French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a distinctive Mediterranean shrub sought after for its long blooming season and unique flower structure. The plant is instantly recognizable by the sterile, petal-like bracts that emerge from the top of its flower spikes, often described as “bunny ears” or “butterflies.” Unlike English Lavender (L. angustifolia), French Lavender exhibits a shorter, chubbier flower head topped with these showy, colorful bracts. Understanding the natural dimensions of this variety is the first step in successfully incorporating its gray-green foliage and aromatic blooms into the garden.
Standard Mature Dimensions
French Lavender grows into a compact, rounded shrub, making it a popular choice for containers and low hedges. The standard mature dimensions for the species are 1.5 to 3 feet (45 to 90 centimeters) in both height and spread. The plant usually reaches its full potential size within two to three years after planting. Many newer cultivars have been bred for even more compact growth, offering options for smaller spaces. Varieties like ‘Anouk’ or ‘Fathead’ maintain a dense, bushy form that often stays toward the lower end of the size range. The final size is highly dependent on the particular cultivar chosen and how it is managed.
Environmental Factors Influencing Growth
The specific conditions in which French Lavender is grown determine whether it reaches the low or high end of its size potential. Sunlight is a primary factor, as the plant requires at least six to eight hours of direct, full sun daily to maintain a dense, compact habit. Plants in insufficient light tend to stretch, resulting in weak, leggy growth that quickly exceeds the desirable height and spread.
Soil quality also plays a considerable role in regulating growth. French Lavender thrives in poor, sandy, or gravelly substrates. Rich, fertile garden soil or excessive use of fertilizers encourages overly lush, vegetative growth, which can lead to a larger, floppier shrub that is more prone to disease. The plant prefers well-drained soil, and growing it in heavy, waterlogged conditions will stunt its growth and may lead to root rot. The plant’s hardiness zone dictates its ability to survive and reach maturity, as L. stoechas may struggle to achieve full size in regions with harsh winters.
Maintaining and Controlling Size Through Pruning
Pruning is the primary method gardeners use to control the size and shape of French Lavender, promoting dense foliage and abundant flowering. The technique involves two main pruning events each year to prevent the plant from becoming woody and sparse. The first light shearing should occur right after the initial flush of blooms has faded in late spring or early summer, which encourages the plant to produce a second set of flowers. This light trim involves removing the spent flower stalks down to the first set of leaves or just above a leaf node.
The more substantial cut-back is performed in late summer or early fall, but this must be done at least six weeks before the first expected frost in colder climates. This pruning aims to reduce the plant’s overall size by about one-third, shaping it into a neat, rounded mound for the winter. Avoid cutting into the old, brown, leafless woody stems, as French Lavender struggles to regenerate new growth from this old wood, which could permanently damage the plant’s structure. Consistent annual pruning ensures the plant remains compact and healthy throughout its lifespan.