into English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French or Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), Lavandins (hybrids of angustifolia and latifolia), and less common types like Portuguese lavender (Lavandula lusitanica) or Woolly lavender (Lavandula lanata). Each offers a slightly different profile, catering to varying garden aesthetics and climates.
When selecting, consider your local climate. English lavenders are generally the hardiest and most tolerant of colder winters, making them suitable for a wider range of regions across the UK. Spanish lavenders, on the other hand, prefer warmer conditions and are less cold-hardy, often thriving in milder coastal areas or requiring winter protection inland. Lavandins are robust hybrids, known for their vigour and high oil content, but sometimes possess a slightly less refined scent than pure English lavenders.
Selecting the right variety ensures you achieve the desired effect and optimal growth. Think about size, bloom time, and scent intensity when making your choice.
Key Types of Lavender Plant Varieties
Delving into the different lavender plant varieties reveals distinct groups, primarily based on species and their resulting traits. Understanding these categories helps immensely when planning your planting scheme.
English Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
This is perhaps the most iconic type, renowned for its hardiness, compact growth, and sweet, classic lavender fragrance. English lavenders are ideal for formal hedging, knot gardens, and containers, as they tend to remain neat and tidy. They are well-suited to most UK climates, tolerating frosts and colder weather far better than other types. Popular cultivars within this group include 'Munstead', a vigorous grower with medium-purple flowers, and 'Hidcote', a more compact variety boasting deep violet-blue blooms and a slightly richer scent.
French/Spanish Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas)
Distinguishable by their unique 'rabbit ear' bracts atop the flower spikes, French or Spanish lavenders offer a different visual appeal. They generally bloom earlier in the season than English lavenders and have a scent that is often described as more camphorous or resinous. These varieties prefer warmer conditions and good drainage, and are less tolerant of hard frosts. They are spectacular when in full bloom, providing a vibrant splash of colour, though their fragrance might not be as universally desired for potpourri as English lavender.
Lavandins (Hybrids)
Lavandins are vigorous hybrids, most commonly a cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia. They are recognised for their long, strong flower stems, abundant blooms, and exceptionally high yield of essential oil, making them favoured for commercial production. While they offer a potent fragrance and are robust plants, their scent can sometimes be a little more pungent and less delicate than pure English lavender. Varieties like 'Grosso' are well-known for their prolific flowering and oil production. They are generally hardy but may appreciate some winter protection in very cold areas.
Each of these main types forms the foundation for numerous cultivars, offering subtle variations in flower colour, plant size, and scent profile.
Choosing Lavender Varieties for Specific Garden Roles
The sheer diversity among different lavender plant varieties means you can select specific types for particular gardening functions, rather than just planting lavender for generic appeal. Considering the plant's habit, size, and bloom characteristics will ensure success.
For Borders and Edging
When creating neat borders or defining garden paths, compact and tidy growth habits are paramount. Cultivars of Lavandula angustifolia, such as 'Hidcote' or 'Munstead', are excellent choices. They naturally form dense, low mounds that maintain a pleasing shape after pruning. Their shorter stature prevents them from sprawling over paths or obscuring smaller plants, ensuring a well-ordered look. Ensure good drainage and ample sunlight for the best results.
For Fragrance and Potpourri
If your primary goal is to harvest lavender for its scent, particularly for use in sachets, potpourri, or for drying, then the intensely fragrant English lavenders are usually preferred. Varieties like 'Maillette' are specifically cultivated for their high oil content and superior fragrance. While Lavandins are also rich in oil, their scent profile is often considered less sweet and more pungent. English lavenders offer that classic, comforting aroma that many associate with the plant.
Pro-tip: For the most potent scent from dried lavender, harvest stems just as the flower buds begin to open, selecting mature plants that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
For Attracting Pollinators
Most lavender varieties are a magnet for bees and other beneficial insects, but some are particularly favoured. Lavandins, with their abundant nectar, are incredibly attractive to bees. The long flower spikes of varieties like 'Grosso' provide ample landing space and food sources. While English lavenders are also popular with pollinators, the sheer volume of blooms on Lavandin hybrids can make them a powerhouse for wildlife gardening.
For Containers and Smaller Spaces
Dwarf or compact lavender varieties are essential for success in pots or smaller garden areas. Many Lavandula angustifolia cultivars remain naturally small, but some are specifically bred for container growing. Look for named varieties known for their compact habit, ensuring they won't outgrow their pot too quickly. Good drainage is critical for container-grown lavender, as they are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.
Choosing the correct variety for its intended role is the first step towards a thriving lavender display.
Maintenance and Care Across Varieties
While the different lavender plant varieties offer unique attributes, their fundamental care requirements remain largely consistent. Understanding these basics will help ensure your chosen lavenders flourish, regardless of their specific type.
Planting Considerations
All lavenders thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Poor drainage is the most common cause of lavender failure, particularly in the UK's often damp climate. If your soil is heavy clay, incorporate grit or sand to improve drainage, or consider planting on a raised bed or slope. When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth. Avoid planting too deeply; the top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Pruning Lavender
Regular pruning is vital for maintaining shape, encouraging bushy growth, and preventing woody, leggy stems. The timing and method can vary slightly depending on the variety, but a general rule applies. Prune a lavender plant twice a year for most English varieties. The first prune, often in late spring or early summer after flowering, involves trimming back the spent flower stems and a small amount of foliage to maintain shape. A harder prune can be done in late summer or early autumn, cutting back about two-thirds of the plant's height, but **avoid cutting into old, woody growth** as it may not regrow. Spanish lavenders often benefit from deadheading spent flowers to encourage re-blooming and a lighter prune after their main flowering period.
Taking Lavender Cuttings
Propagation is straightforward for most types. To take cuttings from lavender plants, wait until late spring or early summer. Select non-flowering, current year's growth, about 10-15 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and insert the cuttings into pots of well-draining compost, such as a mix of equal parts compost and grit. Keep them moist but not waterlogged, and in a bright spot, ideally a greenhouse or cold frame, until they root.
Consistent care ensures longevity and prolific blooming across all different lavender plant varieties.