French Lavender
Lavandula dentata
French Lavender originated in Spain (sometimes referred to as Spanish) and is considered a tender perennial as it is hardy in US zones 8-10. If you do not live in these zones simply plant the Lavender in a pot and over-winter it indoors. Use a well drained sandy potting mix to keep the roots from rotting. Here is a potting mix recipe that works well for Lavender plants. The name merely refers to the geographical region where most commonly grown and not to an actual variety.
The bloom time for this type of Lavender is in mid summer and it has lovely lavender-purple flowers and is a tall growing shrubby plant. The flowers have a nice scent mixed with a little camphor odor and have the pineapple shape associated with the all stoechas type plants.
Image by KENPEI
The leaves are grayish green with a beautiful serrated edge which is why the name dentata. Another fern leafed lavender is Lavender pinnata with lovely lacy gray green foliage. A commonly grown Lavender in Australia is Lavandula dentata var. candicans which has heavier, grayer foliage and grows larger in size.
Lavandula dentata puts on a nice flower display and is in continuous bloom throughout the year in all of Australia except for the coldest parts. The flowers look nice too in dried floral arrangements or in a Lavender potpourri.
Cross Lavandula dentata with Lavandula angustifolia and you will have the variety known as Mitcham ( the common name used throughout Australia.) The Latin name is Lavandula allardii and it is the most vigorous grower of all the stoechas types. This type grows well in the sub-tropic regions, as it is very tough, forming a well shaped silver gray mound. The flowers are produced on long stems with deep bright purple flowers almost endlessly.
French Lavendula dentata is well worth growing if not for its lovely ferny foliage then for the lovely blooms and growth habit. This plant is well worth the the trouble to grow in a pot even if its not hardy in your area and can easily be grown indoors. This French variety is one of my favorites and I believe it will be yours too. Just look at those pretty leaves!
Cross Lavandula dentata with Lavandula angustifolia and you will have the variety known as Mitcham ( the common name used throughout Australia.) The Latin name is Lavandula allardii and it is the most vigorous grower of all the stoechas types. This type grows well in the sub-tropic regions, as it is very tough, forming a well shaped silver gray mound. The flowers are produced on long stems with deep bright purple flowers almost endlessly.
French Lavendula dentata is well worth growing if not for its lovely ferny foliage then for the lovely blooms and growth habit. This plant is well worth the the trouble to grow in a pot even if its not hardy in your area and can easily be grown indoors. This French variety is one of my favorites and I believe it will be yours too. Just look at those pretty leaves!
