Different Kinds Of Lavender – Choose The Best Variety
You probably recognize the soothing scent of lavender from your favorite campsite or a neighbor’s garden. However, not all lavender plants are the same, and choosing the wrong one can lead to disappointment in your garden or survival kit.
Learning about the different kinds of lavender is the first step toward creating a self-sufficient homestead or a more comfortable outdoor lifestyle. This guide will help you identify the best varieties for your climate, whether you want to cook with it, use it for first aid, or simply enjoy the view.
We will explore the hardiness of English lavender, the heat tolerance of French varieties, and the high oil yields of hybrids. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which lavender fits your specific outdoor goals and how to keep it thriving.
Table of Contents
Understanding the different kinds of lavender for Your Outdoor Space
Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mint, sage, and rosemary. While there are over 40 species and hundreds of cultivars, most outdoor enthusiasts focus on four main groups. Each group has unique characteristics that determine where it can grow and how you can use it.
When you start exploring the different kinds of lavender, you must consider your local hardiness zone. Some varieties can survive a freezing mountain winter, while others will perish if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Knowing these distinctions prevents you from wasting money on plants that won’t survive your local environment.
Beyond climate, consider your primary goal. Are you looking for a plant that provides a heavy scent to mask odors in an RV? Do you need a culinary herb for your trail snacks? Or are you looking for a high-yield oil producer for natural insect repellent? Identifying your “why” makes selecting a variety much easier.
The Role of Climate and Soil
Regardless of the variety, almost all lavender plants share a few non-negotiable requirements. They need full sun and excellent drainage. In the wild, lavender often grows in rocky, alkaline soil with very little organic matter.
If you are homesteading in a rainy climate, you must take extra steps to ensure your lavender doesn’t get “wet feet.” This usually involves planting in raised beds or adding grit and sand to the soil. High humidity is another challenge, especially for varieties with dense foliage.
Identifying Lavender by Leaf and Bloom
You can often tell varieties apart by looking at their leaves and flowers. Some have smooth, narrow leaves, while others have serrated or “toothed” edges. The flower shapes range from tight, cylindrical spikes to whimsical “rabbit ear” bracts at the top.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): The Hardy Classic
English lavender is the most popular choice for gardeners and homesteaders in cooler climates. Despite its name, it is actually native to the Mediterranean, but it earned its name because it grows so well in the English climate. It is the hardiest of all lavender types, often surviving down to USDA Zone 5.
This variety is famous for its “sweet” scent and is the primary choice for culinary use. If you want to make lavender-infused honey or dried herbs for baking, this is the plant you want. The oil produced by English lavender is high quality and very low in camphor, making it ideal for aromatherapy and skin care.
Munstead: The Compact Choice
Munstead is a favorite for small-space gardeners and vanlifers who want to keep a few pots on a sunny dashboard or deck. It grows about 12 to 18 inches tall and produces beautiful blue-purple flowers. It is exceptionally tough and can handle wind and cold better than many other cultivars.
Because it stays compact, Munstead is great for low hedges or borders along a pathway. The scent is strong but pleasant, perfect for keeping your living space smelling fresh. It also dries very well, retaining its color and fragrance for months.
Hidcote: Deep Color and Rich Aroma
If you want the most vibrant purple color possible, look for Hidcote. This variety is known for its deep, dark violet blooms that stand out against its silvery-green foliage. It is slightly slower growing than Munstead but offers a more striking visual impact.
For the survivalist, Hidcote is excellent for making sachets to repel moths and other insects from your gear storage. The high concentration of essential oils in the flower heads makes it a potent natural deterrent. It also holds its shape well when dried for long-term use.
French and Spanish Lavender: Heat-Loving Varieties
If you live in a warm, dry climate like the American Southwest, English lavender might struggle. This is where French and Spanish varieties shine. These plants are built for heat and can handle intense sun better than their northern cousins.
However, these varieties are much less cold-hardy. They generally only survive in USDA Zones 7 through 10. If you experience hard freezes in the winter, you will need to treat these as annuals or bring them indoors to a sunny window.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French lavender is easily identified by its “toothed” or fringed leaves. It has a much longer blooming season than English lavender, often flowering from early spring all the way into autumn. This makes it a fantastic choice for supporting local pollinators on your homestead.
The scent of French lavender is more medicinal and less sweet than English varieties. It contains more camphor, which makes it less ideal for cooking but excellent for clearing sinuses or refreshing a stuffy camper. It grows quite large, often reaching three feet in height and width.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Spanish lavender is perhaps the most distinct-looking variety. The flower heads are topped with upright petals that look like little rabbit ears. It is incredibly drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy, poor soil where other plants might wither.
While beautiful, Spanish lavender is not typically used for cooking or high-end essential oils. Its primary value is ornamental and for attracting bees and butterflies. For an off-grid explorer, it is a low-maintenance way to add beauty and wildlife support to a desert campsite or home base.
Lavandin Hybrids: High Oil Yields for Survival and Self-Sufficiency
When you see massive fields of lavender in photos from Provence, you are likely looking at Lavandula x intermedia, also known as Lavandin. These are sterile hybrids created by crossing English lavender with Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia).
Lavandins are the workhorses of the lavender world. They grow faster and larger than English lavender and produce significantly more oil. For a homesteader focused on self-sufficiency, these hybrids provide the most “bang for your buck” when it comes to harvesting material for soaps, cleaners, and salves.
Grosso: The Industry Standard
Grosso is the most famous Lavandin variety. It produces huge, long-stemmed flower spikes that are incredibly fragrant. If you want to make lavender wands or large bouquets to hang in your cabin, Grosso is the best variety to plant.
