How Many Kinds Of Lavender Are There – Discover The Best Varieties
Finding the perfect plant for your homestead or survival garden often starts with a single question about versatility and resilience. You need a plant that provides medicinal benefits, attracts pollinators, and survives harsh outdoor conditions without constant pampering. In this guide, I will show you how many kinds of lavender are there and help you choose the right ones for your specific environment.
Lavender is much more than a pretty purple flower found in high-end soaps. For the off-grid explorer or the weekend camper, it serves as a natural insect repellent, a calming sleep aid, and a hardy ground cover that thrives in poor soil. We will explore the primary species and the hundreds of cultivars available today.
By the end of this article, you will understand the distinct differences between English, French, and Spanish varieties. You will also learn which types are best for culinary use and which ones produce the highest quality essential oils for your prepper pantry. Let’s dive into the world of this aromatic powerhouse.
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Understanding the Numbers: how many kinds of lavender are there across the globe?
When you first start researching this plant, the numbers can feel a bit confusing. Botanically speaking, there are approximately 45 distinct species of lavender within the genus Lavandula. These species are the foundation of every lavender plant you see in nurseries or in the wild.
However, if you are asking how many kinds of lavender are there in terms of specific garden varieties, the number jumps significantly. There are over 450 unique cultivars or hybrids currently recognized by horticulturalists. These hybrids are bred for specific traits like cold hardiness, oil production, or flower color.
For a homesteader or outdoor enthusiast, focusing on the five or six most common species is the best strategy. Each species has specific growth requirements and uses that will dictate where you plant them on your land. Understanding these categories is the first step toward building a self-sufficient garden.
The Classification of Lavandula
Scientists generally group lavender into several sections based on their physical characteristics. These include the Lavandula section (true lavenders), the Stoechas section (butterfly lavenders), and the Dentata section (fringed lavenders). Each group has a native range, usually around the Mediterranean basin.
Knowing the section helps you predict how the plant will react to your local climate. For example, some thrive in the damp, cool air of the Pacific Northwest, while others require the intense heat of the Arizona desert. Matching the species to your hardiness zone is critical for long-term success.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
If you close your eyes and picture a lavender field, you are likely imagining English lavender. Despite its name, it is actually native to the Mediterranean but earned its “English” title because it grows exceptionally well in the temperate climate of the UK. This is the gold standard for many gardeners.
English lavender is the most popular choice for culinary purposes because it has a sweet, floral flavor without the soapy aftertaste of other varieties. It is also the primary source of high-quality essential oils used in aromatherapy and natural medicine. Its low camphor content makes it very pleasant.
For the survivalist, English lavender is a must-have for its sedative properties. A simple tea made from the dried buds can help reduce anxiety after a long day of hiking or manual labor. It is also incredibly cold-hardy, often surviving temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Popular English Cultivars
One of the most famous varieties is Munstead, which is known for its compact growth and deep purple flowers. It is an excellent choice for borders or small RV garden containers. Another favorite is Hidcote, which offers a more intense color and a slower growth rate, making it easy to manage.
If you are looking for a white or pink aesthetic, you can find cultivars like Nana Alba or Rosea. While these are visually striking, they often lack the same oil potency as the traditional purple varieties. Stick to the deep blue and purple types if your goal is medicinal or culinary use.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
French lavender is easily identified by its “toothed” or fringed leaves. This variety is less about oil production and more about ornamental beauty and long-lasting blooms. It is a fantastic choice for those living in warmer climates where English lavender might struggle with the heat.
Unlike English lavender, French lavender has a much longer blooming season, sometimes lasting from early spring through late autumn. This makes it a great source of forage for honeybees and butterflies on your homestead. Keeping your local pollinators happy is a key part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
However, you should be aware that French lavender has a higher camphor content. This gives it a more medicinal, “piney” scent that isn’t as suitable for baking or cooking. It is, however, excellent for making natural sachets to keep moths and insects out of your camping gear and wool blankets.
Growing Needs for French Varieties
These plants are slightly more delicate than their English cousins when it comes to frost. They generally prefer USDA zones 8 through 11. If you live in a colder region, you will need to grow these in pots and bring them indoors during the winter months.
They require very little water once established, making them a “set it and forget it” plant for off-grid properties. Just ensure they have plenty of sunlight—at least six to eight hours a day. Poor drainage is the quickest way to kill a French lavender plant, so use sandy or gravelly soil.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Spanish lavender is perhaps the most unique-looking variety in the garden. It features small, pinecone-shaped flower heads topped with upright petals that look like rabbit ears. It is a rugged, heat-loving plant that thrives in coastal environments and sandy soils.
For the outdoor adventurer, Spanish lavender is a top-tier natural pest repellent. The high camphor levels that make it smell “sharp” are exactly what keeps mosquitoes and flies away. Planting these around your patio or outdoor kitchen area can significantly improve your comfort levels.
This variety is not typically used for cooking or high-end perfumes. Instead, it is valued for its ability to grow in harsh, acidic soils where other plants might fail. It is a pioneer species that can help stabilize soil on a new homestead or a sloped landscape.
Managing Spanish Lavender
Because it is so vigorous, Spanish lavender can sometimes become “leggy” if not pruned correctly. You should use a sharp pair of pruning shears to take off the top third of the plant after the first bloom. This encourages a bushier growth habit and prevents the center from becoming woody.
