Lavender is a versatile and fragrant plant widely loved for its calming aroma, vibrant blooms, and various uses in gardens, aromatherapy, and skincare. However, there are different types of lavender flowers, each with distinct characteristics in scent, size, colour, and growth habits.
Some varieties thrive in cooler climates, while others prefer warmer conditions. Certain types are best for essential oils, while others excel as ornamental plants.
This guide explores 25 different types of lavender flowers, highlighting their key differences to help you choose the right one for your needs, whether for gardening, fragrance, or practical use.
1. English Lavender
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), despite its name, originates from the Mediterranean region. This variety is cherished for its sweet, calming aroma and is commonly used in culinary dishes, aromatherapy, and essential oil production.
The plant typically grows between 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) in height, forming a compact, bushy shrub. Its narrow, silver-green leaves provide an elegant backdrop to the short spikes of purple flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer.
Notable cultivars include 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead', both prized for their rich colour and fragrance. English lavender thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sunlight to flourish. Its hardiness makes it suitable for cooler climates, and it is often used in hedges, borders, or as an ornamental plant in gardens.
2. French Lavender
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is easily identified by its serrated, grey-green leaves and distinctive, tufted flower heads. The blooms are topped with pale violet bracts, giving them a unique, ruffled appearance.
This variety emits a milder fragrance compared to its English counterpart, with a slight camphor-like scent. French lavender typically reaches a height of 60 cm, forming a bushy, evergreen shrub. It is native to the Mediterranean basin and thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it ideal for rock gardens or containers.
While it is less hardy than English lavender, it can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. French lavender's ornamental appeal and extended blooming period make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting colour.
3. Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), also known as topped lavender, is native to the Mediterranean region. This variety is renowned for its distinctive flower heads, which resemble tiny pineapples topped with colourful bracts that flutter like butterfly wings.
The blooms range in colour from deep purple to lilac and emit a strong, pine-like fragrance due to the presence of camphor in its oils. Spanish lavender typically grows to a height of 30-100 cm, forming a compact, bushy shrub.
It prefers hot, dry conditions and is more tolerant of humid climates than other lavender species. While it is less commonly used for culinary purposes, its striking appearance makes it a favourite for ornamental planting, especially in borders and containers.
4. Lavandin
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid resulting from the cross between English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia). This hybridisation combines the best traits of both parents, leading to a plant that is both cold-hardy and heat-tolerant.
Lavandin typically grows taller than its parent species, reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm), and forms a broad, mounded shape. The plant produces long, slender flower spikes that bloom from mid to late summer, showcasing hues ranging from pale lilac to deep violet.
Notably, lavandin is renowned for its intense fragrance, making it a preferred choice for perfume production and essential oils.
However, its higher camphor content renders it less suitable for culinary applications compared to English lavender. Popular cultivars include 'Grosso', 'Provence', and 'Phenomenal', each celebrated for their vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
5. Portuguese Lavender
Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia), also known as spike lavender, is native to the western Mediterranean region, encompassing countries like Portugal, Spain, and southern France. This species is characterised by its broader, coarse evergreen leaves and pale lilac flowers borne on long stems.
The plant typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) and emits a stronger, more pungent aroma compared to English lavender, attributed to its higher camphor content.
Portuguese lavender blooms profusely from late spring to late summer, adding a continuous splash of colour to gardens during these months. Its robust nature makes it suitable for various landscaping purposes, especially in regions with mild winters.
6. Munstead Lavender
Munstead lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead') is a compact cultivar of English lavender, named after the Munstead Wood estate of renowned garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. This variety is prized for its hardiness and early blooming nature, typically flowering from late spring to early summer.
'Munstead' grows to about 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) in height, making it ideal for edging pathways, herb gardens, or container planting. The plant showcases dense spikes of lavender-blue flowers atop grey-green foliage, exuding a sweet, classic lavender scent.
Its drought-tolerant nature and low maintenance requirements have made 'Munstead' a favourite among gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and practicality.
7. Hidcote Lavender
Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote') is a distinguished English lavender cultivar, celebrated for its compact form and vibrant, deep purple-blue flowers. Typically reaching heights of up to 20 inches (50 cm), this variety showcases silvery-grey foliage that contrasts beautifully with its richly coloured blooms.
The flowers are not only visually striking but also emit a long-lasting, sweet fragrance, making them ideal for dried arrangements and potpourris.
