Types of Lavender Plants
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: English lavender plants are perennials for planting zones 5-8. The "French" variety (Lavandula stoechas) prefers a warmer climate; it is not as cold-hardy. But in spite of its common name and its hardiness, L. angustifolia, like its French cousin, is native to the Mediterranean.
Spanish Eyes Fernleaf Lavender boasts silvery, fern-like foliage and bright blue blooms. Learn more about this plant, which does well in heat and humidity. Learn more about this plant, which does well in heat and humidity.
French lavender works well in mild, Mediterranean climates in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 where some types bloom most of the year. Soil and Water Lavender needs full sun and soil that is very well drained.
Lavandin species (e.g. Grosso, Provence, Giant Hidcote, Phenomenal) are a cross between the Lavender and spike lavender varieties. Abrialii was a mainstay of the French industry until 1970s when it was ravaged by a disease.
Lavandula latifolia is also known as Lavender latifolia, Lavandula spica or Spike Lavender. Lavender latifolia grows at lower altitudes throughout Spain and France, has coarser leaves and foliage and a much higher oil content.
Lavandula angustifolia Vera is a compact plant that blooms in early summer with an abundant crop of thin, highly fragrant flower spikes with dark blue calyxes and lavender corollas (flowers). English Lavender plants look stunning when planted with Oriental Poppies (Papaver), Yarrow (Achillea), MIlkweed (Asclepias) and Montbretia (Crocosmia).