Lavender, a cherished herb known for its aromatic flowers and versatility, comes in various species and hybrids. This post will focus on two of the most popular varieties, but a summary of all lavender species and some common varieties is included at the end of this article.

The two most popular species of lavender in North America are Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia, each with distinct characteristics and uses. While both belong to the same lavender family, they have important differences that make them suited to different gardening, culinary, and therapeutic applications. Let’s dive into a comparison of these two lavender varieties.

1. Botanical Differences

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English Lavender, is a species of lavender that is prized for its fragrant and delicate flowers. It is a true species of lavender, native to the Mediterranean region, and is generally characterized by a compact, bushy growth habit and slender, narrow leaves.

Lavandula x intermedia, on the other hand, is a hybrid variety, the result of a cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender). This hybrid is often referred to as lavandin and is known for its larger, taller growth habit. Lavandin tends to have broader leaves and more robust flowers compared to its parent species.

2. Size and Growth Habit

One of the most noticeable differences between the two is their size. Lavandula angustifolia typically grows to about 18-24 inches tall and wide, making it a more compact plant suitable for smaller gardens or containers.

In contrast, Lavandula x intermedia can grow much taller—up to 3 feet or more—reaching up to 4 feet in some cases. Lavandin plants are generally more vigorous and bushier, making them ideal for larger garden spaces or as hedging plants.

3. Aroma and Essential Oils

The fragrance is one of the most distinct features of lavender varieties. Lavandula angustifolia is renowned for its sweet, floral scent. It is often considered the best lavender variety for making high-quality essential oils, known for their calming and therapeutic properties. The oil yield from angustifolia is typically smaller than lavanding, but the oil extracted from English lavender is prized in aromatherapy, skincare products, and perfumes.

On the other hand, Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin) has a more pungent, vibrant, exciting almost, aroma with a stronger camphor-like note due to the presence of more camphor and 1,8-cineole in its essential oil profile. This makes lavandin oil more suitable for uses such as cleaning products, air fresheners, and cheaper perfumes, but it is less favored in high-end aromatherapy applications.

4. Hardiness and Growing Conditions

Both lavenders thrive in similar growing conditions, preferring well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. However, Lavandula angustifolia is generally considered to be hardier in cooler climates, as it can tolerate slightly lower temperatures. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-8.

Lavandula x intermedia, while still relatively hardy, may struggle in extremely cold winters due to its hybrid nature. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 6-9. The hybrid variety is also more resistant to disease and pests, making it a good choice for gardeners who need a more resilient plant.

5. Flowering Time and Yield

Lavandula angustifolia typically blooms in late spring to early summer, offering a more delicate floral display. The flowers are smaller and appear in spikes, often in shades of lavender or purple.

Lavandula x intermedia, on the other hand, tends to flower later in the summer, with larger flower spikes that are often a more intense purple or bluish hue. Lavandin generally produces a higher yield of flowers, making it an excellent choice for commercial lavender farms or for those looking to harvest large quantities of flowers for essential oils or culinary uses.

6. Culinary Uses

Both lavenders are edible, but Lavandula angustifolia is often the preferred choice for culinary purposes due to its sweeter, milder flavor. The delicate flowers of English lavender are used in recipes for desserts, teas, and savory dishes. Its subtle flavor pairs well with sugar, honey, and herbs.

Lavandula x intermedia has a more robust flavor, which can sometimes be overpowering for culinary applications. Although still used in cooking, it is typically better suited to making herbal infusions, syrups, or flavored oils, where a stronger lavender flavor is desired.

7. Aesthetic Appeal and Landscaping

Both varieties of lavender are visually striking and can enhance any garden with their vibrant colors and delightful fragrance. However, due to its smaller size, Lavandula angustifolia is often used in smaller garden beds, rock gardens, or containers, making it a more refined addition to a garden. Its more subtle blooms add a touch of elegance to herb gardens, cottage gardens, and decorative borders.

Lavandula x intermedia, with its larger size and bolder flowers, makes a great choice for creating focal points in larger landscapes or as a hedge. It’s ideal for attracting pollinators and can even be used in cut flower arrangements due to its long-lasting blooms.

Conclusion

Both Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia are wonderful varieties of lavender, each with unique attributes suited to different needs and environments. If you’re looking for a compact, fragrant variety for smaller gardens or culinary uses, Lavandula angustifolia is the clear winner. However, if you need a larger, more resilient plant with higher flower yields for essential oil production or ornamental purposes, Lavandula x intermedia would be an excellent choice.

