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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.

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.

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 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, it adds height, colour, and perfume to New Zealand gardens. Its upright, robust growth makes it ideal for hedging, borders, and feature planting. This hardy and easy care variety is perfect for gardeners wanting a bold lavender with reliable performance.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, 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$22.28
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...

From$24.98
Lavender 'Laveanna White' purple and white flowers above dark green foliage.

Lavender 'Laveanna White'

Lavender 'Laveanna White' is a charming compact lavender variety known for its elegant white flowers and soothing fragrance. This hardy and...

From$23.63
Lavender 'Sensation Purple' purple flowers above fresh, green foliage.

Lavender 'Sensation Purple'

Lavender 'Sensation Purple' is a compact and highly fragrant variety prized for its deep purple flower spikes and tidy growth habit. This popular...

From$24.98
Lavender 'Major' plants with purple flowers above olive-green foliage.

Lavender 'Major'

Lavender 'Major' is an impressive lavender variety known for its tall flower spikes and rich purple blooms held above aromatic grey green foliage...

From$23.63
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...

From$22.88
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$23.63
Lavender 'Lavish Rose' soft-pink flowers.

Lavender 'Lavish Rose'

Lavender 'Lavish Rose' is a compact and beautifully flowering lavender that produces masses of soft rose coloured blooms above aromatic grey green...

From$24.23
A mass of Lavender 'Arabian Nights' blue flowers.

Lavender 'Arabian Nights'

Lavender 'Arabian Nights' is an outstanding variety of Lavender owing to its masses of beautiful, dark blue flower spikes from spring through autumn...

From$23.63
Lavandula Razzleberry Ruffles plants with masses of pink flowers.

Lavandula Razzleberry Ruffles (Pink Lavender)

Lavandula Razzleberry Ruffles is a variety of Lavender that carries masses of pink flowers with dark pink-purple bases from spring through until...

From$23.63
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$24.98
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$23.63
Lavender 'Love Heart' two-tone pink flowers above green foliage.

Lavender 'Love Heart'

Lavender 'Love Heart' is a charming lavender variety adored for its soft pink purple flowers and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from early...

From$23.63
Lavandula 'The Princess' shrub in a garden featuing elegant pink flowers.

Lavender 'The Princess'

Lavender 'The Princess' is a striking lavender variety renowned for its vibrant pink flowers and attractive grey green foliage. Blooming from spring...

From$24.98
Lavender 'Sensation Rose' shrubs with bright pink flowers in a garden.

Lavender 'Sensation Rose'

Lavender 'Sensation Rose' is a vibrant lavender variety adored for its rich rose coloured blooms and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from...

From$23.63
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$29.63
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$24.98
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...

From$23.63
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
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$20.18
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is a miniature variety that features blue-green leaves with a powdery appearance. The foliage is complemented with...

From$24.23
rose-spiced-coffee-2

Rose Spiced Coffee

“Spiced Coffee” is a popular Hybrid Tea shrub rose that features very showy flowers that are pale beige with lavender-pink towards the edges. The...

From$107.05
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.

Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$358.98
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$49.88
Lavender dentata (French Lavender)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hemerocallis, Hosta, Lagerstroemia, Lavandula, Lavender, Orange, Perovskia Rose and Wisteria, or related Categories - Orange Trees, Deciduous Climbers, Perennials, Bush Roses Evergreen Shrubs and Deciduous Trees.

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.


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–The Plant Company

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