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

which lavender is best

Lavender is a beloved addition to New Zealand gardens, renowned for its aromatic foliage, gorgeous blooms, and resilience. If you’re wondering which lavender is best for your needs, the answer depends on your garden’s conditions and how you plan to use this versatile shrub. Whether you’re keen on a classic cottage look, want to attract pollinators, or hope to harvest fragrant flowers for crafts and cooking, there’s a variety to suit every taste and purpose.

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 summer, it adds bold colour, elegance, and fragrance to New Zealand gardens. Its tidy, upright form makes it ideal for borders, pathways, cottage gardens, and decorative pots.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Lavender 'Castilliano White' plant with white and purple flowers.
Lavender 'Castilliano White'

Lavender 'Castilliano White' is a striking lavender variety celebrated for its pure white flowers held above aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering...

From$24.15
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant' plant with elegant purple and pink flowers.
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant'

'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...

From$25.53
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$24.15
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$25.53
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$25.53
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
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 'Hidcote' small shrub with elegant blue flowers and green foliage.
Lavender angustifolia 'Hidcote'

Lavender 'Hidcote' is a stunning variety that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of short, violet-purple flower spikes through spring and...

From$24.15
hemerocallis-wee-william-mullis--4
Hemerocallis Wee William Mullis (Wee William Mullis Daylily)

Hemerocallis Wee William Mullis is a variety of the commonly known, Day Lily, and features very showy flowers. The lavender and cream-coloured...

From$20.63
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
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$34.95
Lavender 'Impress Purple' plant with masses of purple flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Impress Purple'

Lavender 'Impress Purple' is an outstanding lavender variety known for its rich purple flower spikes and strongly aromatic grey green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender intermedia 'Super' shrub with masses of light purple flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Super'

Lavender 'Super' is a vigorous lavender variety admired for its long flower spikes and strong fragrance. Flowering from late spring through summer...

OUT OF STOCK
lavandula-angustifolia-munstead-2
Lavender 'Munstead'

'Munstead' Lavender is one of the most popular lavender varieties, valued for its fragrant purple flowers, compact growth habit, and attractive grey...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Lavance Blue' dark blue flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Lavance Blue'

Lavender 'Lavance Blue' is a compact and beautifully fragrant lavender valued for its deep blue violet flowers and tidy growth habit. Flowering from...

OUT OF STOCK
lavandula-grosso-4
Lavender 'Grosso'

Lavender 'Grosso' is one of the most popular lavender varieties, valued for its highly fragrant purple flower spikes and attractive silver green...

OUT OF STOCK
plectranthus-mona-lavender-2
Plectranthus Mona Lavender (Swedish Ivy Plant)

Plectranthus Moana Lavender, commonly known as the Swedish Ivy plant, is a fast-growing perennial with a rounded growth habit. It produces glossy...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Purple King' plant with pink-purple flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Purple King'

Lavender 'Purple King' is a bold and beautifully fragrant lavender variety known for its deep royal purple blooms held proudly above aromatic grey...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Margaret Roberts' plant with light purple flowers.
Lavender 'Margaret Roberts'

Lavender 'Margaret Roberts' is a vigorous and beautifully fragrant lavender valued for its long flower spikes and rich purple blooms. Flowering from...

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 'Lavish Blue' plants with light purple-blue flowers.
Lavender 'Lavish Blue'

Lavender 'Lavish Blue' is a beautifully compact lavender variety that produces masses of vibrant blue flowers held proudly above soft, aromatic...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Violet Intrigue' purple flowers.
Lavender 'Violet Intrigue'

Lavender 'Violet Intrigue' is a captivating lavender variety known for its rich violet flowers and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from spring...

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
Lavender 'Dilly Dilly' shrub with masses of blue flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Dilly Dilly'

Lavender 'Dilly Dilly' is a compact and charming lavender variety known for its soft purple blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from...

OUT OF STOCK
A Lavender 'Pukehou' informal hedge covered in pink-purple flowers.
Lavender 'Pukehou'

Lavender 'Pukehou' is a strong growing and beautifully fragrant lavender valued for its deep purple blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Foveaux Storm' purple flowers.
Lavender 'Foveaux Storm'

Lavender 'Foveaux Storm' is a dramatic and beautifully scented lavender variety known for its deep violet flowers and strong aromatic foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'The Prince' plants with purple flowers.
Lavender 'The Prince'

Lavender 'The Prince' is an elegant lavender variety known for its deep purple blooms and beautifully aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Gray Lady' cluster of purple flowers.
Lavender 'Gray Lady'

Lavender 'Gray Lady' is an elegant lavender variety admired for its soft mauve flowers and distinctive silvery grey foliage. Flowering from spring...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Birchwood' plant with dark purple flowers.
Lavender 'Birchwood'

Lavender 'Birchwood' is a delightful lavender variety known for its soft purple flowers and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from spring into...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Snow Princess' plant in a pot with white flowers.
Lavender 'Snow Princess'

Lavender 'Snow Princess' is a beautiful lavender variety prized for its crisp white flowers and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from spring...

OUT OF STOCK
Lavender 'Major'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search which lavender is best

Choosing the Best Lavender for Your Garden

The best lavender for you depends on several factors: climate, soil type, space, and your intended use. Some lavenders handle humid coastal conditions better than others, while certain varieties flower longer or have particularly fragrant blooms.

Lavender dentata (French Lavender) is highly recommended for regions with milder winters, as it flowers almost year-round in warm climates. Famous for its finely serrated leaves and fluffy flower heads, Lavender dentata adds texture and soft fragrance to borders or pots. Because of its robust growth and extended flowering season, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to create an effortless splash of colour and perfume in the garden. Explore Lavender dentata (French Lavender) if you prefer a fuss-free, long-blooming option.

Top Lavender Varieties and Their Best Uses

For gardeners wanting exceptionally vivid blue flowers, Lavender 'Lavance Blue' stands out. This compact English lavender forms neat mounds, making it perfect for edging paths or planting in pots. Its scent is sweet, and it’s prized for use in sachets, baking, and essential oils. If you’re dreaming of a low hedge with deep colour and fragrance, Lavance Blue may be the best lavender for you.

If you’re after a robust plant that thrives in New Zealand’s diverse conditions, Lavender 'Super' is celebrated for its outstanding flower spikes and silvery foliage. ‘Super’ lavender is a strong performer for both landscaping and harvesting, as its long stems make it ideal for cutting and drying. It’s highly recommended for those who enjoy fresh arrangements and lavender crafts.

For a show-stopping display, Lavender 'The Queen' delivers regal charm with its intensely coloured, purple-blue flowers and vigorous growth. It provides both visual appeal and alluring aroma, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. If you appreciate lush, classic lavender rows or large statement pots, The Queen is hard to surpass.

Companion Planting and Alternative Choices

Looking to create year-round interest? Pair your lavender with other striking garden specimens such as Dahlia Lavender Perfection for contrasting flower shapes and a continual succession of blooms. This combination brings both fragrance and vibrant colour to any sunny border.

So, Which Lavender Is Best?

The ultimate answer to "which lavender is best" depends on your climate, garden design, and personal preferences. For long flowering, choose French types like Lavender dentata; for compact, fragrant hedges, Lavance Blue leads the way; for optimal flower production, Lavender 'Super' excels; and for bold, beautiful garden impact, Lavender 'The Queen' makes an unforgettable statement. No matter your choice, each variety offers distinct qualities to help you create the ideal garden retreat.


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.

–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

445 Google reviews