From a survival perspective, Grosso’s high camphor content makes its oil a powerful antiseptic and insect repellent. You can rub the fresh flowers on your skin to help ward off mosquitoes while hiking. It is also very resistant to common lavender diseases like root rot and fungal wilt.
Provence: The Fragrant All-Rounder
As the name suggests, this variety is widely grown in France for the perfume industry. It has a very strong, sweet-spicy aroma. While it is a hybrid, many people still use Provence for culinary purposes, particularly in Herbes de Provence spice blends.
Provence is also known for its ability to handle humidity better than most other lavender types. If you are homesteading in the Southeast or a coastal area, this hybrid might be your best bet for a successful harvest. It grows into a large, beautiful mound that can serve as a focal point in any landscape.
Culinary vs. Ornamental: Which Lavender Should You Plant?
Choosing between the different kinds of lavender often comes down to how you plan to use the harvest. Using an ornamental variety in a recipe can result in a soapy, bitter taste that ruins your meal. Conversely, using a culinary variety for a large-scale hedge might be more expensive and less effective.
For cooking, always stick to Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender). Varieties like ‘Betty’s Blue’ or ‘Royal Velvet’ are prized by chefs for their sweet, floral flavor. These are perfect for flavoring sugar, making syrups for cocktails, or seasoning roasted meats.
The Survivalist’s Choice
If your goal is survival and utility, prioritize the Lavandins. Their high camphor content and massive growth provide a steady supply of medicinal material. You can use the dried stems as kindling for a fragrant campfire or distill the flowers into essential oil for cleaning your gear.
For those living in mobile setups like vans or RVs, look for “dwarf” varieties. These allow you to enjoy the benefits of lavender without taking up precious square footage. A small pot of ‘Thumbelina Leigh’ can provide a calming scent in a tiny living space while requiring very little water.
Planting and Maintenance Tips for a Thriving Lavender Garden
Once you have selected your variety, proper planting is key to its survival. Most lavender deaths are caused by over-watering or poor drainage. Always choose the sunniest spot available—lavender needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day.
When planting, do not enrich the soil with heavy compost or manure. This can actually lead to leggy growth and root rot. Instead, use a well-draining potting mix or amend your native soil with pea gravel. Space your plants according to their mature size to ensure good airflow, which prevents fungal issues.
Pruning for Longevity
Pruning is the most misunderstood part of lavender care. If you don’t prune, the plant will become woody and split open in the center. Every year, after the first flush of flowers, you should trim the plant back by about one-third.
Never cut into the old, woody stems that have no leaves. If you cut into the wood, that branch likely won’t grow back. Focus on the green, leafy growth to keep the plant shaped like a tight mound. This practice encourages new growth and ensures a heavy bloom the following year.
Watering and Winter Care
New plants need regular water until they are established. However, once a lavender plant is mature, it is incredibly drought-tolerant. In many climates, you may never need to water it once it’s settled in the ground.
In winter, avoid mulching with wood chips or straw, as these hold moisture against the stem and cause rot. Instead, use light-colored gravel or stone. This reflects heat back into the plant and keeps the base dry. If you live in a very cold area, a burlap wrap can protect the foliage from harsh winter winds.
Lavender in the Wild: Foraging and Safety for Hikers
While you might find escaped lavender plants near old homesteads or in Mediterranean-like climates, it is rarely a “wild” plant in most of North America. However, knowing how to identify it can be a useful skill for foragers and travelers.
If you do find lavender while exploring, ensure you have permission to harvest. In many national parks and protected areas, picking plants is strictly prohibited. If you are on private land with permission, only take about 10% of the blooms to ensure the plant stays healthy and pollinators have enough food.
Safety and Sensitivities
While lavender is generally safe, some people may have allergic reactions to the essential oils. Always do a “patch test” by rubbing a small amount of the plant on your forearm before using it medicinally. If you experience redness or itching, discontinue use immediately.
Additionally, be cautious when using lavender around pets. Some animals, particularly cats, are sensitive to the compounds in lavender oil. If you are using it in a confined space like a van or tent, ensure there is plenty of ventilation for your furry companions.
Frequently Asked Questions About different kinds of lavender
Which lavender is best for repelling mosquitoes?
The Lavandin hybrids, specifically ‘Grosso’, are the most effective for repelling insects. Their high camphor content acts as a natural deterrent. You can rub the leaves on your skin or burn dried bundles to keep bugs away from your campsite.
Can I grow lavender indoors in my RV?
Yes, but it is challenging. Lavender needs intense light. You will likely need a very sunny window or a small LED grow light. Choose a dwarf English variety like ‘Munstead’ and be very careful not to over-water it.
How do I tell the difference between English and French lavender?
Look at the leaves. English lavender has narrow, smooth-edged leaves. French lavender has “toothed” or serrated edges that look like a tiny saw. French lavender also tends to have a more medicinal, camphor-like smell.
Is all lavender edible?
Technically, most lavender is non-toxic, but not all of it tastes good. English lavender (L. angustifolia) is the standard for culinary use. French and Spanish varieties often taste bitter or soapy and should be avoided in cooking.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Lavender
Selecting the right variety from the many different kinds of lavender available can transform your outdoor experience. Whether you are building a resilient homestead, upgrading your vanlife herb garden, or packing natural remedies for a wilderness trip, there is a lavender for you.
Remember to prioritize drainage and sunlight above all else. By matching the variety to your specific climate and needs, you ensure a plant that not only survives but thrives. Start small with a few pots of Munstead or a hedge of Grosso, and enjoy the many benefits this ancient herb brings to your modern adventures.
Stay safe, plan your garden with purpose, and enjoy the journey into a more self-sufficient lifestyle!
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