The genus Lavandula, celebrated globally for its intense fragrance and beautiful purple flowers, encompasses dozens of species and hybrids, making selection complex. The popular belief that all lavender plants are interchangeable is inaccurate, as each variety offers distinct characteristics in terms of hardiness, flower structure, and chemical composition. Determining the “best” lavender is subjective and depends on the specific climate and the intended use for the harvested flowers (culinary, essential oil extraction, or ornamental beauty). A successful choice requires understanding the differences between the major groups and matching those traits to the grower’s environment and goals.
Understanding the Major Lavender Groups
The lavender market is dominated by three main species groups and one significant hybrid, each possessing unique biological and chemical properties. Lavandula angustifolia, widely known as English Lavender or True Lavender, is recognized for its compact size and exceptional cold tolerance, thriving reliably in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. This species is highly valued for its essential oil, which contains high levels of the sweet-smelling compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, while maintaining a very low concentration of camphor, often less than 0.5%.
Another prominent group includes the Spanish and French types, such as Lavandula stoechas and Lavandula dentata, which are characterized by their distinctive, often showy bracts that resemble small rabbit ears. These varieties generally possess a lower tolerance for cold temperatures and humidity, making them better suited for warmer climates, typically Zones 8 through 10. Their essential oil profiles contain higher concentrations of ketones like fenchone, meaning they are primarily grown for their ornamental appeal rather than for traditional essential oil or culinary use.
The fourth major type is Lavandin, scientifically designated as Lavandula x intermedia, which is a naturally occurring sterile hybrid cross between L. angustifolia and L. latifolia (Spike Lavender). Lavandin plants are significantly larger than English lavender, producing long flower stems and an exceptionally high yield of oil. This hybrid’s essential oil profile is markedly different, containing a higher percentage of camphor (6% to over 15%), resulting in a more pungent, medicinal aroma.
Selecting Lavender Based on Climate and Purpose
The most significant factor in plant selection is the ability of the lavender to survive the local winter, making the English variety the clear choice for colder regions. Cultivars of L. angustifolia such as ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are consistently the hardiest, surviving reliably in zones as low as USDA 5, and often even in Zone 4 with appropriate winter protection. ‘Munstead’ is known for its compact habit and light lavender-blue flowers, while ‘Hidcote’ offers a slightly deeper purple bloom and a more upright structure.
When the goal is to produce a high volume of essential oil, especially for commercial applications, the Lavandin hybrid is generally preferred over the English types due to its superior yield. Cultivars like ‘Grosso’ and ‘Phenomenal’ produce robust, long-stemmed flowers that translate to more oil per harvest, despite the oil having a higher camphor content. This higher camphor level makes the oil ideal for cleaning products and stronger aromatics, but less desirable for fine perfumery or delicate aromatherapy.
For culinary purposes, the selection must focus on L. angustifolia varieties like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Royal Velvet’. The low camphor content in this species ensures the flavor is purely floral and sweet, avoiding the bitter, medicinal taste that the high-camphor Lavandin or the ketone-rich French types can impart. Any plant intended for consumption should be one of the true English varieties to ensure a palatable result.
Gardeners in hot, humid climates often find success with the French or Spanish lavenders (L. stoechas and L. dentata). These varieties tolerate heat better than the cold-hardy English types and offer a longer blooming season, often reblooming after a mid-season trim. However, their poor cold tolerance means they are typically grown as annuals or container plants in regions with freezing winters.
Essential Cultivation Requirements
All lavender plants are Mediterranean subshrubs that share several fundamental environmental needs. The most important requirement is full sun exposure, meaning the plants must receive a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. Insufficient light will result in leggy growth, reduced flower production, and a weaker fragrance.
The soil must provide perfect drainage to prevent the root systems from sitting in moisture. Lavender is highly intolerant of wet conditions, especially during the winter, which can rapidly lead to root rot. Incorporating materials like horticultural grit or coarse sand into the planting area or utilizing raised beds helps mimic the lean, well-draining, slightly alkaline soils of its native habitat.
Lavender is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as overly rich soil can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production and reduce the concentration of aromatic oils. An annual application of compost is generally sufficient to meet the plant’s nutritional needs.
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain a compact shape and ensure the plant’s longevity. Pruning should occur immediately after the main flush of flowers fades, usually in late summer, cutting back about one-third of its growth. It is important to avoid cutting into the old, brown, woody stems, as lavender rarely regenerates new growth from this old wood.