Lavender: varieties, growing and uses
Lavender makes a herb path attractive even when there are no vegetables growing. Grey leaves, long scented flower spikes and visiting bees give the garden a different rhythm. Choose a low white plant, a dark compact selection or a larger lavandin; French lavender needs its own winter approach.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
- Use
- For culinary use, the RHS names Lavandula angustifolia: a strongly floral aroma, suitable, for example, for scenting sugar. Use little and only correctly identified, untreated plants. The fragrance of Grosso or French lavender is not automatically treated as advice on flavour or edibility.
- Care
- Put lavender in full sun and very well-drained soil. Preferably plant in April or May. On heavy, wet soil, a raised position or pot with large drainage holes is more sensible than extra feed. Water newly planted specimens while they establish; never leave pots standing for long in a full saucer.
- Harvest and flowering
- Cut spikes for a fragrant bunch or drying and label the species. For cooking, use only plants confirmed as suitable. Cuttings retain a named selection more reliably than home-saved seed. Leave some flowers for insects too and enjoy the scent along the path.
Discover varieties and growth habits
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Hidcote
Compact English type with darker violet-blue flower spikes.
Gebruik: For culinary use, the RHS names Lavandula angustifolia: a strongly floral aroma, suitable, for example, for scenting sugar. Use little and only correctly identified, untreated plants. The fragrance of Grosso or French lavender is not automatically treated as advice on flavour or edibility.
Use of the species; this selection has been developed around colour, shape or growing characteristics.Compact English type with darker violet-blue flower spikes.
View growing and harvesting →Place in my garden
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Nana Alba
Lage Engelse lavendel met witte bloemen.
Gebruik: For culinary use, the RHS names Lavandula angustifolia: a strongly floral aroma, suitable, for example, for scenting sugar. Use little and only correctly identified, untreated plants. The fragrance of Grosso or French lavender is not automatically treated as advice on flavour or edibility.
Use of the species; this selection has been developed around colour, shape or growing characteristics.Lage Engelse lavendel met witte bloemen.
View growing and harvesting →Place in my gardenThis image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Grosso
Grotere lavandin voor lange aren en een krachtiger kamfergeur.
Gebruik: For culinary use, the RHS names Lavandula angustifolia: a strongly floral aroma, suitable, for example, for scenting sugar. Use little and only correctly identified, untreated plants. The fragrance of Grosso or French lavender is not automatically treated as advice on flavour or edibility.
Use of the species; this selection has been developed around colour, shape or growing characteristics.Grotere lavandin voor lange aren en een krachtiger kamfergeur.
View growing and harvesting →Place in my garden
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Kuiflavendel — Lavandula stoechas
Opvallende kuifbloemen; meer aandacht voor overwinteren.
Gebruik: For culinary use, the RHS names Lavandula angustifolia: a strongly floral aroma, suitable, for example, for scenting sugar. Use little and only correctly identified, untreated plants. The fragrance of Grosso or French lavender is not automatically treated as advice on flavour or edibility.
Use of the species; this selection has been developed around colour, shape or growing characteristics.Opvallende kuifbloemen; meer aandacht voor overwinteren.
View growing and harvesting →Place in my gardenChoose your way to grow
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Engelse lavendel langs een zonnig pad
Een herhaalde lage rand geeft structuur en geur.
- Kies Hidcote of Nana Alba.
- Plant in het voorjaar in afwaterende grond.
- Knip na bloei beperkt in groene groei.
For a permanent dry herb edging.
Kuiflavendel in een verplaatsbare pot
Een pot maakt winterbescherming praktisch uitvoerbaar.
- Choose Lavandula stoechas and check hardiness on the label.
- Gebruik een pot met grote afwateringsgaten.
- Verplaats naar bescherming vóór schadelijke vorst.
Voor terras en tuinen met natte wintergrond.
The location helps shape the choice
Hidcote is a compact English lavender with dark violet-blue flowers. Nana Alba stays small and produces white spikes. Grosso is a larger lavandin with longer stems and a more camphor-like aroma. Lavandula stoechas is recognised by its tuft-like bracts. This last choice does not simply follow the same winter plan as English lavender.
A fragrant edging with room to grow
Teken de volwassen breedte uit voordat je een rij plant. Een pad moet bereikbaar blijven wanneer de struikjes uitgroeien. Herhaal één selectie voor een rustige rand en zet een witte plant op een plek waar je die van dichtbij bekijkt. Combineer lavendel niet automatisch in dezelfde doorweekt gehouden bak als dorstige zomergroente.
Let the foliage set the pruning limit
Bekijk vóór elke knip waar nog groen blad zit. De grens tussen groene jonge groei en kaal oud hout is belangrijker dan een willekeurige centimetermaat. Werk rondom de plant in kleine stappen. Een foto vóór en na snoei helpt je volgend jaar herkennen wat compact houden betekent, zonder de hele struik terug te zetten.
A pot as a deliberate choice
Met een pot kun je afwatering sturen en een minder winterhard type beschermen. Dat maakt watercontrole wel vaker nodig. Til of controleer de pot na regen en let op vrije afvoer. Zet hem waar je langsloopt en de geur opmerkt, in plaats van achter hoge planten waar alleen de bovenste aren zichtbaar blijven.
Scent, flavour and use
For culinary use, the RHS names Lavandula angustifolia: a strongly floral aroma, suitable, for example, for scenting sugar. Use little and only correctly identified, untreated plants. The fragrance of Grosso or French lavender is not automatically treated as advice on flavour or edibility.
Care, cutting and harvesting
Put lavender in full sun and very well-drained soil. Preferably plant in April or May. On heavy, wet soil, a raised position or pot with large drainage holes is more sensible than extra feed. Water newly planted specimens while they establish; never leave pots standing for long in a full saucer.
Knip na de bloei in de late zomer bloemstelen en een beetje groene groei terug tot een compact model. Blijf boven het oude kale hout. Vermijd een late harde najaarsknip op koude natte plekken. Kuiflavendel en andere minder winterharde typen vragen vorstbescherming.
Cut spikes for a fragrant bunch or drying and label the species. For cooking, use only plants confirmed as suitable. Cuttings retain a named selection more reliably than home-saved seed. Leave some flowers for insects too and enjoy the scent along the path.
Cutting, caring and following the season
Knip na de bloei in de late zomer bloemstelen en een beetje groene groei terug tot een compact model. Blijf boven het oude kale hout. Vermijd een late harde najaarsknip op koude natte plekken. Kuiflavendel en andere minder winterharde typen vragen vorstbescherming.
What you need
Tick what you already have. The extras depend on how you grow.
0 of 6 ticked off
Your ticks are saved in this browser.
Make it your garden
Save your favourite variety or add it to My garden. Your own observations determine the growth stage; care tasks are based on the species.
Place Lavendel in my gardenExplore more in bloemenSources and image information
SeedSteps editorial team · checked on 13 October 2026. Flavour descriptions come from the listed sources; ripeness and growing conditions affect flavour. AI images illustrate described characteristics and do not prove cultivar identity.
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants — 4 juni 2026Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · 2026-10-07
- Lavandula angustifoliaRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- How to grow lavenderRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- Edible flowersRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- Lavandula angustifolia Nana AlbaRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- Lavandula Nana AlbaHeron's Head Nursery · 2026-10-13
- Lavender selectionRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- Best lavenders for beesRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- Lavandula HidcoteNorfolk Herbs · 2026-10-13
- Lavender nursery selection: Grosso and stoechasNorfolk Herbs · 2026-10-13