Lavender Plants — English & French Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is Europe's most widely grown aromatic garden plant — fragrant, drought-tolerant, bee-attracting, and requiring almost no maintenance once established. Our lavender collection features English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and hybrid varieties, all available with delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.

English Lavender vs French Lavender — Which Should I Choose?

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the hardier choice — fully hardy in Irish and most northern European gardens, longest-lived (10–20+ years), best fragrance for drying and culinary use, and blooms July–August. French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has distinctive 'rabbit ear' bracts, blooms earlier (May–July) and often again in autumn, but is less cold-hardy — best in containers that can be brought indoors in harsh winters. For cut flowers and drying, always choose English Lavender.

How to Grow Lavender Successfully

Lavender's three requirements: full sun (minimum 6 hours direct sun daily), very well-drained soil, and good air circulation. It will not survive wet, clay, or waterlogged soil. In containers, use a gritty compost mix (50% general compost, 50% perlite or horticultural grit). Prune immediately after flowering — cut back by one third, never into old woody stems. Do not feed with nitrogen fertiliser (it promotes soft, sappy growth prone to cold damage).

Lavender Varieties for European Gardens

• 'Hidcote' (L. angustifolia) — compact, 40cm; deep purple; one of the hardiest and most reliable varieties
• 'Munstead' (L. angustifolia) — slightly larger, 45cm; soft lavender-blue; excellent fragrance; classic cottage garden choice
• 'Vera' (L. angustifolia) — tall, 60cm; pale lavender; grown commercially for oil production; strong scent

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