French Lavender Hedge (Lavandula stoechas)

French Lavender Hedge Plant Description

French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is an attractive, aromatic evergreen shrub that makes an excellent choice for low hedges, borders and decorative planting.

Its silvery-green foliage and distinctive purple flower heads, topped with colourful bracts, create a striking display throughout the flowering season.

Also known as Spanish Lavender, this compact plant brings a Mediterranean feel to gardens while providing valuable nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Its fragrant foliage and flowers make it particularly appealing for sunny borders, pathways and areas where scent can be enjoyed.

French Lavender plants have an average growth rate of around 20–40cm per year and can be easily maintained at approximately 0.2-0.5m, making them well suited to low hedging and edging.

They perform best in sunny positions and well-drained soil and can tolerate drier conditions once established.

Pruning Advice

Regular pruning helps French Lavender maintain a compact, tidy shape and encourages healthy new growth. The main trim should be carried out after flowering, removing spent flower stems and lightly shaping the plant.

Avoid cutting deeply into old, woody growth, as established lavender may struggle to produce new shoots from these areas. A gentle tidy in spring can remove winter-damaged growth and help maintain a neat appearance as new growth develops.

For a French Lavender hedge, consistent light trimming is preferable to heavy pruning. This helps preserve the natural shape of the plants while keeping the hedge looking neat and well maintained.

Further Information

French Lavender is particularly suitable for creating informal low hedges, garden borders and attractive edging around paths or planting areas. Its aromatic flowers and foliage also make it a useful choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference and depend on the size of the plants supplied and how quickly you want the hedge to fill out.

For bare root plants, spacing at 3 plants per metre is sufficient, 5 plants per metre is optimal, while 7 plants per metre in a double staggered row can create a denser hedge more quickly. Smaller plants are generally best planted at a higher density.

For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per metre in a single row or ideally 6 plants per metre in a staggered row is recommended.
When planting French Lavender, good drainage is important.

Avoid areas where the soil remains consistently wet, particularly during winter, as prolonged waterlogging can affect plant health.

FAQs

How long does French Lavender flower?
French Lavender generally has a long flowering period compared with many other lavender varieties. Flowering can extend through the summer, although the exact timing and duration depend on growing conditions, weather and plant establishment.

Does French Lavender attract bees and butterflies?
Yes. The fragrant flowers of French Lavender can provide a useful source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, making it a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.

Can French Lavender grow in pots?
Yes. French Lavender can be grown successfully in containers provided the pot has adequate drainage and the plant receives plenty of sunlight. Choose a container with drainage holes and avoid allowing the compost to remain consistently wet.

What is the difference between French Lavender and English Lavender?
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is recognised by its distinctive flower heads with colourful bracts at the top. English Lavender generally has simpler flower spikes and is commonly associated with a more compact, traditional lavender appearance. The two types also differ in their preferred growing conditions and hardiness.

Delivery & Returns

We offer free delivery within 50 miles of our nursery, making it convenient to have your French Lavender plants delivered directly to your property within our local delivery area. Delivery outside the 50-mile area may also be available depending on your location and order size.

If you are unsure whether your address falls within our local delivery area, please contact us before placing your order.

All French Lavender plants are carefully prepared for safe transport and are covered by our 12 Month Guarantee On All Plants, subject to the relevant terms and conditions.