Gardening
Perennials
By
Alexandra Jones
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Alexandra Jones
Alexandra Jones is an avid urban grower and Master Gardener writing about houseplants, gardening, and sustainability from her home in Philadelphia. She has 10 years of gardening experience and five years of professional writing expertise.
Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process
Updated on 07/31/24
Fact checked by
Haley Mades
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Fact checked byHaley Mades
Haley Mades is a publishing professional with 5 years of experience in digital and print media.
Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process
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Lavender is one of the most attractive, versatile garden plants. This woody perennial herb is easy to care for while offering evergreen foliage and flowers in shades of purple, violet, pink, or white. You can harvest lavender for cut bouquets, fragrance, drying, or culinary uses in addition to enjoying its ornamental qualities in your garden.
Native to the Mediterranean, lavender plants overall prefer well-drained soils, warm temperatures, and lots of bright sunlight. Different varieties of lavender have slightly different care needs, but they share beneficial traits such as resistance to pests, drought tolerance, fragrant flowers, and minimal care.
Here are 23 of the most fragrant and beautiful types of lavender plants to consider for your garden.
Warning
Lavender plants (Lavandula spp. and hybrids) are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
01 of 23
Spanish Lavender
Like French lavender, Spanish lavender's tall, pinkish-purple bracts outshine the tiny flowers they contain. Both the flowers and leaves of this low-growing, compact plant are edible. This heat-tolerant species requires lots of sun and warm temperatures to thrive.
- Name: Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-9
- Flower Color: Pink
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall, 18-24 in. wide
02 of 23
English Lavender
English lavender is one of the most common varieties available, with tall stems topped with spikes of tiny blue flowers during its midsummer bloom period. This hardy herb is perennial in colder climates, making it ideal for northern gardeners.
- Name: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Flower Color: Pale purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 24-36 in. tall and wide
03 of 23
English lavender 'Munstead'
A type of English lavender, Munstead is a low-growing variety ideal for edges and borders. This long-living cultivar's long, gray-green leaves resemble those of rosemary, while its violet-colored flowers grow in delicate clusters at the tips of compact stems. Cut back flowers after they fade to encourage a second round of blooms.
- Name: English lavender 'Munstead' (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Flower Color: Violet
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall and wide
04 of 23
French Lavender
France is known for its lavender production—so much so that this sought-after lavender species is named for the country. Fragrant French lavender's tiny flowers are held within pale purple bracts that resemble large petals at the top of the spike, and its leaves are fringed rather than smooth. This lavender thrives on neglect, but you can deadhead spent flowers to encourage future blooms.
- Name: French lavender (Lavandula dentata)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Flower Color: Pale blue-purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide
Continue to 5 of 23 below
05 of 23
Lavandin
Lavandin is a naturally occurring Lavandula hybrid with a powerful scent thanks to its camphor content. Care is similar to lavender species, but there are some differences: its stems are longer, with multiple flower spikes on each stem that narrow to a point at the tip. It also flowers later in the season.
- Name: Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Flower Color: Light purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall and wide
06 of 23
Fernleaf Lavender
Fernleaf lavender gets its name from the feathery, frondlike shape of its silvery-green leaves. Its tall stems bloom with slightly pointed clusters of showy, pale purple flowers through the summer. This aromatic variety is particularly attractive to pollinators.
- Name: Fernleaf lavender (Lavandula multifida)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Flower Color: Pale purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 18-24 in. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
07 of 23
Portuguese Lavender
Also called spike lavender, Portuguese lavender is particularly aromatic, making it excellent for scent bags and perfuming oils. It has long, white-tinged leaves. Profuse, attractive clusters of blooms grow two to three feet high on tall spikes.
- Name: Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Flower Color: Blue-violet
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 18 in. wide
08 of 23
Hidcote Lavender
This cultivar of English lavender's compact size and mounding growth habit make it a great addition to borders and ornamental beds. Stout clusters of dark purple flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Name: Hidcote lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Flower Color: Dark purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 18-24 in. tall and wide
Continue to 9 of 23 below
09 of 23
Lavandula stoechas 'Curly Top
This Spanish lavender cultivar is dark purple, but its showy top bracts are the real star of the show. The slightly lighter, almost purple-pinkish bracts are ruffled and curved, adding great visual interest to any garden.
- Name: Spanish Lavender 'Curly Top'(Lavandula stoechas 'Curly Top')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Flower Color: Dark purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall, 12-18 in. wide
10 of 23
Spanish Lavender 'Anouk'
This vigorous cultivar has the same showy, pinkish-purple flowers as Spanish lavender. It's a drought-tolerant addition to a sunny herb garden. This type of lavender blooms in early or mid-spring.
- Name: Spanish lavender 'Anouk' (Lavandula stoechas 'Anouk')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Flower Color: Pinkish purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 24-30 in. tall, 18-24 in. wide
11 of 23
English Lavender 'Sarah'
Maxing out at just 12 inches tall, this compact type of lavender is ideal for planting in containers. Dark purple calyxes holding tiny, paler purple flowers give the blooms on this variety a more intense color. Harvest flowers for drying or culinary uses.
- Name: English lavender 'Sarah' (Lavandula angustifolia 'Sarah')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-11
- Flower Color: Purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 12 in. tall
12 of 23
Spanish Lavender 'Kew Red'
'Kew Red' is a Spanish lavender cultivar known for the pale pink bracts that resemble rabbit ears atop each flower cluster. It's ideal for growing in warm, humid climates. Because of its robust and resinous aroma, this lavender variety is ideal for ornamental or aromatherapy rather than culinary uses.
