Lavender is one of the most versatile and well know plants in the world. Almost all varieties are resistant to dear, droughts and provide brilliant foliage and flowers. Lavender even comes in multiple colors, from blues and purples to pinks and whites! With over 400 varieties and 40 species, there is sure to be one that you will fall in love with.
Now for the hard part, how do you choose? First and foremost it is imperative to find a variety that suits your gardening zone. You can learn more about your zone here: GrowOrganic, and find more additional reading on our other post: Choosing the Best Lavender for your Garden. Additionally, what the plant's over-all use will be: culinary, decorative, etc. Here are our top 10 varieties that will suit almost any garden.
01 English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
The most widely grown Lavender plant in North America. This plant comes in many varieties and is mostly used for culinary uses such as cooking and baking, and its flowers for sachets. The plant's name originates from its ability to grow well in the English climate.
Bloom Season: Summer
Height: 18"-3' tall
Soil Requirements: Sandy
Water: Well-drained Soil
Zones 5-9
Varieties of English Lavender: Hidcote Blue, Munstead, Betty's Blue, Royal Purple, Buena Vista, Croxton's Wild, Melissa, Jean Davis.
02 French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French Lavender is a beautiful Herb grown for its ornamental value, rather than culinary or perfume uses. Although not as strongly scented as its counterparts, French Lavender professes a long bloom time and beautiful compact purple flowers. French Lavender can bloom indoors with enough sun (6 hours a day).
Bloom Season: Spring - Fall
Height: 3' tall
Sun: Full Sun
Water: Well-drained Soil
Zones 5-9
Varieties of French Lavender: Allwood Lavender, Lambikins Lavender, Linda Logon Lavender, Ploughman’s Blue Lavender, Pure Harmony Lavender
03 Lavandin
Lavandin is a cross between English and Spike Lavender (otherwise known as Portuguese Lavender.) It was developed specifically, for its high-quality, aromatic oil (or camphor) content, which was higher than other Lavender varieties. It has been widely used in the perfume and cosmetics trade.
Bloom Season: Summer
Height: 30"-3' tall
Soil Requirements: Sandy
Light: Full Sun
Water: Well-drained Soil
Zones: 5-9
Varieties of Lavendin: Giant Hidcote Blue, Grosso Lavender, Super Lavender, Seal Lavender, Fred Boutin Lavender, Dutch Lavender
03 Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
Portuguese Lavender is typically not found in gardens. Farmed for its Lavender oil in commercial uses such as varnish, soap, and disinfectants, this type of Lavender is far less common. Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is also called Spike Lavender due to its tall and thin-shaped petals.
Bloom Season: Summer
Height: 12" -30" tall
Soil Requirements & Water: Well-drained Soil
Sun: Full Sun
Zones: 6-9
Varieties of Lavendin: Giant Hidcote Blue, Grosso Lavender, Super Lavender, Seal Lavender, Fred Boutin Lavender, Dutch Lavender
05 Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Although incredibly beautiful, Spanish Lavender is mostly used for landscaping and ornamental accents in gardens. Known for their strong floral scent and "bunny tail" shaped ears, their spikes are compact, fragrant, and great for pollinators. Spanish Lavender tends to grow taller than many other varieties, topping out at over 3 feet tall.
Bloom Season: Mid Spring - Summer
Height: Over 3 Feet Tall
Light: Full Sun
Water & Soil Requirements: Well-drained Soil
Zones: 8-9
Varieties of Spanish Lavender: Ballerina Lavender, Van Gough Lavender, Curly Top Lavender, Madrid Purple Lavender, Fairy Wings Lavender, Wine Lavender
