shrub

French Lavender

The Story

Plant Bio

Lavandula dentata, known as French lavender, is an evergreen woody shrub forming a dense, rounded mound of aromatic foliage. The gray-green leaves feature distinctly serrated margins and a lightly woolly texture, releasing a pungent, resinous fragrance when bruised.

This species is distinguished by its dense, one- to two-inch flower spikes topped with pale purple sterile bracts. It blooms continuously from spring through fall in mild climates, persisting nearly year-round in frost-free coastal regions.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with its dense, silver-gray foliage and long-lasting purple flower spikes.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and naturally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

47"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mediterranean basin, Africa, Middle East

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with light, sandy, or rocky soil that provides exceptional drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then withhold water until the top few inches of soil dry out completely.
Apply a thin layer of gravel or inorganic grit around the base of the plant rather than organic wood mulch.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, leafless woody stems, as they lack dormant buds and fail to resprout. Keep organic mulches away from the crown to prevent moisture retention and subsequent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after the main spring flowering flush to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely to prevent wet feet.
Grow in containers or raised beds if your garden has heavy clay soil.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in standing water.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood that lacks green leaves.
Do not apply heavy organic mulches directly against the plant crown.
Do not over-fertilize, as this plant thrives in low-fertility soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mediterranean GardensRock GardensDrought-Tolerant BordersCoastal GardensContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Salvia Cistus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

French Lavender questions

What zones can French Lavender grow in?

French Lavender is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is French Lavender deer resistant?

Yes — French Lavender is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does French Lavender bloom?

French Lavender typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does French Lavender need full sun?

French Lavender does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is French Lavender drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), French Lavender handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.