Kinds Of Lavender Flowers – Top Varieties For Every Outdoor Space
You know that feeling when you step into a garden and the scent of fresh lavender immediately calms your nerves? Whether you are tending a small herb box in your campervan or establishing a permanent homestead, lavender is one of the most versatile plants you can grow.
I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose between dozens of varieties, especially when you need a plant that can survive tough conditions. In this guide, I will show you exactly which kinds of lavender flowers will thrive in your specific environment and serve your unique needs.
We will explore the differences between English, French, and hybrid varieties so you can pick the perfect plant for cooking, crafting, or natural pest control. By the end of this article, you will have the confidence to plant, prune, and harvest lavender like a seasoned pro.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Main kinds of lavender flowers
Before you head to the nursery or order seeds for your homestead, you must understand that not all lavender is created equal. Botanically known as Lavandula, this genus contains over 45 different species and hundreds of cultivars, each with its own specific growth habits and climate preferences.
Most gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts categorize these plants into three primary groups: English, French/Spanish, and Hybrids. Each group offers different benefits, ranging from extreme cold hardiness to high essential oil production. Choosing the right one depends heavily on your local USDA Hardiness Zone and how you plan to use the harvest.
When looking at various kinds of lavender flowers, you should first identify your primary goal. Are you looking for a culinary herb for your camp stove recipes, or do you need a rugged, drought-tolerant shrub to stabilize a slope on your off-grid property? Let’s break down the major categories to find your match.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Despite the name, English lavender is actually native to the Mediterranean. It earned its name because it grows exceptionally well in the cooler, damp climate of England. This is the variety most people picture when they think of traditional lavender.
These plants are typically compact, reaching about 2 to 3 feet in height. They feature narrow, grey-green leaves and short, tight flower spikes. English varieties are the most cold-hardy of the bunch, often surviving temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (Zone 5).
If you want to bake lavender shortbread or brew a calming tea after a long day of hiking, this is the species to choose. It has a sweet, floral scent without the medicinal, camphor-like undertones found in other varieties.
French and Spanish Lavender (Lavandula dentata and stoechas)
These varieties are easily identified by the unique “rabbit ear” bracts that sit atop the flower spikes. They look more exotic and ornamental than their English cousins. French lavender (L. dentata) is known for its fringed, tooth-edged leaves, while Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) is famous for its bulbous purple flower heads.
These types love heat and humidity but are quite delicate when it comes to frost. They generally only survive in Zones 8 through 11. For vanlifers traveling through the Southwest or Florida, these make excellent container plants that can handle the intense sun.
While they are beautiful, they are not typically used for cooking. Their scent is much more resinous and piney. Use these primarily for landscaping and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandins are sterile hybrids created by crossing English lavender with Broadleaf lavender (L. latifolia). These are the workhorses of the lavender world. They grow much larger than English varieties, often reaching 3 to 4 feet in width and height.
They produce long, elegant stems that are perfect for making lavender wands or dried bouquets. Because they contain more camphor, they have a very strong, piercing fragrance. This makes them the best choice for natural insect repellents and aromatic sachets.
They are moderately hardy (usually down to Zone 6) and are much more tolerant of summer heat and humidity than pure English varieties. If you have the space on your homestead, planting a row of Lavandins will provide a massive harvest of essential oils.
Top English Lavender Cultivars for Your Garden
If you have decided that English lavender is the right fit for your needs, you still have several specific cultivars to choose from. Each has a slightly different color, size, and bloom time. Here are the most reliable performers for outdoor enthusiasts.
Munstead: The Compact Classic
Named after Munstead Wood in England, this is perhaps the most popular variety for home gardeners. It is very slow-growing and stays quite low to the ground. This makes it a perfect choice for border plantings along a walkway or path.
Munstead produces beautiful rosy-purple flowers and handles heat better than many other English types. It is also one of the best for culinary use because of its mild flavor profile. I recommend this for anyone starting their first herb garden.
Hidcote: Deep Purple Intensity
If you want the deepest, most vibrant purple color possible, go with Hidcote. The flowers are a stunning dark violet that contrasts beautifully against its silvery foliage. It is slightly more compact than Munstead, making it ideal for container gardening.
Keep in mind that Hidcote grows a bit slower than other varieties. However, the intensity of the color makes it the preferred choice for dried floral arrangements. It holds its pigment much better than lighter varieties once dried.
Royal Velvet: The Floral Showstopper
Royal Velvet is a favorite for those who want long-lasting blooms. It produces large, deep purple flower spikes that stay vibrant for weeks. It is also highly aromatic and holds its scent exceptionally well after harvesting.
This variety is particularly good for homesteaders who want to sell dried bundles at local markets. The stems are straight and sturdy, making them easy to process and bundle. It is also quite resistant to common fungal issues like root rot.
The Best Hybrid Varieties for High Yields
When you need a high volume of flowers for crafting or survival uses, hybrids are the way to go. These plants are vigorous and produce significantly more blooms per plant than the pure species. Identifying the right kinds of lavender flowers in the hybrid category can save you a lot of maintenance time.
Grosso: The Oil King
Grosso is the variety most commonly grown in the famous lavender fields of Provence, France. It is prized for its massive flower heads and incredibly high oil content. If you want to make your own essential oils or tinctures, Grosso is the industry standard.
It is very hardy and can withstand a variety of soil conditions, provided they are well-draining. Be prepared for its size, though. A single Grosso plant can easily take up four square feet of garden space within three years.
Phenomenal: The Humidity Hero
One of the biggest challenges for lavender growers in the Eastern United States is humidity. Most lavender hates “wet feet” and moist air. Phenomenal was specifically bred to handle these conditions without succumbing to dieback or fungal rot.
