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Lavender Flower Varieties and Blooming Seasons

By choosing the right lavender plants and understanding their blooming times, you can enjoy a continuous display of lavender flowers from spring to fall.

Lavender Flowers, Lavender Flower, English Lavender, Spanish lavender, French Lavender, Common lavender, True Lavender, lavandula angustifolia, lavandula stoechas, lavandula x intermedia

Lavender (Lavandula) is cherished for its stunning, fragrant flowers and remarkable versatility in the garden. With its soothing aroma, vibrant purple hues, and adaptability to various climates, lavender has become a favorite among gardeners. However, not all lavender varieties bloom at the same time, and understanding these differences can help you design a garden that bursts with continuous blooms throughout the growing season.

Depending on your location, it’s possible to enjoy lavender flowers nearly year-round. This is because different lavender varieties have staggered blooming times, with some flowering continuously from spring through summer. By planting a mix of lavender types, you can enjoy a heavenly fragrance and a captivating display of flowers from early spring until late summer, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and fragrant for months on end.

Lavender Flower Main Types

There are four main types of lavender, each with unique characteristics, blooming times, and ideal growing conditions. Understanding the differences between these types will help you choose the best lavender variety for your garden or landscape.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • Description: English lavender is one of the most popular and widely grown varieties, known for its sweet fragrance and narrow, silver-green leaves. It is often used in culinary applications, sachets, and essential oils.
  • Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
  • Best Use: English lavender is ideal for colder climates (USDA zones 5–9) and is perfect for cottage gardens, borders, and rock gardens. Its lavender flowers are commonly harvested and dried for use in sachets, perfumes, essential oils, syrups, lemonades, teas, and other culinary applications.
  • Notable Varieties: ‘Hidcote’, ‘Munstead,’ ‘Betty’s Blue.’

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

  • Description: French lavender is characterized by its serrated or “toothed” leaves and a slightly stronger, more herbal fragrance compared to English lavender. It is less hardy and better suited for warmer climates (USDA zones 8–11).
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to fall.
  • Best Use: French lavender flowers are commonly used in Mediterranean gardens, containers, and decorative borders.
  • Notable Varieties: ‘Royal Crown,’ ‘Goodwin Creek Grey.’

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

  • Description: Spanish lavender is easily recognized by its distinctive “rabbit ear” bracts that sit atop the flower spikes. It has a strong, camphor-like scent and is well-suited for hot, dry climates (typically USDA zones 8–9).
  • Bloom Time: Mid-spring through summer.
  • Best Use: Spanish lavender flowers are often used in landscaping, borders, and hedges due to their unique appearance and drought tolerance.
  • Notable Varieties: ‘Anouk‘ and ‘Fathead

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)

  • Description: Lavandin is a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender, known for its tall, vigorous growth and large, fragrant flower spikes. It is widely grown for lavender oil production and thrives in USDA zones 5–9.
  • Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
  • Best Use: Often found in lavender fields and farms, lavandin flowers are perfect for crafting, essential oils, and large garden beds.
  • Notable Varieties: ‘Grosso‘, ‘Phenomenal,’ and ‘Provence

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 11
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Lavandula
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Edging, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Traditional Garden

Lavender Flower Blooming Seasons

How to Enjoy Your Lavender Flowers

Lavender flowers offer much more than just beauty; their fragrance and versatility make them a true garden treasure.

Whether in the garden or at home, lavender flowers provide endless enjoyment.

