Lavender has been a beloved plant in cottage gardens for centuries. Its silvery foliage and delightful fragrance make it a staple in many gardens. But with over 40 species of lavender to choose from, how do you know which one is best for your garden? In this article, we’ll explore different lavender varieties and their unique characteristics.
English Lavender: Short and Sweet, Perfect for Hedging
English lavender (L. angustifolia) is a popular choice for lavender hedging or edging borders due to its compact size and narrow, silvery foliage. This variety produces lilac, white, pink, and various shades of blue flowers in early summer. If you plan to dry the flowers, be sure to cut them during the Wimbledon fortnight and hang them upside down in bunches. It’s worth noting that the white- and pink-flowered forms are slightly less robust and may show some browning as they fade.
Some of the Best Varieties of English Lavender
- ‘Beechwood Blue’ AGM: This compact lavender variety features sweetly scented, rich-purple to blue flowers with grey-green foliage. The flowers splay out more than most, adding a unique visual appeal. (50-80cm)
- ‘Hidcote’ AGM: With deep-purple flowers and grey foliage, this lavender is a classic. It was first grown at the National Trust’s Hidcote Manor Garden and has remained a favorite since the 1920s. (50-85cm)
- ‘Folgate’: This bushy lavender variety, with its light blue-purple flowers, stays neat and tidy. It’s a Norfolk variety that offers a touch of elegance to any garden. (60cm)
- ‘Melissa Lilac’: With distinct florets and a soft lilac-blue color, ‘Melissa Lilac’ is truly eye-catching. This variety was launched at The Chelsea Flower Show in 2003 and has been a favorite ever since. (60cm)
- ‘Miss Katherine’ AGM: For those looking to grow a pink lavender, ‘Miss Katherine’ is the best choice. Its warm-pink flowers with darker veins make it a popular option, often selling out quickly. (70 x 70cm)
Lavandins: Graceful and Hardy Lavenders
Lavandins, a hybrid between English lavender and spike lavender, are widely grown in the perfume industry. These lavenders produce exceptionally fragrant oil and form larger, rounder plants. Their long, tapering flower heads can measure up to three inches in length. Lavandins also last longer than English lavender flowers due to their inability to produce seeds. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Notable Lavandin Varieties
- ‘Grosso’: Widely grown for its camphor-rich oil, ‘Grosso’ features light-green foliage, slender mid-purple flower spikes, and a hedgehog-like arrangement. Although lacking the silver shimmer of other lavandins, ‘Grosso’ is a longer-lived and dependable variety. (100cm)
- ‘Fragrant Memories’: This compact and fragrant lavandin variety boasts pale-purple flowers and silvery foliage. It was discovered in lavender fields near Canterbury and has been a robust choice since the 1920s. (100cm)
- ‘Richard Gray’ AGM: With grey foliage and blunter-ended, rich-purple flowers, ‘Richard Gray’ is a more compact lavandin variety that stands out. (100cm)
- ‘Hidcote Giant’ AGM: Plump purple flowers distinguish this lavandin from traditional slender spires. It’s an excellent choice for cutting or displaying, providing a unique and highly decorative touch to any garden. (90-95cm)
- ‘Sussex’ (syn. ‘Arabian Night’) AGM: This New Zealand variety features violet flower spikes that are not as floppy as others. The darker calices add an attractive contrast, making it an appealing option for gardeners. (100cm)
Tufted Frost-Hardy Lavenders: Showy and Resilient
Tufted lavenders bloom from spring to autumn, showcasing their plump flower spikes with tufted petals. These lavenders thrive in warm, well-drained, sunny spots. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -5C but may suffer in winter wet conditions. Many of these lavenders come from New Zealand and Australia and have a limited lifespan of four to five years.
Notable Tufted Lavender Varieties
- ‘Flaming Purple’: Bred by Downderry in 2009, this lavender variety features long purple ears above dark flower spikes and narrow green leaves. The moving ears add delightful movement when the breeze blows. (75cm)
- ‘Willow Vale’ AGM: This Australian lavender throws out more purple flowers, crowned by wide petals that rise upwards to display a darker midrib. It’s a captivating variety suitable for any garden. (60cm)
- ‘Night of Passion’: Named for its sultry plump flower spikes topped with lighter tufts, this lavender variety prefers acidic soil. Make sure to use ericaceous compost if you decide to grow it in a container. (45cm)
Half-Hardy Lavenders: Delicate and Flowerful
Half-hardy lavenders can survive in very sheltered sunny places that don’t fall below 0C. They feature attractive toothed and hairy foliage, as well as pale, tufted flowers. These lavenders require light pruning in late spring and thrive in warm, well-drained, sunny positions.
- L. dentata: This lavender variety, named for its toothed foliage, will need winter protection unless it’s in a particularly charmed position. Another variety, L. x ginginsii, has woollier foliage. (40cm)
Tender Lavenders: Beautiful Bedding Plants
Tender lavenders bloom outside from May until September, but they require winter protection to survive. These lavenders bear candelabra-shaped heads of flowers on three stems and often have pinnate foliage. They should be brought in before the first frost and overwintered in a heated greenhouse with minimal watering.
General Care of Lavenders
Lavenders thrive in sunny positions that receive sun for most of the day. They do not tolerate wet winters well, so well-drained soil is crucial for their survival. Most lavenders prefer neutral to alkaline soil, but some varieties can thrive in slightly acidic conditions. If your soil is naturally acidic, add lime in early spring to raise the pH. Additionally, mix in grit when planting in heavy soil to improve drainage.
When planting lavenders, add a handful of bonemeal to aid growth. Space hedge plants 45cm-90cm apart and consider planting three lavenders in a border for a more impactful display. Water newly planted lavenders during dry periods, but afterward, they are drought-tolerant.
To encourage prolific flowering, sprinkle potash or a potash-based fertilizer around the base of the plants. Avoid using manure or high-nitrogen feed as they may cause the plants to become floppy.
Growing Lavenders in Pots
For growing lavenders in pots, mix one-third each of soilless compost, John Innes No.2 or No.3, and coarse grit. Include a slow-release fertilizer plug or two for season-long feeding.
Harvesting Lavender
For culinary use, harvest lavender when the buds are in full color but before the individual flowers open.
Overwintering Lavender
Tender and half-hardy lavenders, as well as frost-hardy lavenders grown in pots, should be protected in light, airy conditions. Watering should be minimal from November to February, only when the pot noticeably lightens or the plants start to wilt. In winter, avoid watering over the foliage as these plants prefer still, dry air.
Pruning Lavenders
Pruning lavenders contributes to their longevity. Harder pruning generally results in longer-lasting plants, though hardiness plays a role in the effectiveness of pruning.
Taking Insurance Cuttings
Lavender can be easily propagated from cuttings. Take cuttings from slightly hardened material, remove any flowers or buds, and trim just below a leaf joint. Plunge the cuttings into small seed trays filled with moist, coarse horticultural sand. Once rooted, pot them up in a mixture of grit and compost.
Now that you have a better understanding of different lavender varieties and their care requirements, you can select the perfect lavender plants to enhance your garden. Happy gardening!
