French Lavender Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas 'Provençal'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as French Lavender is a delightful and aromatic evergreen that boasts a unique and charming appearance. It has a dense, shrubby form with silvery-green foliage that remains attractive throughout the year. The leaves are narrow and elongated with a softly fuzzy texture, which adds to its visual appeal. During the blooming season, this plant is adorned with prominent flower spikes. Atop each spike, you can observe a tuft of petal-like bracts, typically seen in shades of purple or violet, which resemble small, delicate butterfly wings and stand out against the subtler hue of the actual flowers beneath them. These tiny true flowers are packed closely together on the slender stalks, creating a rich tapestry of color and texture. French Lavender is also celebrated for its fragrance, which is a sweet and potent scent that can enchant any garden space, inviting a variety of pollinators while also providing a sensory delight for gardeners and passersby alike. Overall, French Lavender presents a wonderful combination of ornamental beauty and aromatic pleasure.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, Butterfly Lavender, Provençal Lavender
Common names
Lavandula stoechas var. pedunculata, Lavandula pedunculata, Lavandula viridis, Stoechas pedunculata.
ToxicityTo humans
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas 'Provençal') is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, consuming large quantities of the plant, particularly the essential oils, could potentially lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is also possible for individuals to experience allergic reactions or irritation when handling the plant or using cosmetic products containing lavender oil, especially if they have sensitive skin.
To pets
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas 'Provençal') is generally considered to be safe for pets and is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA. However, as with humans, ingestion of large amounts of the plant can potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's always a good practice to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants, and to supervise pets in areas where such plants are accessible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Grey-green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: The plant's vibrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage provide visual interest in gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a strong, pleasant aroma that can enhance the sensory experience in a garden or when used in dried flower arrangements.
- Pollinator-friendly: Lavender serves as an attractant for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, lavender is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Culinary uses: Lavender can be used to add unique flavor to various dishes and beverages.
- Low maintenance: Lavender is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and pruning once established.
- Crafts and decorations: Dried lavender flowers are commonly used in crafts, sachets, and as a natural moth repellent in closets.
- Landscaping versatility: Lavender can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, and as part of a rock garden, offering diverse design options.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: Lavender, commonly referred to in this context, has been traditionally used for its antiseptic properties to help disinfect wounds.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may help reduce inflammation and provide relief for related conditions.
- Analgesic: Lavender has been used to alleviate pain from minor burns, insect bites, and other small injuries.
- Anxiolytic: Known for its calming effects, lavender oil is often used to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Antispasmodic: It’s believed to help relieve muscle spasms and cramps.
- Sedative: The calming effect of lavender may also make it useful as a sleep aid, promoting better sleep quality.
- Antimicrobial: Lavender has been reported to have antimicrobial activity, which might help in fighting certain bacterial and fungal infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- French lavender can be used in crafting natural dyes, where various parts of the plant, such as flowers and leaves, create different shades of color when applied to textiles.
- The flowers of French lavender are sometimes used in a potpourri mix to provide a long-lasting fragrance in drawers and closets.
- The plant can be incorporated into floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, for a rustic and aromatic addition to bouquets and centerpieces.
- French lavender's woody stems can be used as skewers for grilling to infuse a subtle lavender flavor into meats and vegetables.
- The dried flowers are utilized in making sachets which can be placed under pillows for a soothing and relaxing aroma to aid in sleep.
- French lavender plants act as natural pest repellents in the garden, as their aroma can deter deer and some insects.
- The essential oil from its flowers is an ingredient in natural cleaning products, offering antimicrobial properties and a pleasant scent.
- French lavender is used in the craft of candle making, adding a calming scent to home-made aromatherapy candles.
- The flowers are sometimes included in homemade papers to add texture and fragrance to the stationery.
- Lavender buds can be used to fill decorative pillows or fabric toys, providing a gentle fragrance to linen closets or children’s rooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used in Feng Shui to introduce a calming and purifying energy into the home. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. Its purple color is also associated with spirituality, wisdom, and passion, which can enhance areas related to personal growth and knowledge.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calming: Lavender is widely known for its soothing aroma, which is believed to help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Purity: The clean and fresh fragrance of lavender is often associated with cleanliness and purity.
- Silence: In some traditions, lavender symbolizes silence, possibly due to its use in creating a peaceful atmosphere conducive to quiet contemplation.
- Devotion: Lavender can be a symbol of devotion and faithful love, as it is a plant that requires care and attention to thrive.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for medicinal purposes, signifying healing and the restoration of good health.
WaterFrench Lavender prefers infrequent but deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly, ensuring the water penetrates to the root zone. During the growing season in spring and summer, this may mean watering once every 1-2 weeks, depending on climate conditions. Less water will be needed during the dormant season in fall and winter; reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks. On average, you might use a half-gallon for smaller plants to 2 gallons for larger established plants each time you water, always adjusting for rainfall and temperature.
LightFrench Lavender thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this Mediterranean native is a location where it will receive uninterrupted sunshine throughout the day. Sufficient light is crucial for the plant to develop its characteristic foliage and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureFrench Lavender prefers warm temperatures and does well in a range between 50°F and 80°F, thriving ideally at around 70°F. It can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F but should be protected from frost to prevent damage. The plant can survive brief periods of high temperatures up to near 100°F but requires good airflow to prevent heat stress.
PruningPruning French Lavender encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody. Prune lightly in early spring as new growth appears and again after the first blooming to promote a second wave of flowers. The best times for pruning are in spring and late summer, cutting back by about one-third to maintain shape and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrench Lavender thrives in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil mixed with compost or organic matter. The ideal soil pH for French Lavender is slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. A recipe for the best soil mix is one part coarse sand or perlite, one part garden soil, and one part compost or well-rotted manure.
RepottingFrench Lavender should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Repotting is best done in the spring, just before new growth begins, using the soil mix described above.
Humidity & MistingFrench Lavender prefers a dry atmosphere and will thrive in low to average home humidity levels. Avoid high humidity environments as it may lead to mold or rot, aiming for humidity levels below 50% if possible.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe lifecycle of the French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas 'Provençal') starts with seed germination, thriving best when exposed to warm temperatures and well-drained soil. Following germination, the seedling phase is marked by the development of true leaves and root establishment. As the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, it develops a woody base and aromatic foliage, with proper pruning ensuring a compact growth habit. French Lavender then progresses to the flowering stage, producing its distinctive purple flowers typically in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators. After pollination, seeds are developed and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. This plant is a perennial, and under ideal conditions, it may enter a period of dormancy in winter before re-emerging for the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
French lavender, particularly the Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas 'Provençal', can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is from late spring to early summer, when new growth is firm enough yet still retains some pliability. To propagate, select healthy non-flowering stems and cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) section just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to enhance root development. Place the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity which is beneficial for root growth. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions before being transplanted outside.