'Hidcote' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, demonstrating drought tolerance once established. Its mounded growth habit makes it a popular choice for low hedges, borders, or container planting, adding a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
8. Betty's Blue Lavender
Betty's Blue Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Betty's Blue') is a compact English lavender variety, renowned for its large, deep violet-blue flowers atop erect stems that maintain their form without splaying.
The plant forms attractive domes, reaching up to 30 inches (75 cm) in height and spreading 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) wide. Its sweet fragrance and tidy appearance make it an excellent choice for low hedges, knot gardens, or container planting.
'Betty's Blue' blooms once in midsummer, with the potential for a second, smaller flush if the flowers are cut promptly. The gray-green foliage adds to its ornamental appeal, and the flowers are prized for drying, retaining their colour and scent, making them ideal for potpourris.
9. Royal Purple Lavender
Royal Purple Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Royal Purple') is an English lavender variety esteemed for its long stems bearing strongly scented purple flowers that bloom in early summer.
This variety can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, making it one of the larger English lavenders suitable for creating stunning low, informal hedges.
The blooms hold their colour well after drying, making 'Royal Purple' a favoured choice for dried flower arrangements. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, embodying the classic lavender aesthetic with its silvery-grey foliage and vibrant blooms.
10. Buena Vista Lavender
Buena Vista Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Buena Vista') is a medium-sized English lavender cultivar, celebrated for its bi-coloured blooms and extended flowering season. The plant typically grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm), forming a mounded shape with aromatic, grey-green foliage.
Its flowers are noteworthy for their purple and deep blue hues, appearing on stems that fan out around the plant, creating a whimsical display. 'Buena Vista' is renowned for its twice-blooming nature, with an initial flush in late spring and a second in early autumn, providing continuous colour in the garden.
This variety is versatile, suitable for culinary uses, dried arrangements, and as a fragrant addition to landscapes. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, embodying the classic lavender aesthetic with its silvery-grey foliage and vibrant blooms.
11. Thumbelina Leigh Lavender
Thumbelina Leigh Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Thumbelina Leigh') is a dwarf English lavender cultivar, ideal for gardeners seeking a compact yet vibrant plant. It typically reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm), making it perfect for containers, rock gardens, or as a low border.
The plant produces slender flower spikes adorned with tightly bunched, deep violet-blue flowers that emit a sweet, classic lavender scent. Its silvery foliage adds to its ornamental appeal, contrasting beautifully with the richly coloured blooms.
'Thumbelina Leigh' is known for its prolific blooming, often flowering continuously from early to mid-summer, attracting pollinators and adding a splash of colour to any garden setting.
12. Hidcote Giant Lavender
Hidcote Giant Lavender (Lavandula × intermedia 'Hidcote Giant') is a lavandin hybrid, esteemed for its vigorous growth and impressive flower spikes. This variety can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, making it one of the larger lavenders suitable for creating stunning low, informal hedges.
The plant showcases large, deep lavender-purple flowers atop long stems, which are ideal for cut flower arrangements and dried bouquets.
Its silvery-grey foliage provides a striking contrast to the vibrant blooms, enhancing its visual appeal. 'Hidcote Giant' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, embodying the classic lavender aesthetic with its silvery-grey foliage and vibrant blooms.
13. Phenomenal Lavender
Phenomenal Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Phenomenal') is a French lavender cultivar renowned for its exceptional resilience and ornamental beauty. This variety produces 5-inch-long flower spikes in deep blue and purple hues, complemented by lush silvery-green foliage.
It is notably tolerant of both extreme heat and humidity, as well as harsh cold winters, making it a versatile choice for various climates. 'Phenomenal' typically reaches a height and width of 24 to 30 inches (60-75 cm), forming an elegant, mounded shape.
Its fragrant blooms appear earlier than other varieties, starting in late spring through early summer, and are ideal for cut flowers, containers, and mass plantings. This lavender's disease resistance and drought tolerance further enhance its appeal to gardeners seeking both beauty and durability.
14. Grosso Lavender
Grosso Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso') is a lavandin hybrid celebrated for its robust growth and high essential oil content. This variety produces large, dense flower spikes in rich violet hues, held on long, sturdy stems that can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm).
The plant itself forms a bushy mound approximately 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and width. 'Grosso' blooms profusely from mid to late summer, emitting a strong, sweet fragrance that is highly prized in the perfume and aromatherapy industries.