It is exceptionally drought-tolerant. If you are traveling in a van or RV and want a plant that can survive a few days without a watering can, this is a strong candidate. Just remember that it loves humidity-free air; it may struggle in the deep South of the United States.
Lavandin: The High-Yield Hybrid (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandin is a natural hybrid between English lavender and Portuguese lavender (L. latifolia). It was created to combine the cold hardiness of the English type with the high oil yield and heat tolerance of the Portuguese type. It is the “workhorse” of the lavender world.
If you are interested in homesteading for profit, Lavandin is the variety to grow. It produces up to ten times more oil per acre than pure English lavender. While the oil is considered slightly lower quality due to the camphor levels, it is the primary ingredient in most commercial cleaning products and soaps.
These plants grow much larger than other types, often reaching three feet in height and width. This makes them excellent privacy screens or windbreaks for smaller vegetable patches. Their long stems also make them the best choice for crafting lavender wands or dried bouquets.
Notable Lavandin Cultivars
Grosso is the most famous Lavandin variety. It is incredibly fragrant and produces massive amounts of dark purple flowers. If you want your campsite or cabin to smell like a professional spa, plant a few Grosso bushes near your ventilation intake or windows.
Another popular choice is Phenomenal. This cultivar was specifically bred to handle both extreme cold and high humidity. It is one of the most disease-resistant lavenders available, making it perfect for beginners who are still learning the ropes of outdoor gardening.
Portuguese Lavender and Other Rare Types
While the four types mentioned above dominate the market, there are others worth noting. Portuguese lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is known for its broad leaves and very high camphor content. It is primarily used in industrial applications and as a base for low-cost fragrances.
You might also encounter Lavandula multifida, also known as Fern-leaf lavender. It has deeply lobed leaves that look more like an herb or a fern than traditional lavender. It is a tender perennial, meaning it won’t survive a freeze, but it grows incredibly fast as an annual in cooler zones.
Knowing how many kinds of lavender are there allows you to experiment with these rarer types to see what fits your microclimate. Sometimes, a lesser-known species might be the exact solution for a specific pest problem or soil deficiency on your land.
Essential Gear for Lavender Gardening
To successfully grow and harvest any of these varieties, you need a few basic tools. Having the right gear makes the job easier and ensures the health of your plants. Here is what I recommend for every outdoor enthusiast starting a lavender patch:
- Bypass Pruning Shears: These provide a clean cut that heals quickly. Avoid “anvil” style pruners which can crush the stems.
- Well-Draining Pots: If you are a vanlifer, look for fabric pots. They allow the roots to breathe and prevent waterlogging.
- Soil pH Tester: Lavender loves slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5 to 7.5). A simple probe can tell you if you need to add lime.
- Harvesting Basket: A shallow wicker basket or a mesh bag is best for collecting blooms so they don’t sweat and mold.
- Drying Rack: A simple hanging rack in a dark, airy place is essential for preserving your harvest for the winter.
Safety and Practical Considerations
While lavender is generally safe, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always ensure you have identified your plant correctly before consuming it. As we discussed, the high camphor varieties like Spanish or French lavender are not meant for eating and can cause stomach upset.
If you are using lavender essential oil for first aid—such as for a burn or an insect bite—always perform a patch test first. Even natural oils can cause skin irritation in some people. For pets, especially cats, lavender oil can be toxic if ingested or applied directly to the skin.
Finally, be mindful of where you source your plants. If you are buying from a big-box nursery, the plants may have been treated with neonicotinoids. These chemicals are harmful to the very bees you are trying to attract. Always look for organic or “pollinator-safe” labels when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About how many kinds of lavender are there
Which lavender is the easiest for beginners to grow?
English lavender, specifically the Munstead variety, is usually the best starting point. It is very forgiving of cold weather and stays compact, which makes it easier to manage than the larger hybrid varieties. As long as you don’t overwater it, it will thrive.
Can I grow lavender in a pot while traveling in an RV?
Yes, you can. The key is to use a pot with excellent drainage and a high-quality potting mix that includes perlite or sand. Spanish lavender is a great choice for travelers because it handles the vibration of the road and fluctuating temperatures quite well.
How do I know if my lavender is English or French?
Look at the leaves. English lavender has smooth, narrow, grey-green leaves. French lavender has “serrated” or “toothed” edges on the leaves. Additionally, English lavender usually has a single flower spike per stem, while French lavender may have multiple smaller blooms.
Does lavender really keep mosquitoes away from a campsite?
It certainly helps! The scent of lavender masks the carbon dioxide and heat signals that mosquitoes use to find targets. For the best results, plant the high-camphor varieties like Spanish lavender or Lavandin Grosso around your seating area.
Is all lavender edible?
Technically, most are not toxic, but only Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) is considered “culinary grade.” Other types contain too much camphor, which makes them taste like soap or medicine. Always stick to English varieties for baking, syrups, or teas.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Lavender
Understanding how many kinds of lavender are there is the first step toward creating a functional and beautiful outdoor space. Whether you are a homesteader looking for high oil yields or a solo traveler wanting a natural bug repellent, there is a specific variety designed for your needs.
Start small by planting two or three different species to see which ones respond best to your local soil and sunlight. Remember that drainage and sun are the two most important factors. If you get those right, your lavender will provide you with beauty and utility for many years to come.
The transition to a more self-sufficient lifestyle is built on small, smart choices like these. By integrating multi-purpose plants into your environment, you become more resilient and connected to the natural world. Stay safe and stay comfortable out there on your next adventure!
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