French Lavender Versus Spanish Lavender

Description

• Spanish lavender, or lavendula stoechas, has distinctly dark purple blossoms and grows wild in France, Spain and Italy. French lavender, known in Latin as lavendula dentata, originated in Spain and grows well in warm climates, or as an indoor potted plant.

Appearance

• Spanish lavender has dark green leaves and deep purple, pineapple-shaped flower heads. French lavender, by contrast, has gray leaves with serrated edges.

Growing

• French and Spanish lavender both grow best in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. They bloom in spring and summer, and benefit from pruning.

Misconceptions

• Ironically, Spanish lavender grows wild in France, and French lavender originated in Spain. For this reason, the two types are frequently confused with each other.

Uses

• Spanish lavender has a stronger fragrance than French lavender, so is more frequently used for garden or home fragrance. French lavender is primarily used ornamentally, and its flowers dry beautifully. Neither type of lavender is preferred for cooking.