Lavandula dentata
French lavender
L. dentata is a spreading, bushy shrub with narrow, dark green leaves with finely lobed edges. In mid- and late summer, long, unbranched stalks carry short, dense spikes of slightly fragrant, purple-blue flowers tipped with purple bracts
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Lavandula are small aromatic evergreen shrubs with usually narrow, simple, entire, toothed or lobed leaves and small tubular flowers in dense spikes in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe to Arabia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. See lavender cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in spring, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Garden edging
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 10, after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (froghoppers)
Diseases
High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.