Ruqayyah Snyder
French lavender is a beautiful addition to any garden, with its grey-green serrated leaves and mauve, purple, or white flowers. It is the most commonly grown species in Australia, but it is considered an invasive weed in some areas. French lavender is a vigorous plant, growing up to 1.5m in height and width, but a dwarf form is also available. It prefers hot, dry summers and cold winters, making it suitable for inland Australia and dry coastal areas. In humid coastal zones and tropical regions, it may struggle and eventually succumb to fungal rot. French lavender requires full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal fertiliser to thrive. With the right care, growing French lavender in Australia can be a rewarding experience, providing a delightful fragrance and attracting bees to your garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Species | French lavender (Lavandula dentata) |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
| Climate | Hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters |
| Soil | Well-drained, chalky, non-acidic |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6-8 hours/day) |
| Watering | Infrequent, deep watering |
| Fertiliser | Regular fertiliser for new plants, occasional for established plants |
| Pruning | Light pruning after flowering, harder pruning possible |
| Propagation | Seeds, hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings |
| Uses | Perfumes, cosmetics, medicinal |
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What You'll Learn
French lavender is an invasive weed in Australia
French lavender, or Lavandula dentata, is a species of lavender commonly grown in Australia. It is native to the Mediterranean region and prefers hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters—conditions that are well-suited to most of inland Australia and dry coastal areas. French lavender is a vigorous plant, growing up to 1.5 meters in height and width, with silvery, serrated leaves and soft mauve flowers.
However, French lavender is considered an invasive weed in Australia, particularly in certain regions such as Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and Western Australia. It has the potential to negatively impact native vegetation and biodiversity by forming dense patches that eliminate ground-dwelling flora and smaller shrubs. It also impedes the regeneration of overstorey plants and invades disturbed natural vegetation such as grasslands, woodlands, and forests.
French lavender is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive fragrance and appearance. While it is a popular choice for gardens, it is important to note its invasive nature and potential ecological impacts. In some areas, French lavender has become a weed in neglected areas, roadsides, railway lines, poor pastures, and natural ecosystems.
To manage and prevent the spread of French lavender as an invasive weed, it is crucial to properly identify and distinguish it from other similar species. French lavender is characterized by its finely scalloped or toothed leaves, which distinguish it from other types of lavender. Additionally, its distinct lavender aroma, especially when crushing the leaves, can help identify it from native plants.
It is recommended to check with local authorities and weed listings to confirm if French lavender is considered a weed in specific regions of Australia. Land managers and residents in areas where French lavender is invasive have a responsibility to manage and control its spread to protect native ecosystems and conserve biodiversity.
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Soil and fertiliser requirements
French lavender is the most commonly grown species in Australia. It is a large-flowered variety that bears an incredible amount of fringed flowers and grows to about 1.5m x 1.5m. It has grey-green serrated leaves and a flat, furry-spiked purple flower. It is a vigorous plant that prefers heat.
French lavender grows well in chalky soil but does not do well in acidic soil. If your soil is clay-heavy, mix sand into it to make it lighter. To grow a low lavender hedge, plant one stem every 30 to 40 cm. If you're growing French lavender in a pot, avoid soil moisture and ensure that the pot has a hole for drainage. Add a drainage layer of small gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom.
Lavender grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. If the soil does not drain well, consider planting in raised garden beds or pots. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or manure. If the soil is strongly acidic, a dose of lime is beneficial.
Lavender does not require much fertiliser, but some dolomitic lime in spring and autumn can help, and adding some potassium will intensify the colour and strengthen the stems. Feed regularly through the flowering season with a liquid fertiliser. After flowering, feed with a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser.
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Sunlight and temperature needs
French lavender is native to the Mediterranean and, as such, it likes hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This climate suits most of inland Australia and dry coastal areas but may be problematic in humid coastal zones and tropical regions. French lavender is a large and billowy shrub with grey-green serrated leaves and a flat, furry-spiked purple flower which also prefers heat.
To grow successfully, French lavender requires full sun and good drainage. Aim for at least 6 hours of full sun each day. If lavender fails to get adequate sunlight, it can lead to stunted growth, poor-quality flowers, and increased vulnerability to diseases. If growing in a pot, place it in a position to receive as much sunlight as possible.
French lavender will grow in semi-shade, but the soil conditions must be met. It grows well in chalky soil but won't be happy in acidic soil. If your soil is clay, mix sand into it to make it lighter. If growing in a pot, double-check that the pot has a hole and add a drainage layer at the bottom, such as small gravel or clay pebbles.
French lavender is drought-resistant and does not require much watering. Water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
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How to prune and propagate
Pruning is essential for keeping your French lavender plant healthy and productive. It also helps to control the growth of the plant and prevents it from getting leggy or unruly. The best time to prune French lavender is during the growing season, which is usually from November to January. However, it is important to avoid pruning too late, as it may delay flowering.
For the first prune, aim for late September to October when the weather is warming up. Then, do heavier pruning from February to mid-March, before the weather starts to get too cold again. Regular pruning twice a year will give your plant time to regenerate fresh flowers and maintain its shape.
When pruning, use sharp shears or trimmers to make clean cuts, which will help the plant heal faster. Remove any dead branches and leaves, and trim just above the woody part of old branches to encourage new growth. Do not cut more than two-thirds of the plant's volume, as it may kill your French lavender.
French lavender can be propagated through cuttings. Take hardwood cuttings in late summer to autumn (February to April) and plant them in well-drained soil. You can also use softwood cuttings during spring to early summer. Cut below a leaf node, remove the lowest sets of leaves and any flower buds, and use rooting hormone if possible. Start the cuttings in pots before moving them to your garden.
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Choosing the right variety
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is the most commonly grown species in Australia. It is characterised by silvery, serrated leaves and soft mauve flowers, and it often blooms all year round. This variety grows to about 1.5m x 1.5m, but there is also a dwarf form available. French lavender is native to the Mediterranean, so it prefers hot, dry summers and cold winters—perfect for inland Australia and dry coastal areas. However, it may struggle in humid coastal zones and tropical regions, eventually succumbing to fungal rot. Therefore, it is essential to ensure full sun exposure and good drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils or highly acidic soils.
When choosing a variety of French lavender, it is important to consider your local climate and growing conditions. While French lavender generally prefers warmer, drier conditions, some cultivars are more adaptable to mild humidity. If you live in an area with high humidity, look for varieties that have been bred to tolerate these conditions, such as the Bee, Bella, and Baby series. These varieties will be more resilient and less likely to succumb to the challenges of humid climates.
Another variety to consider is Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso', an English lavender hybridised in Provence for its high oil content. This variety is suitable if you intend to use your lavender for oil extraction. Additionally, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also known as true lavender, is a great choice for cooler climates as it can tolerate frost. It is commonly used in the production of potpourri and oil. If you live in a warmer and more humid environment, Italian lavender (Lavandula stoechas) could be a good option. It is distinguished by its two brilliantly coloured 'wings' at the top of each flower.
When selecting a variety, it is also worth considering the size and growth habit of the plant. French lavender can grow quite large, up to 1.5m in height and width. If you are looking for a more compact variety, the dwarf form of French lavender may be a better choice. Additionally, consider whether you want a low-maintenance option. French lavender is relatively low-maintenance and does not require much fertiliser. However, new plants can benefit from regular applications of specific fertilisers to promote growth.
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