French Lavender Lavandula dentata
ABOUT
Lavandula dentata, commonly known as French lavender, features a striking appearance that is easily recognized by its unique foliage and blossoms. The plant boasts a bushy growth habit, embellished by grey-green leaves that have a distinctive shape, serrated on the edges, which resembles jagged teeth, hence the name "dentata" which means toothed in Latin. These leaves typically remain on the plant year-round, emitting a pleasing aromatic fragrance when brushed or crushed. The allure of French lavender is further magnified by its enchanting flowers, which emit a soft, aromatic scent. The blooms are composed of little purple to violet flowers that are arranged in compact, elongated spikes atop slender, long stems that rise elegantly above the foliage. These flower spikes are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding a lively dynamic to the garden when the plant is in bloom. The overall look of French lavender is one of romantic allure, with its soft hues and delicate, sweet fragrance that is beloved by gardeners and appreciated for its contribution to perfumes and scented products. Its ability to retain its ornamental leaves throughout the year coupled with its seasonal flower display makes French lavender a cherished plant in landscapes and gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
French Lavender, Fringed Lavender, Toothed Lavender.
Common names
Lavandula dentata var. candicans, Lavandula dentata var. dentata, Lavandula dentata var. tomentosa, Lavandula elegans, Lavandula lanata, Lavandula pedunculata, Lavandula pinnata, Lavandula pinnatifida, Lavandula pubescens, Stoechas dentata.
ToxicityTo humans
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is generally not toxic to humans. However, like many plants, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild discomfort, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. Contact with the plant can sometimes lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It's important to always exercise caution and avoid eating or handling plants if you are not sure about their safety.
To pets
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets including dogs and cats. However, if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it may potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. As with humans, some pets might have allergic reactions to the plant, and it is important to monitor your pets if they are around plants and to consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Grey-green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavandula dentata, commonly known as French lavender, has attractive, gray-green foliage and purple flowers that contribute to its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant and calming fragrance, which is valued for its use in perfumes, sachets, and essential oils.
- Drought Resistance: As a Mediterranean plant, French lavender is particularly well-suited for dry, drought-prone environments, making it a water-wise choice for gardens and landscaping.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the pollination of plants and the health of the environment.
- Culinary Uses: The flowers and leaves of French lavender can be used in cooking to add flavor to baked goods, desserts, and savory dishes, although it is less commonly used for culinary purposes than other lavender species.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and pruning, which makes it a suitable plant for low-maintenance gardens and for gardeners with less experience or limited time.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: Lavandula dentata is used for its antiseptic properties, meaning it can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin when applied topically.
- Relaxant: It is known for its calming effects on the nervous system and is often used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Analgesic: It may offer mild pain relief, particularly for headaches and mild pains when used in aromatherapy or as an essential oil.
- Carminative: Lavandula dentata has been used traditionally to alleviate issues with digestion, such as gas and bloating.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender sachets can be used to repel insects such as moths from closets and drawers, protecting textiles and woolens without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Lavender buds can be added to sugar to infuse it with their fragrance, creating a unique ingredient for baking or sweetening teas and beverages.
- When dried, Lavandula dentata can be used in potpourri mixtures, offering a natural and soothing fragrance to indoor environments.
- Lavender can be used to create naturally scented candles and wax melts, providing a calming aroma when burned.
- The essence of Lavandula dentata can be used in homemade soaps and bath products, offering a gentle, natural scent and a touch of luxury.
- Lavender is sometimes used in the stuffing of sleep pillows or eye masks to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
- Lavandula dentata's flowers can be used to make a natural fabric dye, providing a soft lavender hue to textiles.
- Its fragrant flowers can be sprinkled in a hot bath, providing a natural aromatherapy experience and skin-softening properties.
- Lavandula dentata flowers can be used to decorate cakes and desserts, providing an edible and aromatic garnish.
- Lavender leaves can be burned as incense or smudge sticks to cleanse a space and create a peaceful ambiance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used in Feng Shui to promote relaxation, tranquility, and purification. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to calm energy and promote peaceful sleep, or it can be used near the entrance of a home to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is often associated with relaxation, peace, and tranquility due to its soothing fragrance, which is believed to have calming effects on the mind and body.
- Purity: Lavender can symbolize purity and cleanliness. Its use in soaps and fragrances over many centuries has reinforced this association.
- Devotion: The plant is sometimes used to symbolize loyalty and faithfulness, drawing upon the tradition of lavender being used in love spells and potions.
- Silence: The name "lavender" is thought to be derived from the Latin 'lavare' (to wash) or 'livendulo' (livid or bluish), which may pertain to the practice of using lavender to scent water for bathing during ancient times, contributing to an atmosphere of silent repose.
- Healing: Lavender has a long history of use in herbal remedies and is commonly believed to possess healing properties, so it symbolizes health and well-being.
- Grace: The slender and elegant stem of the lavender, along with its delicate flowers, has led it to be associated with grace and refined beauty.
- Mystery: With its deep, rich hues and enchanting fragrance, lavender can also represent the mysterious and the magical.
WaterFrench Lavender should be watered regularly but infrequently, ensuring that the soil has dried out slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot. In the summer, watering every 7-10 days with about 0.5 gallons per plant should suffice, depending on climate conditions. During the winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks with the same amount of water, as the plant will enter a semi-dormant state and require less moisture.
LightFrench Lavender thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place it in a south-facing location where it will receive abundant light to encourage healthy growth and ample flowering.
TemperatureFrench Lavender prefers warmer temperatures and does well in a range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but can tolerate temperatures down to the low-40s without being damaged. Ideally, protect the plant from extreme cold and frost, as temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be harmful to the plant's health.
PruningPrune French Lavender after its first flowering and again in late summer to maintain its shape and encourage a second bloom. Cut back about a third of the growth to promote new growth and air circulation. The best time to prune is typically just after the plant blooms, which can vary depending on your climate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Lavender thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A good soil mix would consist of one part coarse sand or perlite mixed with one part compost and one part topsoil to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingFrench Lavender should generally be repotted every 1 to 2 years or when the plant has outgrown its pot to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingFrench Lavender prefers low to moderate humidity levels, being well-adapted to dry conditions commonly found in Mediterranean climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light with good air flow for indoor French Lavender.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, well-drained soil for outdoor French Lavender.
Hardiness zone
8-9 USDA
Life cycleFrench Lavender (Lavandula dentata) starts its life as a seed, which, once germinated in warm, well-drained soil, emerges as a seedling with delicate, true leaves characteristic of the lavender species. As a young plant, it experiences a vegetative stage of growth, where it develops a woody stem and distinctive foliage, alongside the formation of its signature oil-rich, serrated leaves. Upon maturity, French Lavender enters the flowering stage, typically producing its vibrant purple to violet-blue flowers in the spring or early summer, attracting pollinators to its fragrant blooms. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit in the form of small nutlets, which contain seeds that can be dispersed for reproduction. Eventually, as a perennial, the plant will go through a period of dormancy in colder months, only to resume growth and flowering in the following season. With proper care and favorable conditions, French Lavender can live and thrive for several years, going through multiple flowering cycles.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Lavender (Lavandula dentata), known for its fragrant leaves and decorative flowers, is commonly propagated via stem cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when new growth is vigorous yet still semi-hard. A cutting should be about 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 cm) in length, taken just below a node, the point on the stem where leaves attach. This section is then stripped of the lower leaves, leaving two or three pairs at the top. The base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to promote root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It's important for the soil to stay moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings are typically placed in a warm, shaded place until they root, which usually takes several weeks.
