French Lavender
Lavandula dentata
Also known as
Fringed Lavender, Toothed Lavender, Sweet-Scented Lavender
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
H4-H2
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
70cm | Max | 1m |
50cm | Min | 50cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images
Overview
France was first to cultivate Lavandula dentata, thus it has the common name French lavender, amongst others! It has a bushy, spreading growth habit and typically grows to a maximum height of 1m and a maximum spread of 1.5m. Leaves are divided into a scalloped arrangement and linear to oblong in shape. This species is valued ornamentally rather than for its practical uses in medicine and the cosmetic industry, of which other species are better suited. Popular with landscapers for its grey-green foliage and sturdy purple blooms. Flowers are purple-blue in colour, semi-scented and borne on spikes above the foliage, up to 5cm long. They have showy purple bracts at the top of the spike.
Common problems
The plant is a natural repellent of many pest species, but you may find Rosemary Beetles, or Sage and Ligurian Leafhoppers. Lavender likes soil dry so is prone to root rot and leaf spot if conditions are too wet. Both can be prevented by letting the lavender bush dry out slightly in between watering.
Harvesting
Harvest flowers and leaves as needed, especially in summer.
Propagation
Cuttings
Make 5 to 10 cm cuttings during the growing period. Place them in deep seed trays or six packs in a cold frame for two weeks or until rooted.
Layering
Select a long stem and remove 10 - 15 cm of foliage, leaving 10 cm at the tip of the branch. Cover the bare section with moist soil. Once rooted, cut new plants from mother plant and replant.
Seed
Seeds can be sown in Autumn, when ripe. Sow by sprinkling seeds over soil. Keep the soil moist and germination should take two weeks. Thin out too closely germinated plants or replant when they get a bit bigger.
Special Features
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees and butterflies.
Repels harmful insects
Due to the high volatile oil content it repels moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes.
Drought resistant
This highly drought resistant species can withstand many weeks without water.
Pot plant
Great pot plant as it can flourish in any sized pot in a sunny veranda, stoep or balcony.
Hedge plant
This can be used as a great hedge to create a formal border, or for a loosely planted wild looking hedge for any sunny spot.
Crop rotation
Light Feeder
Attractive flowers
Uses
Medicinal, teas, tussie mussies
Teas
Flavour herbal tea - often used as sweetner in the place of sugar!
Pest deterrent
Keep mice out of cupboards...