Dried Lavender, Lavender buds, Lavender, Lavender Flowers, Lavender Plants

Health Benefits of Lavender Flowers

Lavender flowers have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. Known for their calming effects and delightful fragrance, lavender flowers offer a wide range of health benefits:

  • Stress and Anxiety Relief: The soothing aroma of lavender flowers helps reduce stress and anxiety. Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and ease tension. Inhaling lavender’s scent has been shown to lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm.
  • Improved Sleep: Lavender flowers are widely known for their ability to improve sleep quality. The calming scent of lavender can help with insomnia and sleep disturbances by promoting relaxation and reducing restlessness. Placing dried lavender flowers near your bed or using lavender essential oil in a diffuser before bedtime can enhance sleep.
  • Pain Relief: Lavender flowers possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help alleviate headaches, muscle pain, and joint discomfort. Lavender oil derived from the flowers can be massaged into sore areas or inhaled to relieve tension headaches.
  • Skin Care: Lavender flowers are commonly used in skincare products due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lavender can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing. It is especially beneficial for conditions like acne, eczema, and minor burns or insect bites.
  • Digestive Support: Lavender flowers can be brewed into tea to help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, nausea, and indigestion. The mild sedative properties of lavender relax the digestive muscles and can ease discomfort.
  • Respiratory Health: Lavender flowers have been used to support respiratory health by helping clear airways and reduce symptoms of colds, asthma, and bronchitis. Inhaling steam infused with lavender can provide relief from respiratory congestion.
  • Antimicrobial Properties: Lavender flowers contain compounds that have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These properties make lavender useful in preventing infections, treating minor wounds, and promoting faster healing of cuts and scrapes.
  • Mood Enhancement: The lavender flower’s aroma is known to uplift moods and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Whether used in aromatherapy or as a component of bath products, lavender helps to boost emotional well-being.
  • Immune Support: Lavender flowers contain antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress, potentially strengthening the immune system and protecting the body from harmful free radicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the Lavender Flower Symbolize?

The lavender flower symbolizes calmness, purity, and serenity. Its soothing scent and calming properties make it a popular symbol for relaxation and peace. Lavender is also associated with healing and protection.

Is Lavender a Sun or Shade Plant?

Lavender is a sun-loving plant. It requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily) to thrive and produce the best blooms. It does not do well in shade.

Does Lavender Come Back Every Year?

Yes, lavender is a perennial plant in most climates, meaning it comes back year after year. However, in colder climates, it may need winter protection to survive.

Where Does Lavender Grow Best?

Lavender grows best in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. It thrives in Mediterranean-like climates with dry, hot summers and mild winters. Lavender prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil.

Does Lavender Spread Each Year?

Lavender doesn’t spread aggressively, but over time, it can grow larger in width. Some lavender plants can become wider and bushier each year, but they don’t spread through runners or underground shoots like some other plants.

Does Lavender Keep Bugs Away?

Yes, lavender is known to repel certain insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and moths. Its strong fragrance acts as a natural insect repellent, making it a great addition to gardens and outdoor spaces.

Can I Leave Lavender in the Ground Over Winter?

In mild to moderate climates, lavender can be left in the ground over winter. However, in colder climates (below USDA Zone 5), it may need protection, such as mulch, or be grown in containers that can be brought indoors.

Is Lavender Hard to Grow?

Lavender is generally easy to grow if it is planted in the right conditions. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal watering once established. Overwatering or poor drainage are common causes of failure.

Is Lavender Safe for Dogs?

Lavender is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. However, ingesting large quantities can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Lavender oil should be used cautiously around pets, as concentrated essential oils can be harmful.

Does Lavender Need a Lot of Water?

No, lavender is drought-tolerant once established and prefers dry conditions. It needs minimal water, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.

 

Garden Examples

A Charming Mediterranean Flagstone Pathway
A Long-Lasting Summer Duo for your Borders: Lavender and Cosmos
A Lovely Contemporary Garden Idea
A Lovely Mediterranean Border with Lavender and Lilies of the Nile
A Lovely Mediterranean Path
A Fabulous Duo: Rose ‘Bonica’ and Lavender ‘Hidcote’
Compare All Lavandula (Lavender)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lavandula (Lavender)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 11
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Lavandula
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Edging, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Lavandula (Lavender)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lavandula (Lavender)

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