Lavender is a perennial herb and flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Types of lavender It is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its distinct color and floral minty scent.
Lavender has been cultivated since ancient times for its medicinal properties and has long been used to treat headaches, stomach aches, and other ailments.
Lavender is widely cultivated across the world and is widely admired. This post will shed light on the diversity of lavender varieties that exist across the globe by sharing some of our favorite types of lavender.
1. Ballerina Lavender
Ballerina lavender, also scientifically known as Lavandula stoechas is native to Spain and Portugal where it grows wild in sunny areas such as mountains, hillsides, and plains.
The name ‘ballerina’ comes from the shape of the flower which resembles a ballerina’s tutu.
Ballerina Lavender is very popular in Spanish gardens because they have a strong fragrance with a sweet citrus-like aroma. They bloom in summer when temperatures reach around 20 degrees Celsius.
The flowers of this variety are smaller than those of most lavenders and have a distinctive pale lavender and white.
2. Kew Red Lavender
Kew Red lavender is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm. Its leaves are dark green and grow in opposite pairs.
Kew Red lavender produces small purple, crimson and pink flowers throughout spring and summer and blooms almost continuously.
These have a mildly spicy scent and can be found growing alongside many plants including roses, daffodils, and chrysanthemums.
Kew Red Lavender is highly recommended for use as an ornamental plant due to its color and fragrance.
Anouk Lavender
Anouk lavender, also known as French lavender, is a hardy annual herbaceous plant with silver-green upright foliage.
Anouk lavender has a bushy habit and produces clusters of tiny dark purple flowers in late spring and early summer. It is easy to grow and can be planted directly into the garden or in pots.
Anouk lavender is one of the best choices for beginners who want to try their hand at growing their own herbs. Anouk lavender is attractive to pollinators such as butterflies.
3. Lavenite Petite Lavender
Lavenite Petite, scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia is a hardy perennial herb that grows between 6 and 8 inches tall. Its leaves are greyish-green and grow in opposite pairs along the stem.
Lavenite Petite originates from New Zealand. It is a good choice for the ornamental plant as it produces a strong and distinct and intense scent.
This plant is known to bloom only once during mid-spring. It is said to be easy to grow in temperate conditions as it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
4. Hidcote Lavender
Hidcote lavender is a hardier version of English lavender and is native to England. Hidcote lavender grows in full sun and requires little maintenance. It is a great choice for people living in cooler climates as it tolerates colder weather.
Hidcote Lavender is also known to produce more flowers per square foot than other varieties. It is a long-lasting plant and can last for years if given the right care.
The Hidcote lavender is commonly dried as it is known for retaining its color and strong scent. It is commonly ornamentally grown along hedges and backyard borders.
5. Impress Purple Lavender
Impress purple, scientifically known as Lavandula x intermedia is a hybrid lavender variety. Impress purple is a vigorous, compact shrub that grows between 60 and 60 cm.
Impress purple produces large, fragrant, deep purple flowers and bright green dense foliage. The flowers of this plant have a strong floral scent and are used extensively in perfumes and cosmetics.
It is especially suitable for people who like lavender-scented products. Impress purple is a hardy plant and is tolerant of cold temperatures. This plant is considered to be easy to grow and thrives in conditions of full sun.
6. Hidcote Giant Lavender
Hidcote Giant lavender is a hybrid lavender. Hidcote Giant is a very vigorous, fast-growing lavender. Hidcote Giant produces large, fragrant flowers which are usually deep purple but sometimes white.
The flowers of this lavender have a strong floral scent. Hidcote Giants are grown mainly for their decorative value rather than their ability to produce perfume.
Hidcote Giant lavender is recognized for its abundant and dense foliage and its bright violet-colored spiked flowers.
Hidcote giant lavender is the hardiest lavender and is ideal for those living in milder climates. Hidcote giants require full sun and well-drained soil. They do not tolerate too much shade or waterlogged soils.
Grosso Lavender
Grosso lavender is a hardy evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves. Grosso lavender is a popular choice for landscaping due to its beautiful appearance and fragrance.
Grosso lavender is a hybrid lavender variety that has thick blooms. The flowers of Grosso lavender are pale blue-purple in color and are commonly used for ornamental and culinary purposes.
Grosso lavender has an average height of about 90 cm. Grosso lavender is one of the most common types of lavender available today.
It is often found growing wild in sunny areas such as gardens and parks. Grosso lavender needs full sun and moist soil.
Related: How To Propagate Lavender: Everything You Need To Know
7. Lavandin Lavender
Lavandin is a French word meaning ‘lavender’. Lavandin lavenders are generally smaller versions of standard lavenders. These plants are typically shorter in stature and have less intense aromas.
Lavandins are commonly used in cooking, baking, and making herbal tea. Lavandin lavender is best suited to warmer climates.
The Lavandin lavender tends to flower earlier than other varieties. Lavandin lavenders are commonly used as cut flowers.
Related: How To Prune Lavender: Tips & Tricks
8. Munstead Lavender
Munstead lavender is a hardy type of lavender that was developed in the United Kingdom but is native to the Mediterranean. Munstead English lavender is a tall, upright, compact plant.