- Name: Spanish lavender 'Kew Red' (Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Flower Color: Pink
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 18-24 in. tall
Continue to 13 of 23 below
13 of 23
White Lavender 'Alba'
Not all types of lavender bloom in pink or purple. 'Alba' is a lavender known for its tubular white flowers with tiny yellow centers. Cut back spent blooms on this bushy, deer-resistant cultivar to encourage a second flush later in the season.
- Name: White lavender 'Alba' (Lavandula x intermedia 'Alba')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Flower Color: White
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 36 in. tall, 24 in. wide
14 of 23
Spanish Lavender 'Fathead'
'Fathead' gets its name from its thick, rounded flower heads, topped in the Spanish lavender style with flashy bracts that fade from purple to pink as the blooms age.
- Name: Spanish lavender 'Fathead' (Lavandula stoechas 'Fathead')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Flower Color: Purple, pink
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 12-24 in. tall and wide
15 of 23
English Lavender 'Jean Davis'
Most lavender varieties' flowers are, well, lavender—but a few, like 'Jean Davis', stray from shades of purple. This cultivar sports delicate pale pink, almost white flowers that taste fruity rather than bitter, making them excellent for sweets or other recipes. While most lavender types love heat, 'Jean Davis' grows best in regions without long periods of extreme heat in summer.
- Name: English lavender 'Jean Davis' (Lavandula angustifolia 'Jean Davis')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-11
- Flower Color: Pink
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 18 in. tall
16 of 23
Spanish Lavender 'Strawberry Ruffles'
The 'Strawberry Ruffles' cultivar of Spanish lavender stands out with wavy clusters of bright pink bracts atop stout stacks of tiny, magenta-colored flowers. It's tolerant to various conditions, including extreme heat, high humidity, and drought, and is known for repeat blooming.
- Name: Spanish lavender 'Strawberry Ruffles' (Lavandula stoechas 'Strawberry Ruffles')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-9
- Flower Color: Pink, magenta
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 20-24 in. tall, 18-21 in. wide
Continue to 17 of 23 below
17 of 23
French Lavender ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’
This French lavender hybrid originated in Oregon and is well suited to growing in a large container. Its smooth-edged leaves are a silvery gray-green. This hybrid cultivar offers large, dark purple flower spikes from early summer through early fall.
- Name: French lavender ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’ (Lavandula × ginginsii ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Flower Color: Purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 18-24 in. tall, 24-30 in. wide
18 of 23
English Lavender 'Hidcote Giant'
This interspecific hybrid can grow nearly four feet tall when blooming. Violet-blue flowers protrude in thick clusters starting in early summer, and their long stems make them an excellent addition to cut flower bouquets or for ornamental dried flowers. In fall, the foliage turns an attractive coppery color.
- Name: English lavender 'Hidcote Giant' (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote Giant')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Flower Color: Violet-blue
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 36-40 in. tall
19 of 23
Spanish Lavender 'Ballerina'
This bicolor lavender has beautiful bracts that transition from white to pink or light purple as it matures. This Lavender is highly aromatic and perfect for bees and butterflies.
- Name: Spanish Lavender 'Ballerina'(Lavandula stoechas ''Ballerina')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 - 9
- Flower Color: Pink to light purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 12-24 in. tall, 12-24 in. wide
20 of 23
English Lavender 'Thumbelina Leigh'
'Thumbelina Leigh' is a dwarf cultivar of English lavender that's excellent for edging, borders, and planting in containers thanks to its compact size and mounding growth habit. Blooms begin as clusters of violet buds that open to reveal sweet-smelling, light-purple flowers.
- Name: English lavender 'Thumbelina Leigh' (Lavandula augustifolia 'Thumbelina Leigh')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10
- Flower Color: Violet, purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 12-15 in. tall
Continue to 21 of 23 below
21 of 23
Spanish Lavender 'La Diva Big Night'
'La Diva Big Night' is the first-ever cross between English and Spanish lavender, giving this unique hybrid a vigorous growth habit and superior tolerance to cold, heat, and humidity. Aromatic, dark purple flower clusters are topped with purple bracts. This lavender's compact size and successive waves of blooms make it a welcome addition to the garden.
- Name: Spanish lavender 'La Diva Big Night' (Lavandula stoechas 'La Diva Big Night')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Flower Color: Purple, dark purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 14 in. tall, 18 in. wide.
22 of 23
French Lavender 'Grosso'
Despite its name, this oversized cultivar is actually a type of lavendin. Plants grow nearly three feet tall and spread nearly four feet, making for an impressive mass of blooms starting in midsummer. Give this extra-large lavender lots of room and let the pollinators enjoy it.
- Name: French lavender 'Grosso' (Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-11
- Flower Color: Blue, purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 30-32 in. tall, 36-48 in. wide
23 of 23
Spanish Lavender 'Madrid Purple'
This perennial shrub's dark purple flower heads are topped with bright purple bracts and are attractive to pollinators. In the right conditions of well-drained soil and full sun, it can reach two feet tall and wide. Its scent lies between a true lavender scent and a rosemary fragrance.
- Name: Spanish Lavender 'Madrid Purple'(Lavandula stoechas 'Madrid Purple')
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Flower Color: Dark purple
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
- Mature Size: 12-24 in. tall, 12-24 in. wide
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FAQ
Which type of lavender is the most fragrant?
Lavandin is a naturally occurring hybrid generally considered the most fragrant. It is often used in potpourris or as a culinary herb.
What type of lavender blooms the longest?
While French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) is milder in scent than other varieties, its blooms last the longest throughout summer and into fall.
Do any varieties of lavender stay small?
Dwarf varieties of lavender will stay small, as will some compact cultivars, such as English lavender.
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Lavender. ASPCA.
