Plant of the Month: Spanish Lavender vs. French Lavender

Lavender is a beloved plant for its fragrance, beauty, and drought resistance—but not all lavenders are the same! Two popular varieties, Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata), have distinct looks, growing habits, and care needs.  

Whether you're planting in Victoria, BC, or elsewhere, this guide will help you choose the best lavender for your garden.  

1. Appearance & Key Differences  

Spanish Lavender

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)  

✔ Flowers: Showy, pineapple-shaped blooms with "rabbit ear" bracts on top.  

✔ Color: Deep purple, pink, or white.  

✔ Foliage: Silvery-green, narrow leaves.  

✔ Size: Compact, 1.5–2 ft tall.  

French Lavender

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)  

✔ Flowers: Smaller, less dramatic spikes with toothed (dentata) leaves.  

✔ Color: Light purple, sometimes blue or white.  

✔ Foliage: Gray-green, serrated edges.  

✔ Size: Bushier, 2–3 ft tall.  

Best for Visual Impact? Spanish lavender wins with its unique blooms.  

2. Growing Conditions & Hardiness  

Feature	Spanish Lavender	French Lavender
Hardiness	Zones 7-9 (less cold-tolerant)	Zones 8-9 (more heat-tolerant)
Sun Needs	Full sun (6+ hours)	Full sun to partial shade
Soil	Well-drained, sandy/gravelly	Well-drained, tolerates clay better
Drought Resistance	Excellent	Good (but needs more water than Spanish)

Best for Victoria, BC?  

- Spanish lavender thrives in hot, dry summers but may struggle in wet winters (improve drainage!).  

- French lavender handles humidity better, making it a safer choice for coastal gardens.  

3. Care & Maintenance  

 ✂️ Pruning  

- Spanish lavender: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid cutting into woody stems.  

- French lavender: Tolerates harder pruning in early spring.  

 💧 Watering  

- Both prefer dry conditions—water deeply but infrequently.  

- Avoid overwatering (root rot is a common killer!).  

 🌱 Fertilizing  

- Neither needs much fertilizer—compost or a light organic feed in spring is enough.  

 4. Uses in the Garden  

- Spanish lavender: Great for containers, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes.  

- French lavender: Ideal for borders, hedges, and cottage gardens.  

Bonus: Both attract bees & butterflies while repelling deer and rabbits!  

 Which One Should You Plant?  

- Choose Spanish lavender if you want bold flowers and have well-drained soil.  

- Choose French lavender if you need a hardier, low-maintenance option.  

Pro Tip: In Victoria, plant lavenders in raised beds or slopes to prevent winter rot.  

Need Help Growing Lavender?  

At GYCS, we specialize in drought-resistant landscaping. Contact us today for personalized advice!