French Lavender
Lavandula dentata
A fragrant Mediterranean shrub prized for its silvery-green serrated foliage and nearly year-round purple flower spikes topped with distinctive pineapple-like bracts. This heat-loving lavender variety offers continuous blooms and exceptional drought tolerance, making it perfect for xeriscaping and herb gardens. The aromatic flowers attract butterflies while deterring pests, providing both beauty and function in the landscape.
Harvest
60-90d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
1-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for French Lavender in USDA Zone 7
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French Lavender · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruits are non-ornamental dry capsules.
Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Teas can be made from the plant or used as a spice
History & Origin
Origin: Europe
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Rabbits
- +Attracts: Pollinators
- +Wildlife value: Good nectar plant for bees and butterflies
- +Edible: Teas can be made from the plant or used as a spice
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Rosemary
Similar Mediterranean growing conditions, both repel pests and attract beneficial insects
Sage
Shares drought tolerance and soil preferences, mutual pest deterrent properties
Thyme
Compatible water and soil needs, attracts pollinators and repels cabbage worms
Oregano
Similar sun and drainage requirements, both deter ants and moths
Marigold
Repels nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
Roses
Lavender deters rose pests like aphids and attracts pollinators for rose health
Catmint
Similar growing conditions, repels rodents and mosquitoes effectively
Sedum
Drought-tolerant groundcover that doesn't compete for nutrients
Keep Apart
Mint
Aggressive spreader that competes for space and has different water requirements
Impatiens
Requires frequent watering and rich soil that can cause root rot in lavender
Hostas
Shade-loving with high moisture needs incompatible with lavender's sun and dry soil requirements
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant when grown in proper conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, spittlebugs, whiteflies
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soils, fungal issues in humid conditions