Lavender is not always the same as lavender. We examine the species of French lavender and compare it to common lavender.
The genus of lavender (Lavandula) comprises around 30 different species, all of which belong to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The most widespread and the star of cultivation is the common lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). But there are other species that compete with the famous lavender representative, especially in terms of flower color and shape, and not only because of their appearance have a justified claim to a place in the garden. This definitely includes French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), also known as Italian or Arabic lavender. It is particularly noticeable due to its distinctive, large bracts at the top of the inflorescences. Just like the flowers themselves, they can shine in bright white, classic purple tones of different luminosity or strong purple colors. An interesting play of colors between the color of the flowers and the color of the bracts can take place, which provides life and variety in every garden. We take a close look at the diverse French lavender for you and see what its preferences are in cultivation.
Chopped lavender varieties: Variety of varieties in purple, white and pink
The French lavender impresses with its striking, large and usually brightly colored bracts at the top of the spike-shaped inflorescence. As a result, it stands out impressively from other well-known species such as common lavender or spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) within the genus Lavandula. Different varieties of French lavender cover a color spectrum from pure white to crimson to deep violet in their flower colors. Even the bracts and the actual petals can differ in color. We will introduce you to some varieties of French lavender with their characteristics.
- Alba: pure white bracts and petals; only very conditionally tolerant to frost.
- Ballerina: purple flowers; initially white bractsturn from pink to purple over time.
- Kew Red: Red flower heads are decorated with light pink bracts from July to September.
- Papillion: classic purple flowers; this variety is to be emphasized because of its pronounced winter hardiness.
You can find an overview of known lavender types and varieties here. If you are also particularly interested in white lavender, you can read all about it in our special article.
Planting French Lavender: Location and Propagation
Even if the planting of French lavender hardly differs from other types of lavender, there are some differences in terms of location. And the French lavender also has a few peculiarities with regard to its propagation and care.
French lavender: location and requirements
The French lavender prefers sandy soil. Here is the first difference to classic lavender, because it thrives best on calcareous soil. Likewise, French lavender is more common in nature in coastal regions, while real lavender thrives in mountainous regions up to 1600 m. For the French lavender, the soil should be as permeable as possible and waterlogging should be avoided. If a substrate with such properties is available, it can of course also be grown in a pot. A 1:4 mixture of sand and commercially available potting soil from specialist shops is ideal for pot culture. Like most Mediterranean plants, the French lavender also prefers a location in full sun.
You also want Mediterranean flair in your garden? You can find out how to grow French lavender yourself in our special article on this.
Increase French lavender
Cream lavender can easily be propagated by sowing. If you let it bloom freely, small French lavender seedlings will even appear all by themselves next spring. The best time for sowing outdoors is from June. The French lavender seed needs the heat for good germination. Of course, seeds can also be sown in the warm four walls in early spring. Under no circumstances should the seed be covered with substrate, since the French lavender needs light to germinate. If the seed is kept evenly and well moistened during germination, it will take three to four weeks before the first seedlings sprout.
Like most herbs, French lavender can be propagated by cuttings. This will be in lateSpring or early summer cut off young, woodless shoots without flowers or flower buds. These are rooted in normal cuttings substrate at high humidity in a propagation house for the windowsill. As with sowing, it takes about three to four weeks for the first roots to form.
Chopped lavender care: cutting, overwintering and more
The Mediterranean French lavender has very low requirements in terms of water supply and fertilization. In the bed, it is perfectly sufficient to water only during long periods of drought. Fertilizer is worked into the soil once in the spring in the form of primarily organic long-term fertilizers such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer or compost and manure.
Cultivation in a pot requires more regular watering. But you should not exaggerate here either - it is enough if the substrate is moist. For nutrient supply, an organic liquid fertilizer such as our Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer can be added every four to six weeks with the watering. it may be due to insufficient nutrient supply. In this case, you can also try to stimulate flowering with plants that are grown in beds with a small additional dose of fertilizer.
Regular pruning is recommended so that the French lavender does not become too woody and bare. If a mere topiary is to be carried out, this is optimally done in early spring when the bush sprout. Just like with real lavender, one third to two thirds are then cut back with sharp hedge shears. It is also recommended to pinch out the faded inflorescences or to make a summer cut if flowering is sparse or even non-existent. Both care measures promote the formation of flowers in the French lavender.
Here you will find further information on how to increase or stimulate the flowering of French lavender.
You can find more detailed instructions on cutting French lavender and other care measures in our special article.
French lavenderharvest, store and use
The French lavender, like the common lavender, is popular because of its essential oils. These aromas are even more pronounced in French lavender. Tea can be prepared from the flowers, which has an antispasmodic and relaxing effect. The inflorescences are best harvested when about half of the small flowers are open. The flowers are also predestined for fragrant scented sachets. By steam distillation, the oil of the French lavender can be obtained in its pure form from the flowers and is therefore often used in body and massage oils. And the leaf tips of the French lavender can also be used. They are well suited for refining fish and meat dishes and can simply be harvested on the plant at any time as required.
Of course, lavender can also be stored. Either the fresh flowers are placed in oil and the oils are extracted from them, or the parts of the plant are preserved by drying. Above all, however, air drying causes some of the aromatic essential oils to evaporate.
You can find out how best to dry lavender here in our special article.