French lavender: Cultivation, care & overwintering

Lavender is not just lavender. We take a close look at the species of French lavender and compare it with real lavender.

The genus of lavender (Lavandula) comprises around 30 different species, all of which belong to the mint family (Lamiaceae) belong. The most common and the star of cultivation is the True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). But there are other species that resemble the famous lavender representative, especially in terms of flower color and shape Make competition and not only because of their appearance a justified claim to a place in the garden to express. This definitely includes the French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) also called Italian or Arabic lavender. It is particularly noticeable due to its distinctive, large bracts at the top of the inflorescences. Just like the flowers themselves, they can shine in bright white, classic purple tones of different luminosity or strong purple colors. An interesting play of colors between the color of the flowers and the color of the bracts can take place, which provides life and variety in every garden. We take a close look at the diverse French lavender for you and see what its preferences are in cultivation.

French lavender varieties: Variety of varieties in purple, white and pink

The French lavender impresses with its striking, large and usually brightly colored bracts at the top of the spike-shaped inflorescence. As a result, it stands out impressively from the other famous species, such as real lavender or spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) within the genus Lavandula away. Different varieties of French lavender cover a color spectrum from pure white to crimson to deep violet in their flower colors. Even the bracts and the actual petals can differ in color. We present some varieties of French lavender with their characteristics.

• Alba: Pure white bracts and petals; only to a very limited extent tolerant of frost.
• Ballerina: purple flowers; initially white bracts turn from pink to purple over time.
• Kew Red: The red flower heads appear from July to September and are decorated with light pink bracts.
• Papillion: Classic purple flowers; this variety is to be emphasized because of its pronounced winter hardiness.

An overview of well-known Types and varieties of lavender you'll find here. You are also particularly interested in white lavender, so you can read all about it in our special article.

Plant lavender: location and propagation

Even if the planting of French lavender is hardly different from other types of lavender, there are some differences in terms of location. And the French lavender also has a few peculiarities with regard to its propagation and care.

French lavender: location and requirements

The French lavender prefers a rather sandy soil. Here is the first difference to classic lavender, because it thrives best on calcareous soil. Likewise, French lavender is more common in nature in coastal regions, while real lavender thrives in mountainous regions up to 1600 m. For the French lavender, the soil should be as permeable as possible and waterlogging should be avoided. If a substrate with such properties is available, it can of course also be grown in a pot. A 1:4 mixture of sand and commercially available potting soil from specialist shops is ideal for pot culture. Like most Mediterranean plants, the French lavender also prefers a location in full sun.

Do you also want Mediterranean flair in your garden? How one Grow French lavender yourself can be found in our special article on this.

Multiply French lavender

French lavender can easily be propagated by sowing. If you let it bloom freely, small French lavender seedlings will even appear all by themselves next spring. The best time for sowing outdoors is from June. The French lavender seed needs the heat for good germination. Of course, seeds can also be sown in the warm four walls in early spring. Under no circumstances should the seed be covered with substrate, since the French lavender needs light to germinate. If the seed is kept evenly and well moistened during germination, it will take three to four weeks for the first seedlings to sprout.

Like most herbs, French lavender can be propagated by cuttings. To do this, young, unwoody shoots without flowers or flower buds are cut off in late spring or early summer. These are rooted in normal cuttings substrate at high humidity in a propagation house for the windowsill. As with sowing, it takes about three to four weeks for the first roots to form.

French lavender care: cutting, overwintering and Co.

The Mediterranean French lavender has very low demands both in terms of water supply and fertilization. In the bed, it is perfectly sufficient to water only during long periods of drought. Fertilizer is used once in the spring in the form of primarily organic long-term fertilizers such as our Plantura Organic universal fertilizer or incorporated compost and manure into the soil.

When growing in a pot, it needs to be watered more regularly. But you shouldn't overdo it here either - it's enough if the substrate is damp. For nutrient supply, an organic liquid fertilizer like our Plantura can be added every four to six weeks with the irrigation Organic room and green plant fertilizer are given.
If the abundant flowering from June to September, which is usual for French lavender, does not occur or is only very sparse, it may be due to insufficient nutrient supply. In this case, you can also try to get the flowering going with plants that are grown in the bed with a small additional dose of fertilizer.

Regular pruning is recommended so that the French lavender does not become too woody and bare. If a mere topiary is to be carried out, this is best done in early spring when the bush sprout. Just like with real lavender, one third to two thirds are then cut back with sharp hedge shears. It is also recommended to pinch out the faded inflorescences or make a summer cut if flowering is sparse or even absent altogether. Both care measures promote the formation of flowers in the French lavender.

By the way, you can find more information on how to do this here Blossom formation in French lavender can increase or stimulate again.

A more detailed guide to Cutting French Lavender and other care measures can be found in our special article.

Harvesting, storing and using French lavender

Like real lavender, French lavender is also popular because of its essential oils. These aromas are even more pronounced in French lavender. Tea can be prepared from the flowers, which has an antispasmodic and relaxing effect. The inflorescences are best harvested when about half of the small flowers are open. The flowers are also predestined for fragrant scented sachets. By steam distillation, the oil of the French lavender can be obtained in its pure form from the flowers and is therefore often used in body and massage oils. And the leaf tips of the French lavender can also be used. They are well suited for refining fish and meat dishes and can simply be harvested from the plant at any time as required.

Of course, lavender can also be stored. Either the fresh flowers are placed in oil and the oils are extracted from them, or the parts of the plant are preserved by drying. Above all, however, some of the aromatic essential oils evaporate as a result of air drying.

As you at Drying Lavender The best way to proceed can be found here in our special article.