Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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best lavender plant

Searching for the best lavender plant for your New Zealand garden? Lavender’s iconic fragrance, gorgeous hues, and resilience make it a much-loved addition to gardens, patios, and borders. Whether you’re after robust blooms, unique colours, or plants perfect for aromatic hedges, choosing the right lavender variety can transform your landscape. Explore standout options, tips for growing lavender successfully, and suggestions for uses that maximise its beauty and benefits.

A mass display of Lavandula dentata purple and pink flowers.

Lavender dentata (French Lavender)

Lavandula dentata, commonly known as French Lavender, is the most common of the Lavender varieties. It is a compact shrub and features masses of short purple-blue flower spikes from spring through summer. The foliage is green-grey and complements the darker flowers nicely as it grows to 60 cm tall and the same width. Lavandula dentata is commonly used in cottage gardens, included in mixed plantings and borders, trimmed into a low hedge, mass planted as a groundcover, grown on a bank, or maintained in a container.

Buy Lavender dentata (French Lavender)

From $23.63

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock

Lavender 'Foveaux Storm'

Lavender 'Foveaux Storm' is a dramatic and beautifully scented lavender variety known for its deep violet flowers and strong aromatic foliage. Flowering from spring through summer, it brings bold colour, fragrance, and structure to New Zealand gardens. Its upright, bushy form makes it ideal for borders, pathways, feature planting, and cottage garden settings. This hardy, easy care lavender is perfect for gardeners wanting reliable flowering and standout colour in sunny spaces.

Buy Lavender 'Foveaux Storm'

From $23.63

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock

What Makes the Best Lavender Plant?

The best lavender plant is one that thrives in your climate, delivers abundant flowers, and offers exceptional scent. Kiwi gardeners typically seek varieties that cope brilliantly with New Zealand’s varied weather, resist disease, and attract pollinators. Top lavender plants are versatile, working well in pots, borders, or mass plantings, and they make perfect companions for everything from roses to rosemary.

Best Lavender Plant Varieties for Kiwi Gardens

To help you decide, here are some of New Zealand’s favourite lavender options:

Lavender dentata (French Lavender): Known for its serrated, soft leaves and captivating purple flowers, French Lavender is a standout choice for hedging or informal mounds. Its continuous flowering and strong scent make it a favourite.
Lavender 'Foveaux Storm': This striking New Zealand-bred variety features deep purple-blue blooms—ideal for vibrant borders or statement pots. The compact habit suits both modern and cottage gardens.
Lavender 'Arabian Nights': With velvety, dark flowers, 'Arabian Nights' offers dramatic impact and long-lasting colour. It’s particularly suited for gardeners wanting a low-maintenance but high-reward shrub.
Lavender 'Sensation Purple': As the name implies, this variety bursts with intense purple flower spikes and aromatic foliage. Its reliable flowering and tough nature make it a popular pick for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Lavender 'Laveanna White': If you’re after something different, 'Laveanna White' offers crisp white flowers, creating a beautiful contrast and subtle elegance. It’s perfect for mixing with colourful blooms or planting en masse.

Growing Tips for the Best Lavender Plant

Lavender plants prefer sunny spots, well-draining soil, and minimal fuss. Plant your lavender in raised beds or containers for maximum drainage, avoid overwatering, and prune annually after flowering to encourage bushy growth and renewed blooms. Mulching with limestone chips can help keep roots happy and dry, making your lavender perform at its best.

Uses for Your Lavender

Once you’ve chosen the best lavender plant, possibilities abound. Lavender is ideal for:

Ornamental borders and hedges
Container gardening
Attracting bees and beneficial insects
Creating fragrant pathways and restful nooks
DIY sachets, oils, and culinary ventures

Find Your Best Lavender Plant

Ready to bring the best lavender plant into your garden? Whether you’re smitten with the charm of Lavender dentata (French Lavender) or seeking a standout cultivar like Lavender 'Foveaux Storm', our range offers something for every gardener. Discover your ideal lavender today and enjoy years of colour, scent, and garden vitality.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.