Ultimately, the choice between these two lavender varieties comes down to your specific gardening needs, climate, and personal preferences. Whether you opt for the classic charm of Lavandula angustifolia or the boldness of Lavandula x intermedia, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and aromatic addition to your garden.

Appendix: All Lavender Species and Their Qualities and Uses

Here’s a brief listing of popular lavender cultivars, along with their key qualities:

1. Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)

• Qualities: Compact growth, fragrant blooms, hardy, perfect for colder climates.
• Uses: Aromatherapy, culinary, dried arrangements, essential oils.
• Englsh Lavender Varieties at Cloudscape Hill:
  • Lodden Blue: Known for its vibrant blue flowers, Lodden Blue is a highly aromatic cultivar with a compact growth habit. It thrives in well-drained soils and is a favorite for both ornamental gardens and essential oil production. Its soft, floral fragrance is both refreshing and calming, making it perfect for relaxation-based ecotherapy settings.
  • Imperial Gem: This cultivar is prized for its deep violet-blue blooms and strong, sweet fragrance. Imperial Gem is a hardy lavender that grows well in a variety of climates, making it a versatile choice for both decorative and therapeutic uses. Its rich scent is known to have mood-lifting properties, enhancing emotional well-being.
  • Royal Velvet: Royal Velvet produces large, dark purple flowers that offer an intensely aromatic scent. This variety is popular for its deep color and its therapeutic qualities, particularly its ability to alleviate stress and promote restful sleep. It is also a favorite choice for culinary uses and is a great choice for those looking for a visually stunning plant with powerful calming effects.
  • Royal Purple: With its striking, vibrant purple flowers, Royal Purple is a favorite for aesthetic appeal, culinary uses, and its high-quality oil content. It has a strong, classic lavender scent and is often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and stress. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Folgate: Folgate lavender is a highly fragrant, early-blooming cultivar with a rich purple color. Known for its hardiness and high oil yield, it’s ideal for making essential oils that have a calming and restorative effect on the mind and body. It’s also a great choice for attracting pollinators, making it a valuable addition to eco-friendly gardens.
  • Melissa: Melissa lavender is characterized by its smaller, delicate light purple to white flowers and a unique, citrusy fragrance with hints of lemon. This variety is particularly valued for its ability to uplift the mood and improve mental clarity. For culinary uses, it has been described as having almost a creamy flavor. It thrives in well-drained, sunny locations and is often used in aromatherapy for its refreshing and energizing scent.
  • This year we will be planting three more varieties of English lavender: Avice Hill, Sachet, and Betty’s Blue. The above list will be updated after we have worked with these varieties for a while.

2. Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin)

• Qualities: Hybrid between English and French lavenders, tall plants, larger blooms, higher oil yields.
• Uses: Essential oils, dried flowers, culinary uses, garden borders.
• Lavandin Varieties at Cloudscape Hill:
  • Grosso: One of the most popular lavendin cultivars for essential oil production, Grosso is known for its long, dense spikes of dark purple flowers and high essential oil yield. It has a strong, herbal scent with a slight camphor-like note, also making it ideal for use in aromatherapy, especially for relaxation and stress relief. Grosso is highly productive and thrives in dry, well-drained soils.
  • Gros Bleu: Gros Bleu is a robust cultivar with large, fragrant lavender blooms that boast a deep blue hue. It’s also well-known for its exceptional oil yield and is frequently used in therapeutic and culinary applications. Its sweet, herbal scent is known to reduce anxiety and enhance relaxation, making it perfect for both personal use and as a key component in lavender-based wellness programs.

Other Lavender Species

3. Lavandula dentata (French Lavender)

• Qualities: Distinct jagged leaves, heat-tolerant, less hardy in cold climates.
• Uses: Ornamental, fragrant, essential oils.

4. Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender)

• Qualities: Unusual, pineapple-like flowers with “rabbit ear” petals, heat-tolerant, prefers mild winters.
• Uses: Ornamental, oil, drought-tolerant landscaping.

5. Lavandula latifolia (Spike Lavender)

• Qualities: Tall, woody shrub, produces large spikes of flowers, strong fragrance.
• Uses: Essential oils, particularly for industrial applications.

6. