Also known as Lavender · 2.4k saves
Lavandula
Lavandula, the genus most gardeners know as lavender. We track 38 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Lavandula varieties
See all 38 Lavandula varieties →Search this genus →
4 species of Lavandula
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lavandula in Sow
Save the Lavandula you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lavandula
Whats common across all Lavandula varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 38 most-grown of them.
The Lavandula year
- PruneJuly and August100% of varieties
Lightly shape the plant in early spring, removing dead or damaged wood.
- HarvestMay–July89% of varieties
Cut stems when 50% of buds are open for drying or oil extraction
- MulchMarch and April45% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of gravel or coarse sand to improve drainage around the crown.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March39% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged stems from winter
- FertilizeMarch32% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer only if the soil is very poor.
Do
- Water sparingly once established 💧
- Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily 🌞
- Water sparingly once established
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
- Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Prune in late fall or winter ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
What goes wrong with Lavandula
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spittlebugs | Foamy spittle on stems | Remove by hose spray or apply insecticidal soap |
| Lavender beetle | Chewed leaves and stems | Apply beneficial nematodes or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, soft roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, treat with fungicide |
| Fungal leaf spot | Spotted or discolored leaves | Remove affected foliage and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Lavandula
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-woody stems in late summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant in well-draining soil and water lightly.
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in spring.
- Cover lightly with soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in full sun.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
Lavandula questions
How many types of Lavandula are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 38 distinct Lavandula varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.4k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lavandula grow in?
Across its varieties, Lavandula covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lavandula bloom?
Most Lavandula varieties bloom in late spring to summer, mid to late summer, mid to late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lavandula should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.