Types of Lavender

Lavender has gotten complicated with all the variety names and growing zones flying around. As someone who’s been growing different lavender species for years, I learned everything there is to know about telling them apart and picking the right one for your space. Today, I will share it all with you.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This is the one most people picture when they think “lavender.” English lavender smells incredibly sweet and does well in USDA zones 5-8, so it’s a solid pick if you’re in a cooler climate. Folks use it in perfumes, potpourri, and even cooking — the buds and leaves pack a ton of fragrance. It’s also pretty low-fuss once established. Give it well-drained soil and full sun, and it’ll basically take care of itself. Just make sure you prune it after it’s done blooming so it keeps its shape and pushes out fresh growth the following season.

• Popular Varieties: ‘Munstead’, ‘Hidcote’, ‘Royal Velvet’
• Height: Typically 12-24 inches
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

French lavender stands out because of its serrated, almost toothy-looking leaves. The scent leans a little more medicinal than English lavender, which isn’t for everyone, but I kind of like it. It handles humidity better than most other lavenders, which is a big deal if you’re somewhere muggy. It grows in USDA zones 8-11 and isn’t as cold-hardy, so you’ll want to protect it or bring it inside during winter if temps drop. Those ragged-edged leaves look great in floral arrangements, and it really shines in decorative garden beds.

• Popular Varieties: ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’, ‘Green French’
• Height: Typically 24-36 inches
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Spanish lavender is the showstopper of the bunch. Those tufted, pineapple-shaped flower heads with the little bracts poking up? Absolutely gorgeous. It likes it dry and hot, does best in USDA zones 8-11, and won’t tolerate cold the way English lavender does. If you’re in a warm region, though, this one is perfect for containers and rock gardens. I’ve had great luck with it in pots on a sunny patio.

• Popular Varieties: ‘Anouk’, ‘Otto Quast’, ‘Silver Anouk’
• Height: Typically 18-24 inches
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)

Lavandin is actually a hybrid — a cross between English and Portuguese lavender. That’s what makes lavandin endearing to us lavender growers — it gets the best of both parents. It grows like crazy and puts out these big, impressive flower spikes. The oil content is way higher than most other types, which is why the essential oil industry loves it. It’ll grow in USDA zones 5-9 with full sun and good drainage. One nice perk is that it blooms later than English lavender, so you can extend your lavender season if you plant both.

• Popular Varieties: ‘Grosso’, ‘Provence’, ‘Giant Hidcote’
• Height: Typically 24-36 inches
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer

Portuguese Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)

This one’s got broader, bigger leaves than what you might be used to and a camphor-heavy scent that’s pretty strong. Portuguese lavender grows in USDA zones 6-9 and likes full sun with well-drained soil — same story as most lavenders there. It doesn’t get as much love as English or French varieties, but the oil has real therapeutic value because of that camphor content. I like tucking it into garden borders alongside other lavenders for some textural contrast.

• Popular Varieties: ‘Nana Alba’, ‘Sawyer’
• Height: Typically 24-36 inches
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer

Woolly Lavender (Lavandula lanata)

Woolly lavender is a bit of a hidden gem. The leaves are soft and fuzzy — almost like touching velvet — and it grows in USDA zones 8-9. It needs the usual well-drained soil and full sun setup. The pale purple flowers aren’t as fragrant as other varieties, but they look striking in the garden. If you’re doing any kind of xeriscaping or low-water landscaping, this one earns its spot since it’s seriously drought-tolerant.

• Popular Varieties: Less commonly divided into varieties
• Height: Typically 12-24 inches
• Bloom Time: Summer

Egyptian Lavender (Lavandula multifida)

Also called fern leaf lavender, and once you see the leaves you’ll get why. They’re finely divided and look like tiny ferns — really cool and different from other lavenders. It’s a warm-climate plant (USDA zones 9-11) that wants dry, arid conditions. The scent is milder than most lavenders, but the deep blue to violet blooms are beautiful and they stick around for a long time. Pollinators absolutely love it, so if you’re building a bee garden, put this one on your list.

• Popular Varieties: Less commonly divided into varieties
• Height: Typically 24-36 inches
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall

There you have it — a full rundown of the main lavender types out there. Each one’s got its own personality and growing preferences, so the best pick really depends on your climate and what you’re going for. Whether you want something fragrant for the kitchen or a drought-tough stunner for the yard, there’s a lavender that’ll fit the bill.