Lavender dentata

Lavandula dentata

Lavandula dentata, commonly known as French Lavender, is the most common of the Lavender varieties. It is a compact shrub and features masses of short purple-blue flower spikes from spring through summer. The foliage is green-grey and complements the darker flowers nicely. Both the flowers and foliage produce a lovely aroma when cut or brushed against. This evergreen typically grows to 60 cm tall and the same wide, performing best when planted on a well-drained site in full sun. It is a hardy plant that will tolerate dry conditions but does require protection from heavy frosts when young. Lavandula dentata is commonly used in cottage gardens, included in mixed plantings and borders, trimmed into a low hedge, mass planted as a groundcover, grown on a bank, or maintained in a container. For hedging space plants 30 cm apart and for best displays a mass planting is recommended.