Its silvery-green foliage provides a striking contrast to the vibrant blooms, enhancing its ornamental appeal. 'Grosso' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, demonstrating excellent tolerance to heat and drought, making it a popular choice for hedges, borders, and mass plantings.
15. Provence Lavender
Provence Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence') is a lavandin hybrid renowned for its exceptional fragrance and versatile uses. This variety produces long, slender flower spikes in pale lavender-blue hues, held on graceful stems that can reach up to 36 inches (90 cm).
The plant forms a rounded mound approximately 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and width, with narrow, gray-green foliage that adds to its aesthetic appeal. 'Provence' blooms from mid to late summer, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
Its sweet, floral scent makes it ideal for culinary uses, potpourris, and sachets. 'Provence' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, exhibiting good tolerance to heat and drought.
Its tall, elegant flower spikes make it a popular choice for cut flowers, hedges, and mass plantings, adding a touch of Mediterranean charm to any landscape.
16. Edelweiss Lavender
Edelweiss Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Edelweiss') is a distinctive lavandin hybrid celebrated for its pure white blooms, offering a striking contrast to the more common purple varieties.
This variety typically reaches a height of 24 to 30 inches (60-75 cm), forming a graceful, mounded shape adorned with silvery-green foliage. The elongated flower spikes emerge in mid-summer, exuding a mild, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
'Edelweiss' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, demonstrating drought tolerance once established. Its unique coloration makes it an excellent choice for mixed borders, rock gardens, or as a standout specimen plant.
Additionally, the white flowers are prized for dried arrangements and craft projects, retaining their colour and form well after harvesting.
17. Silver Edge Lavender
Silver Edge Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Silver Edge') is a captivating variety known for its variegated foliage and vibrant blooms.
The plant features green leaves edged with a creamy white margin, providing year-round interest even when not in bloom. Reaching heights of approximately 24 inches (60 cm), 'Silver Edge' produces lavender-blue flower spikes in mid to late summer, emitting a pleasant fragrance.
This variety prefers full sun and well-drained soil, exhibiting moderate drought tolerance once established. The unique foliage and colourful blooms make 'Silver Edge' an excellent choice for ornamental borders, container planting, or as a focal point in garden designs.
Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its compact form and encourages vigorous growth.
18. Jean Davis Lavender
Jean Davis Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Jean Davis') is a unique English lavender cultivar renowned for its soft pink flowers, a departure from the typical purple hues associated with lavender.
This compact variety grows to about 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) in height and width, making it ideal for small gardens, herb beds, or container planting. The pale pink blooms appear in late spring to early summer, emitting a sweet, classic lavender scent.
'Jean Davis' prefers full sun and well-drained soil, demonstrating good drought tolerance once established. Its compact size and unique flower colour make it a popular choice for culinary uses, as the floral notes add a delicate flavour to dishes.
Additionally, the dried flowers are excellent for crafts, potpourris, and sachets, retaining their fragrance and colour well.
19. Melissa Lilac Lavender
Anouk Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Anouk') is a Spanish lavender variety prized for its compact form and distinctive blooms. The plant showcases plump, deep purple flower heads topped with lighter purple petals, creating a striking visual contrast.
Blooming earlier than many other lavenders, 'Anouk' flowers from early to mid-spring and can continue through to early autumn in favourable conditions.
This variety is well-suited to hotter summers and prefers full sun with well-drained, sandy soil. Its drought-resistant nature makes it a resilient choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and hardiness.
20. Anouk Lavender
Kew Red Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red') is a distinctive Spanish lavender cultivar known for its plump, deep crimson-pink flower heads topped with pale pink bracts that fade to white as they mature. This variety typically forms a bushy mound, reaching about 24 inches (60 cm) in height.
'Kew Red' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, demonstrating drought tolerance once established. Its unique bicolour blooms and aromatic foliage make it a standout choice for mass plantings, containers, or as a fragrant addition to borders.
The flowers are also highly attractive to bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of garden spaces.
21. Kew Red Lavender
Kew Red Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red') is a distinctive Spanish lavender cultivar known for its plump, deep crimson-pink flower heads topped with pale pink bracts that fade to white as they mature. This variety typically forms a bushy mound, reaching about 24 inches (60 cm) in height.
'Kew Red' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, demonstrating drought tolerance once established. Its unique bicolour blooms and aromatic foliage make it a standout choice for mass plantings, containers, or as a fragrant addition to borders.
