Lavandula dentata (French Lavender)

How to grow Lavandula dentata in NZ

Lavandula dentata (French Lavender) thrives in full sun and free-draining soil. Choose a warm, sheltered spot and avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground. Before planting, improve the soil with compost or grit to enhance drainage. Space plants about 60–80 cm apart to allow air circulation and prevent overcrowding. Water regularly while establishing, then only during extended dry periods. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a neat shape and encourage more blooms, but avoid cutting back into old wood. A spring feed with a balanced fertiliser will help keep the plant healthy and flowering prolifically.

Lavandula dentata care tips

Prune Lavandula dentata lightly after each flush of flowers to maintain a compact shape and promote new growth. Avoid cutting back into old woody stems, as this can damage the plant. Mulch around the base with light gravel or compost to suppress weeds and improve drainage, but keep the crown clear. Water young plants regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry periods. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage repeat blooming and feed with a slow-release fertiliser in spring for best results.

How to prune Lavandula dentata

Lavandula dentata should be pruned lightly and regularly to maintain a tidy, compact shape and encourage repeat flowering. The best time to prune is immediately after each main flush of blooms. Use clean, sharp secateurs and trim back the spent flower spikes along with about 2–3 cm of soft growth. Avoid cutting into old woody stems, as this can prevent new shoots from forming and may weaken the plant. In late summer or early autumn, perform a slightly deeper prune to shape the bush before winter, but always leave some green foliage on the stems.

French Lavender plant size, spacing, and growth rate

Lavandula dentata (French Lavender) typically grows to around 80 cm tall and 80–100 cm wide when mature. It has a moderate to fast growth rate in ideal conditions. Space plants 60–80 cm apart to allow good airflow and prevent overcrowding. With regular light pruning, plants will maintain a dense, bushy shape and flower prolifically for many years.

Lavandula dentata for sale

Lavandula dentata (French Lavender) is a hardy, long-flowering shrub with aromatic foliage and showy purple blooms. Perfect for borders, pots, or mass planting, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Buy premium quality Lavandula dentata plants online from The Plant Company and enjoy fast nationwide delivery.