It has a beautiful uniform shape and silvery foliage that stays attractive even in the winter. For off-grid explorers living in the South or Mid-Atlantic, this is likely the only variety that will survive the muggy summer months consistently.
Provence: The Culinary Hybrid
While most hybrids are too high in camphor for cooking, Provence is an exception. It has a lighter, more floral scent that works well in Herbes de Provence spice blends. It is also one of the best varieties for making large-scale potpourri.
The flower heads are very long and have a distinct, tapered shape. It blooms slightly later in the summer than English varieties, which can help extend your harvest season if you plant a mix of different types.
Selecting the Right kinds of lavender flowers for Your Lifestyle
Choosing a plant is about more than just the climate; it is about how the plant fits into your daily life. Whether you are living out of a backpack or managing fifty acres, there is a lavender variety that fits your specific pace.
For the Vanlifer and Solo Traveler
Space is your most valuable commodity. You need plants that can thrive in pots and tolerate the occasional bumpy ride. I recommend sticking with dwarf English varieties like “Thumbelina Leigh” or “Wee One.”
These stay under 12 inches tall but still provide that wonderful fragrance. Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or chicken grit. Place the pot in your sunniest window or set it outside whenever you are at a campsite for a few days.
For the Homesteader and Prepper
You need plants that serve multiple purposes. Lavender is excellent for companion planting because it repels pests like aphids and moths while attracting beneficial predators. Plant a hedge of “Grosso” around your vegetable patch to create a natural barrier.
From a self-sufficiency standpoint, having a large supply of lavender means you can make your own soap, disinfectant sprays, and sleep aids. Focus on high-yield hybrids that require minimal intervention once established.
For the Survivalist and Wilderness Explorer
In a survival situation, lavender is more than just a pretty flower. It has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. While you might not carry a live plant in your pack, knowing how to identify wild or feral lavender can be a lifesaver.
Look for the characteristic square stems and opposite leaves. Dried lavender can be used to flavor bland foraging meals or brewed into a tea to calm anxiety during an emergency. It is a staple in any natural first-aid kit.
Essential Care Tips for Growing Lavender Outdoors
No matter which kinds of lavender flowers you choose, they all share a few non-negotiable requirements. If you ignore these, your plants will likely struggle and die within the first season. Follow these steps to ensure your lavender thrives for years.
1. Prioritize Drainage Above All Else
Lavender does not die from cold; it dies from wet roots. If your soil is heavy clay, you must amend it. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and mix in plenty of coarse sand or pea gravel. In very wet climates, consider planting in raised beds or on mounds to encourage water to run off.
2. Provide Full Sun Exposure
Lavender is a sun-worshipper. It needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Without enough light, the plant will become “leggy” (stretched out) and produce very few flowers. In shaded areas, the foliage will also stay damp longer, increasing the risk of disease.
3. Prune Regularly to Prevent Woodiness
One of the most common mistakes is failing to prune. If left alone, lavender develops a thick, woody center that won’t produce new growth. Every year in the early spring or late fall, give your plant a “haircut.”
Cut back about one-third of the green growth, but never cut into the old, brown wood. This encourages the plant to stay bushy and productive. Think of it as essential maintenance for your garden equipment; a little care now prevents a total breakdown later.
4. Go Easy on the Fertilizer
Lavender actually prefers “poor” soil. Too much nitrogen will result in lots of green leaves but very few flowers. A light dusting of compost or a handful of bone meal once a year in the spring is usually all they need. Avoid using heavy synthetic fertilizers.
Harvesting and Preserving Your Lavender
The best time to harvest your lavender is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day has dissipated the essential oils. You want to cut the stems when the bottom third of the flowers on the spike have just started to open.
Use a sharp pair of bypass pruners or garden snips. Bundle the stems together with a rubber band and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight during the drying process, as it will bleach the color and degrade the oils.
Once the flowers are brittle and fall off the stem easily (usually in 2 to 4 weeks), you can “strip” them into a glass jar. Store them in a dark cupboard to keep them fresh for up to a year. These dried buds are perfect for making DIY survival supplies or adding to your camp cooking kit.
Frequently Asked Questions About kinds of lavender flowers
Which lavender variety is best for making tea?
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best choice for tea. Varieties like “Munstead” and “Melissa” (a pink-flowering type) have a sweet, citrusy flavor without the soapy or medicinal taste found in hybrids.
How can I tell the difference between English and French lavender?
Look at the top of the flower. If it has little “wings” or “ears” sticking out of the top, it is likely Spanish or French lavender. English lavender has a simple, cylindrical flower spike without any extra bracts at the top.
Why is my lavender turning grey and woody?
This usually happens because of age and a lack of pruning. Lavender is a short-lived perennial that typically lasts 7 to 10 years. Regular pruning helps slow down this process, but eventually, the plant may need to be replaced.
Can I grow lavender from seeds?
You can, but it is difficult. Lavender seeds have a low germination rate and take a long time to grow. Most outdoor enthusiasts prefer starting with nursery-grown plants or taking cuttings from an existing healthy plant.
Is lavender safe for pets?
Lavender contains small amounts of linalool, which can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities. However, the scent is generally safe. Always monitor your pets around your garden and consult a vet if you are concerned.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Lavender
Choosing between the different kinds of lavender flowers is the first step toward a more fragrant and self-sufficient lifestyle. Whether you need the ruggedness of a hybrid like “Phenomenal” or the delicate sweetness of “Munstead,” there is a variety that will work for you.
Remember that gardening, much like hiking or overlanding, is a skill that takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first plant struggles. Focus on providing excellent drainage and plenty of sun, and you will be well on your way to success.
Now that you know which varieties to look for, it is time to get your hands in the dirt. Start small, experiment with different scents, and enjoy the many benefits this incredible plant brings to your outdoor adventures. Stay safe and stay comfortable!
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