Lavender is one of the most versatile plants you can grow. It comes in many varieties and colours, from classic soft purple to deep blue, white, and pink.
Choosing the right one depends on your climate and growing space, since different types thrive in different conditions. We break down the best lavender varieties for each zone. Let's get started.
At a Glance
Lavender is a fragrant flowering plant from the Lavandula genus, known for its scented blooms, silvery-green foliage, and classic cottage-garden look.
There are around 47 species and more than 450 recognised varieties, but this guide focuses on eight of the most popular: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Woolly, Yellow, Portuguese, and Lavandin.
Each lavender type differs in flower shape, colour, fragrance, hardiness, growth habit, and care needs. Here is a closer look at the best options to help you choose the right lavender for your garden.
1. English Lavender
English lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is the classic “true lavender.” It is native to the Mediterranean, and has strong fragrance and flowers in shades of blue-purple, violet-blue, white, or pink, depending on the variety.
English lavender grows best in cool to temperate climates and handles mild warmth, mild winters, and short dry periods well. With proper care, it usually blooms from mid-spring to early summer.
It is also edible, making it a good option for teas and cooking. Plant it in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil for the best results. Popular varieties include Hidcote, Lavenite Petite, and Betty’s Blue.
2. Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender, or Lavandula stoechas, is the butterfly lavender. Native to the Mediterranean and parts of North Africa, it is recognised for its fragrant silver-green foliage and deep purple flowers.
It handles mild humidity better than many other lavender types and usually blooms from mid-spring to late summer. For best results, grow it in full sun, mild conditions, and well-drained soil.
It's distinctive for its pinecone-shaped flower head topped with small petal-like bracts, which give it a more unusual look than other lavenders. Popular varieties are Anouk, Kew Red, and Ballerina.
3. French Lavender
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is easy to recognise by its pale lavender-blue flowers and fringed foliage. It is less fragrant than other types, but it makes up for that with strong visual appeal.
It grows best in sandy, well-drained soil with full sun and light watering. It suits areas with warm winters and mild summers, but it does not handle extreme temperatures well.
Popular varieties include Provence, Fred Boutin, and Grosso.
4. Italian Lavender
Italian lavender, or Lavandula stoechas ‘Avonview’, is a form of Spanish lavender known for its large, fragrant flowers and strong spring display.
It grows best in well-drained soil and full sun, and it also handles coastal conditions well. That makes it a solid choice for hedges, rockeries, cottage gardens, and shrub borders.
Popular varieties include Wine, with mauve-violet flowers, and Leucantha, with white blooms.
5. Portuguese Lavender
Portuguese lavender, or spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), has long stems, pale lilac flowers, and a stronger scent than English lavender.
It also has fragrant foliage that attracts bees and butterflies, making it both ornamental and useful for pollinators. For best growth, plant it in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. It flowers from late spring into summer.
Popular varieties include Portuguese Giant and Broadleaf.
6. Lavandin
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), also called Lavandula hybrida, is a hybrid of English lavender and Portuguese lavender. It combines the cold tolerance of English lavender with the heat tolerance of Portuguese lavender.
It is known for its strong fragrance and flowers that range from white to deep purple. It usually blooms from mid to late summer and is a popular choice for hedges, rock gardens, and herb gardens.
For best results, grow it in full sun and dry, well-drained conditions. Popular varieties are Hidcote Giant and Impress Purple.
7. Woolly Lavender
Woolly lavender (Lavandula lanata) stands out for its soft, silver-grey fuzzy leaves and delicate lavender-pink flowers. Its foliage gives it a distinctive texture, while the flowers add colour and a light, sweet fragrance.
It is mainly grown for ornamental use and works well in gardens, borders, and rockeries. Its fragrant foliage also makes it useful for dried arrangements, sachets, and potpourri.
8. Yellow Lavender
Yellow lavender (Lavandula viridis) stands out for its unusual yellow-green flowers, offering a different look from the more common purple and blue lavender types. It also has aromatic foliage, making it both decorative and fragrant.
It works well in flower beds, borders, and mixed plantings, where it adds colour contrast and variety. Its flowers and foliage also make it useful for decorative displays and floral arrangements.
Other Types Worth Mentioning
Here are a few other lavender varieties worth mentioning. They may not be as widely grown as the main types, but they still offer value.
- Goodwin Creek Grey
- Phenomenal
- Munstead
- SuperBlue
- Silver Anouk
- Meerlo
- Alba
- Richard Gray
For varieties worth considering, check out Goodwin Creek Grey, Phenomenal, Munstead, SuperBlue, Silver Anouk, Meerlo, Alba, and Richard Grey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions on Lavender types and cultivars.
What is the most popular type of lavender?
In Australia, the English lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is one of the most popular types. It's often called "true lavender" and is renowned for its vibrant blue-purple flowers and versatile uses, from garden beds to essential oils.
What is the difference between types of lavender?
The main differences lie in their origins, flower shapes, colours, and growth conditions. For instance, English lavender is native to the Mediterranean and thrives in cooler climates, while the Portuguese variety, with its strong scent, loves a bit of heat. Each type has its unique needs, making it essential to choose the right one for your garden's specific conditions.
Mark Thompson
Summary
The right shrub can completely change a garden, and lavender is one of the best choices. It adds colour, strong fragrance, and works across many garden styles.
There are plenty to choose from; each has its own look, growing conditions, and best use, whether for borders, ground cover, rock gardens, or feature planting. We hope this guide helped you decide.
