Most Popular Varieties of Lavender (Our Top 7 Picks)
Today, we’re diving into the world of lavender. I’ll be sharing insights on the top seven most popular varieties, particularly those you’re likely to find at your local garden center. Additionally, we’ll cover some basic information about lavender, the different types available, and which might be best suited for your garden. This guide is especially geared toward beginners or those who haven’t tried growing lavender yet.
We’ve all admired stunning hedges or fields of lavender in pictures, and who wouldn’t want that in their yard? Whether you love the scent or the aesthetic appeal of lavender, this guide aims to help you choose the right variety for your space, ensuring you don’t invest in a plant that won’t thrive in your garden.
Table of Contents
Things You Should Know About Lavender
Lavender: A Low-Maintenance Marvel
Lavender is an exceptional plant, known for its low maintenance and high productivity. In my garden, they return beautifully every year. Some varieties bloom up to three times a season, maintaining their beauty even without deadheading.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Lavender thrives in full sun, preferring six to eight hours of sunlight daily. They favor hot, dry conditions and require well-draining soil. While first-year plants need extra watering, established lavender plants are low-water users, ideal for sustainable gardening.
Lavender is tolerant of poor soil, provided it’s well-draining. Heavy, boggy clay soils are unsuitable, but rocky, sandy soils are perfect. They also thrive in high pH soils and are resistant to deer and rabbits, making them a great choice for many gardens.
Versatility and Fragrance
Lavender can withstand radiant heat from buildings and sidewalks, making it a versatile choice for various planting locations. Their fragrance is a major attraction, perfect for perfuming the air and creating beautiful dried flower arrangements.
Types of Lavender
There are four basic groups of lavender, each offering unique characteristics:
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Hybrid Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia)
- French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
- Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
English Lavender: The Sweet-Scented Favorite
Sweet Romance
Compact and Colorful: Sweet Romance grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, blooming throughout the season with intense, dark-colored blooms. It’s a zone 5 through 9 variety, blooming earlier than most others.
Lavender Munstead
Compact with a Gorgeous Scent: Munstead is 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, known for its rosy lavender blooms. It’s versatile, thriving even in part shade, making it an adaptable choice for various garden conditions.
Lavender Hidcote
Long Stems and Light Lavender Color: Hidcote grows about 3 by 3 feet, producing long stems ideal for cutting. It’s a favorite among local lavender growers for its performance and scent.
Hybrid Lavender: High Oil Content and Potent Scent
Aromatico Blue Improved Lavender
Deep Purple and Narrow Growth: Aromatico Blue Improved has a rich eggplant purple color and stays narrow, making it suitable for borders and containers.
Grosso Lavender
Large and Productive: Grosso Lavender grows up to 3.5 feet tall and wide, known for its silver-tinged leaves and high productivity. It’s perfect for cutting and creating lavender products.
Phenomenal Lavender
Fast-Growing and Humidity Tolerant: Phenomenal Lavender grows 2.5 to 3 feet tall and wide, establishing quickly and thriving in high humidity areas.
Sensational Lavender
Compact and Vibrant: Sensational Lavender is tolerant of high humidity, growing 18 inches tall with bloom spikes up to 30 inches, making it a striking addition to any garden.
I hope this guide helps you navigate the world of lavender and make it easier to choose the right variety for your garden. The seven varieties I’ve shared are well-suited for perennial growth in lower zones, ensuring your garden is filled with the beauty and fragrance of lavender for years to come.