Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

french lavender tree

Searching for a French lavender tree? You’re likely picturing a fragrant, silvery shrub that brings elegance and vibrant colour to gardens and outdoor spaces. French lavender, scientifically known as Lavender dentata, is a must-have for New Zealand gardeners who love the classic Mediterranean look and feel. Unlike traditional “trees”, French lavender forms a bushy shrub but can be pruned or shaped to mimic a small tree—making it delightfully versatile for both beds and containers. With its aromatic foliage and distinctive, frilled flowers, French lavender is perfect for sunny spots, offering beauty as well as a calming scent. Explore how to grow, use, and care for French lavender tree forms, plus discover excellent companion plants for creating a garden oasis.

Lavender 'Bee Brilliant' plant with elegant purple and pink flowers.

Lavender 'Bee Brilliant'

5 from 3 customers

'Bee Brilliant' is a variety of Lavender that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of exquisite, small, dark purple flower spikes from spring through summer. The foliage is green-grey and complements the darker flowers nicely as it grows to 50 cm tall and the same width.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Lavender 'Major' plants with purple flowers above olive-green foliage.

Lavender 'Major'

5 from 2 customers

Lavender 'Major' is an impressive lavender variety known for its tall flower spikes and rich purple blooms held above aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from spring into summer, it brings colour, fragrance, and structure to New Zealand gardens. Its upright habit makes it ideal for borders, pathways, feature planting, and cottage style designs.

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 'The Queen' shrub with pink flowers.
Lavender 'The Queen'

Lavender 'The Queen' is a regal lavender variety admired for its rich purple blooms and fragrant grey green foliage. Flowering from spring into...

From$22.95
Very elegant Wisteria 'Lavender Lace' blue flowers.
Wisteria 'Lavender Lace'

Wisteria ‘Lavender Lace’ is a graceful flowering climber admired for its long cascading racemes of soft lavender flowers that appear in spring. The...

From$29.95
Lavender 'Fairy Wings Whimsical' plant with masses of light pink flowers.
Lavender 'Fairy Wings Whimsical'

Lavender 'Whimsical Fairy Wings' is a captivating lavender variety admired for its soft pink purple blooms topped with delicate wing-like bracts...

From$18.95
Hebe Lavender Lace stem with elegant, pink flowers.
Hebe 'Lavender Lace'

Hebe 'Lavender Lace' is an elegant evergreen shrub featuring fine textured foliage and soft lavender flower spikes that bring gentle colour to NZ...

From$22.01
Lavender 'Sensation Blue' shrub with purple flowers above dark green foliage.
Lavender 'Sensation Blue'

Lavender 'Sensation Blue' is a standout lavender variety admired for its deep blue purple blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from...

From$22.95
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
Lavender 'Ruffles Vanillaberry' cream-coloured flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Ruffles Vanillaberry'

Lavender 'Ruffles Vanillaberry' is a standout lavender variety known for its ruffled pink purple blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering...

From$22.95
Lavender 'Sensation White' plants with masses of white-cream flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Sensation White'

Lavender 'Sensation White' is a beautiful lavender variety valued for its pure white blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from early...

From$18.95
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
A large cabbage tree growing on a ridge.
Rose 'Lavender Jewel'

Rose 'Lavender Jewel' is a stunning hybrid tea rose admired for its exquisite lavender blooms and strong, sweet fragrance. Each perfectly formed...

From$30.29
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$16.95
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
A mass display of Lavandula dentata purple and pink flowers.
Lavender dentata (French Lavender)

Lavender dentata (French Lavender) is a popular evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant foliage, distinctive toothed leaves, and masses of soft...

OUT OF STOCK
A Lavender 'Sidonie' plant with lush grey-green foliage and blue flowers.
Lavender 'Sidonie'

Lavender 'Sidonie' (Lavandula pinnata ‘Sidonie’) grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of attractive, short, flower spikes. The spikes are...

OUT OF STOCK
Scabiosa 'Lavender' blue flowers.
Scabiosa 'Lavender'

Scabiosa 'Lavender' is a charming perennial renowned for its soft lavender coloured flowers that bloom over a long period. The delicate pincushion...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender) purple-pink flowers.
Lavender stoechas (Spanish Lavender)

Lavandula stoechas, known as Spanish Lavender, grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of small, purple flower spikes from spring through summer...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'My Choice' plant with blue flowers and grey foliage.
Lavender 'My Choice'

Lavender 'My Choice' is a beautifully compact lavender variety admired for its soft mauve blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavandula pedunculata plant with masses of pink flowers.
Lavender pedunculata

Lavender pedunculata is a distinctive lavender species admired for its upright flower spikes topped with elegant coloured bracts. Flowering from...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hebe, Lavender, and Liriodendron, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search french lavender tree

What is a French Lavender Tree?

The French lavender tree is not an actual tree, but rather a term used for mature Lavender dentata plants that are shaped to resemble small multi-stemmed trees. Native to the Mediterranean region, French lavender thrives in New Zealand’s temperate climate, especially in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. Its grey-green foliage is evergreen, and the toothed leaves (hence the name “dentata”) add texture year-round. Unlike English lavender, the French lavender tree is known for tougher, longer flowering seasons, making it a favourite in both formal and cottage gardens. The shrubby form can be shaped into a “tree” by selective pruning, creating an eye-catching focal point.

You can find high-quality plants on our Lavender dentata (French Lavender) page, perfect for both hedging and tree-form displays.

Growing and Caring for French Lavender Trees

Cultivating a French lavender tree in New Zealand is straightforward with a few expert tips:

French lavender tree forms are ideal for patios, entryways, or as accent pieces in borders. They pair beautifully with other Mediterranean shrubs or can be mixed alongside unique foliage plants. If you’re interested in alternative shapes or colours, explore Lavender 'Foveaux Storm', Lavender 'Arabian Nights', and Lavender 'Major' for distinctive hues and flower forms.

Garden Uses for French Lavender Trees

French lavender trees are valued for more than their looks. Their aromatic oils help deter pests, making them ideal for natural garden protection. The striking blooms attract pollinators—bees and butterflies are especially fond of the vivid purple flowers.

Garden designers love using French lavender trees as living sculptures, lining pathways or framing garden entrances. Their ability to thrive in pots means you can easily display them on decks or balconies.

For contrast or additional structure, consider pairing with upright shrubs like Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree), whose colourful young foliage complements lavender’s classic tones.

Explore Our Lavender Collection

Bring the beauty and fragrance of Mediterranean gardens home with a French lavender tree or shrub. Shop our full range, including Lavender dentata (French Lavender), and discover vibrant varieties such as Lavender 'Foveaux Storm', Lavender 'Arabian Nights', and Lavender 'Major' to create your perfect outdoor retreat.

For expert advice and hardy, locally grown plants, trust us to help your garden thrive. Enjoy the timeless appeal and year-round benefits of French lavender tree forms and make your landscape a truly enchanting place.


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.

Gardeners love Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra Lime Tuff, but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Feijoa 'Anatoki', Juniperus 'Skyrocket', and Cupressus 'Gracilis'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

463 Google reviews