Lavender, recognized for its soothing fragrance and distinct purple blooms, often seems like a singular herb. However, the variety of forms seen in gardens and commercial products leads to confusion about its true classification. To understand the different types of lavender, it is necessary to examine the botanical structure of this genus. The plant is native primarily to the Old World, including the Mediterranean region, and its diversity is far greater than most realize.
The Official Species Count of the Lavandula Genus
The question of how many types of lavender exist is answered by looking at the genus Lavandula. Botanists generally agree that there are around 47 accepted species within this genus. These species are native to a wide geographical range, extending from the Atlantic Islands and the Mediterranean to parts of Africa and Southeast India.
The Mediterranean region is considered the center of diversity for the genus, hosting a large number of the wild species. While the species count provides the foundational knowledge for classification, the numerous garden varieties and commercial crosses make the perceived number of “types” much higher.
The Three Primary Categories of Lavender
The majority of commercially important and commonly grown lavenders belong to three main species groups, each with distinct features and uses. Lavandula angustifolia, often called “True” or “English” lavender, is valued for its sweet, floral scent and low camphor content, making it the preferred choice for culinary use. This species is also notable for its cold-hardiness, surviving in climates down to USDA Zone 5. Its flower spikes are slender and unbranched, giving it a classic appearance.
A second distinct species is Lavandula latifolia, commonly known as Spike Lavender or Portuguese Lavender. This type is identified by its broader leaves and its essential oil, which contains higher levels of camphor. This higher camphor content gives the oil a pungent, herbaceous, and medicinal aroma, making it effective for respiratory support but less desirable for cooking. Spike Lavender produces longer, often branched flower stems, distinguishing it visually from the English type.
The third major group is Lavandula stoechas, frequently referred to as Spanish or French lavender. This species is instantly recognizable by its unique flower structure, which features sterile, petal-like bracts, often described as “bunny ears,” emerging from the top of the spike. Unlike the other two, this species lacks cold-hardiness and is best suited for mild, frost-free climates. Its essential oil contains high concentrations of ketones and camphor, giving it a potent and sharp fragrance.
Hybrids and Named Varieties
Beyond the naturally occurring species, the vast number of types available today results from the creation of hybrids and the selection of distinct cultivars. The most commercially significant hybrid is Lavandula x intermedia, a cross between L. angustifolia and L. latifolia. These hybrids are collectively known as Lavandins. They are typically more robust and larger plants, yielding significantly higher volumes of essential oil compared to pure L. angustifolia.
The oil from Lavandin, while abundant, retains a noticeable camphoraceous edge from the L. latifolia parent. This makes it primarily useful for soaps, detergents, and perfumes rather than premium oils or culinary use. Within this hybrid group, specific named selections, such as ‘Grosso’ and ‘Gros Bleu,’ are known as cultivars, propagated for desirable traits like high oil yield or long stems. Pure species like L. angustifolia also have hundreds of named varieties, such as ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote,’ chosen for their color, size, or bloom time.