Munstead lavender has long narrow leaves that are covered in soft hairs. Munstead lavender flowers are light violet and white and have a sweet fragrance.
Munstead lavender is a good choice for those looking for lavender that will survive in colder climates. Munstead lavender requires full sun and well-draining soil and tends to grow slowly.
9. Loddon Blue
Loddon Blue is a hybrid lavender that originated from a cross between L. Angustifolia and L. latifolia. Loddon Blue is a medium-sized lavender that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height.
Loddon Blue has small, dark bluish-violet flowers that have a sweet aroma. Loddon Blue grows well in both dry and wet conditions. Loddon Blue does not need any special care.
This lavender is suitable for use in many settings including hanging baskets, window boxes, pots, and planters.
10. Twickel Purple Lavender
Twickel Purple is a hybrid lavender. Twickel Purple is a semi-evergreen shrub that reaches heights of approximately 40 cm.
This variety of lavender is recognized for its deep and dark purple and long flowers that stand to be amongst the darkest of lavender plants.
Twickel Purple Lavender has a strong floral scent. Twickel Purple lavender is a hardier variety of lavender and is suitable for use in cooler climates.
11. Miss Katherine Lavender
Miss Katherine Lavender is a very attractive lavender that produces large clusters of fragrant lavender buds. Miss Katherine Lavender has a bushy growth habit and grows to about 75 cm tall.
The shrub features narrow silver-green leaves that produce a strong floral mint fragrance. This plant is ideal for use in bouquets or containers where it can receive plenty of sunlight.
This variety of lavender is recognized for its delicate pink and white flowers and spiky foliage.
12. Fringed Lavender
Fringed lavender, also known as Serenity, is recognized for its distinct texture. Fringed lavender is a low-growing lavender plant that only grows to about 30 cm high. This variety of lavender is perfect for growing in small spaces.
Fringed lavender has a distinctive look with its frilly edges and glossy green leaves. This plant is most commonly grown for ornamental purposes due to its dense structure and an abundant cluster of flowers.
This variety of lavender is considered to be relatively easy to grow and is known to thrive in conditions of full sun.
13. Nana Alba Lavender
Nana Alba is a compact and bushy shrub that features beautiful white flowers. Nana Alba is an excellent choice for those who want a lavender that is compact and easy to grow. Nana Alba Lavender has a pleasant floral scent and is best suited for use in smaller areas such as window boxes and pots.
14. Royal Purple Lavender
Royal Purple lavender is a dense hedge that features a cluster of significantly long stems densely packed with bright violet flowers. This variety of lavender is ideal for use in larger gardens or landscapes where it can receive ample sunlight.
The Royal Purple lavender is known to bloom at the end of spring. It is recognized for its strong sweet fragrance and vibrant color and is commonly dried for use in scented candles and making potpourris.
This variety of lavender is considered to be a considerably hardy plant as it thrives in a variety of soil types including chalk and sand.
15. Rosea Lavender
Rosea Lavender is classified as a variety of true lavender as it is considered to be one of the most popular varieties of lavender. This variety of lavender features pale pink flowers that are slightly darker than other varieties.
Rosea Lavender has a mild floral scent and is well suited for use in containers. Rosea lavender is considered to be quite easy to grow and maintain as it thrives in well-drained soil. This plant commonly grows to heights of 90 cm.
16. Melissa Lilac Lavender
Melissa Lilac lavender is ideal for growing in small spaces. Melissa Lilac lavender has a bushing growth habit and is ideal for use in containers.
This variety of lavender is suitable for use in any type of garden as it does not require much maintenance. This plant features soft silver-gray leaves and a profusion of lilac flowers.
Melissa Lilac lavender is recognized for its distinct strong scent. Due to this property, it is commonly used for its oil for aromatherapy and making cosmetics and scented products.
17. Arctic Snow Lavender
This variety of lavender is a dwarf form of lavender that features delicate white flowers. Arctic snow lavender is a very attractive plant that is ideal for use in hanging baskets.
This plant is ideal for use in colder climates as it requires little light during the winter months.
Arctic Snow Lavender is known to have a strong aroma when crushed and is used extensively in perfumes and soaps. This variety of lavenders is commonly grown for commercial purposes.
18. Little Lottie Lavender
Little Lottie lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a low-growing variety of lavender.
Little Lottie lavender is a good option for those looking for lavender that is suitable for growing in small spaces and is resistant to drought.
This variety of lavender consists of grayish green foliage and a profusion of tiny purple blooms. Little Lottie Lavender is ideal for use as a cut flower but is also used commercially due to its high quality.
19. Blue Mountain White Lavender
Blue mountain white lavender is a variety of lavender that features a compact bush growth habit.
Blue mountain white lavender is recognized for its oily and strong aromatic evergreen leaves and its striking thick clusters of white and pale purple flowers.
Blue mountain white lavenders are commonly grown for their essential oils and medicinal properties. This variety of lavenders is particularly suited for use in warmer regions.
Final Considerations
In conclusion, there are many varieties of lavender available on the market today. Some of these varieties are ideal for growing as ornamental plants whilst others are favored for their strong fragrance and are therefore commonly used commercially.
The best way to choose the right variety of lavender for your needs is to consider what you want from your lavender plant and then select the variety that will suit your requirements.
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