French lavender – planting, care and pruning

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.

Key French lavender facts at a glance

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

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.
• All French lavender guides

Which lavender is “French lavender”?

The same common name covers two different plants depending on where you garden, and neither of them is the English lavender most people picture. This table sets out what to look for before you buy.

Whichever of the two you grow, the cultivation requirements are much the same: full sun and sharp drainage.

Planting French lavender

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 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.

• Refer to our guidelines for planting shrubs.
• 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.

• 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

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.

• 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.
• Hard prune French lavender gradually over two or three growing seasons.

Winter protection

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

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.
• Another decorative option is to make lavender ribbon wands.

Pests and diseases

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.

• 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

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.

Read also:

• Find the correct lavender name for each species.
• Learn how to tell English, French and Spanish lavender apart.

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