This pretty plant is known for its fragrant smell and purple blooms.
In warm, frost-free climates, French lavender blooms year-round.
In areas that receive frost, French lavender blooms from spring to fall.
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Though beautiful, French lavender is not often used for culinary purposes because of its poor flavor.
What it lacks in taste it makes up for with its uniquely serrated, ruffled appearance.
French Lavender Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing French lavender.
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Soil
Dry, well-draining, alkaline soil is important for the health of French lavender.
This plant prefers poor soil conditions; it does not grow well in nutrient-rich, fertile soils.
Water
French lavender is extremely drought-tolerant and prefers to grow in dry conditions.
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Although new plants appreciate more water when first planted, they do not require consistent water after becoming established.
Watering every few weeks will be fine until blooms appear.
After that, switch to weekly or twice weekly watering until you harvest the blooms.
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Temperature and Humidity
French lavender cannot handle frost, snow, or freezing temperatures.
High humidity is another enemy of the French lavender plant.
These plants like dry, warm areas.
Fertilizer
Because French lavender thrives in fast-draining, poor soil, there is no need to fertilize.
Using sharp shears, round out the plant to the desired shape.
Be sure to avoid any old, woody growth, and only prune the young, soft growth.
Old, woody growth will not grow new shoots.
Seeds germinate best when collected and started in the fall.
You will need to repot your French lavender yearly to accommodate new growth.
The plant may top out with a pot size of about 12 inches in diameter.
If you choose to do so, add sparingly.
Keep the pot in a cool area with enough bright light.
Remember to water sparingly throughout the winter, only providing enough water to keep the plant alive.
For plants kept outdoors in areas with mild winters, no watering is required.
Simply prune before winter and clear away any dead, organic material that will hold moisture.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
This plant is not often bothered by pests or diseases.
Lavender is actually anatural repellent for insects, such asaphids.
The only disease to watch out for is rot, which is due to too much water.
Bloom Months
French lavender commonly blooms from May through September.
How Long Does French Lavender Bloom?
In warm climates, French lavender can bloom year-round.
What Do French Lavender Flowers Look and Smell Like?
French lavender flowers are purple in color and emit a sweet yet woodsy smell.
When pruning, always ensure there is enough green to the plant so new blooms can regenerate.
If left unchecked, this can lead to root rot.
Woody Appearance
When not pruned regularly, French lavender can become woody and rigid.
Excessive wood growth can affect airflow to the plant and cause it to grow disproportionately.
The quickest way to fix this is to improve the drainage.
English lavender is lighter and sweeter in scent compared to French lavender, which has a stronger pine scent.
However, the lifespan of the plant is about five years.
N.p., 3 July 2019.