The flowers are also highly attractive to bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of garden spaces.
22. Ballerina Lavender
Ballerina Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Ballerina') is a captivating Spanish lavender cultivar renowned for its distinctive bicolored blooms. The plant showcases plump, purple flower heads topped with long-lasting white bracts that delicately fade to pink and purple as they mature.
This evergreen shrub typically grows in a bushy mound up to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 24 inches (60 cm) wide.
The foliage resembles that of rosemary, featuring long, pointed, soft gray-green leaves that are highly aromatic. 'Ballerina' blooms almost continuously from mid-late spring to late summer, providing an extended display of color and fragrance in the garden.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or as a low hedge. Additionally, 'Ballerina' is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, adding to its appeal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually striking plants.
23. Goodwin Creek Grey Lavender
Goodwin Creek Grey Lavender (Lavandula x ginginsii 'Goodwin Creek Grey') is a hybrid lavender variety admired for its attractive silver-gray foliage and robust growth habit. The plant forms a compact, bushy mound reaching up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and width.
Its deeply lobed, aromatic leaves provide a striking contrast to the rich violet-blue flower spikes that emerge from late spring through fall. 'Goodwin Creek Grey' is particularly noted for its heat and humidity tolerance, making it suitable for warmer climates where other lavender varieties may struggle.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established. This variety is ideal for use in borders, containers, or as an accent plant in xeriscaped gardens. Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages continued blooming.
24. Fathead Lavender
Fathead Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Fathead') is a compact Spanish lavender cultivar that stands out for its unique, plump flower heads. The plant produces dense, rounded, dark purple flower spikes topped with lighter purple bracts, creating a striking two-toned effect.
Typically growing to about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height and width, 'Fathead' has aromatic gray-green foliage that adds to its ornamental appeal. It blooms profusely from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soils and is both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. 'Fathead' is well-suited for use in borders, rock gardens, or containers, and its distinctive blooms make it a focal point in any planting scheme.
25. Curly Top Lavender
Curly Top Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Curly Top') is a distinctive Spanish lavender cultivar known for its unique floral display. The plant features dark purple, pineapple-shaped flower heads topped with lighter purple, slightly ruffled bracts that curl at the tips, giving rise to its name 'Curly Top.'
This evergreen shrub typically grows to about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height and width, with aromatic gray-green foliage that is both attractive and fragrant. 'Curly Top' blooms from late spring to early summer, providing a vibrant display that attracts pollinators.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established. This variety is ideal for use in borders, containers, or as an accent plant in Mediterranean-style gardens. Its unique flower form adds visual interest and texture to garden designs.
Conclusion About The Types Of Lavender Flowers
Lavender isn't a one-size-fits-all plant. The different types of lavender flowers vary in fragrance, size, bloom time, and how they perform in different climates.
Some varieties, like English lavender, are perfect for essential oils and culinary use, while others, like Spanish lavender, add striking visual appeal to gardens. If you're after a strong scent, Lavandin hybrids might be your best bet.
The key to picking the right lavender is knowing your purpose and growing conditions. Do you want a low-maintenance option for decoration? A variety suited for warm, humid weather? Or perhaps one ideal for dried arrangements? Understanding these factors helps you choose the best lavender for your space.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Types Of Lavender Flowers
Is There A Type Of Lavender That Stays Green All Year?
Yes, most lavender varieties, especially English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), are evergreen in mild climates, keeping their grey-green foliage year-round. However, in colder regions, some may lose leaves or go dormant during winter.
When Is The Best Time To Prune Different Types Of Lavender Flowers?
The best time to prune lavender is after flowering in late summer or early autumn to encourage new growth. A light trim in spring also helps maintain shape and prevent woody stems.
Can Different Types Of Lavender Flowers Be Grown Together In The Same Garden?
Yes, as long as they have similar growing conditions, including full sun, well-drained soil, and proper spacing. Mixing varieties with different bloom times can extend the flowering season.
Should I Water Different Types Of Lavender Flowers Frequently?
No, lavender is drought-tolerant and only needs watering when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, especially in humid climates.
Is There A Type Of Lavender That Can Tolerate Shade?
While most lavenders need full sun, French lavender (Lavandula dentata) can tolerate partial shade, though it may produce fewer blooms. However, too much shade can lead to weak growth and poor flowering.
