French Lavender

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 1-3 feet
Spread: 1-3 feet
Flower Color: purple
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

French Lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula stoechas, is a distinctive and aromatic evergreen perennial native to the Mediterranean region. It is highly prized for its unique flower heads, which are topped with showy, petal-like bracts that resemble rabbit ears, setting it apart from other lavender varieties. These deep purple flowers, often highlighted with a contrasting lighter or darker color, emit a strong, pleasant fragrance and bloom from late spring to early summer, with reblooming potential through fall in favorable conditions.

Growing to about 1 to 3 feet in both height and spread, French Lavender forms a compact, bushy mound of gray-green, narrow, and slightly fuzzy leaves. The foliage itself is highly aromatic, releasing a strong lavender scent when brushed against or crushed, adding a sensory appeal to garden spaces and landscapes.

Adapted to full sun, Lavandula stoechas thrives in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil and is notably drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and water-wise gardens. It prefers a slightly alkaline soil pH and benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells, especially in hotter climates.

In landscaping, French Lavender is often used in herb gardens, as a border plant, in mass plantings for a dramatic effect, or in containers where its aromatic foliage and striking flowers can be enjoyed up close. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding to the ecological value of the garden.

Overall, French Lavender is a low-maintenance and highly decorative plant, ideal for adding fragrance, color, and texture to sunny garden areas. Its unique flowering bracts, ease of care, and adaptability to a range of growing conditions make it a favored choice for gardeners looking to create visually engaging and sensory-rich landscapes.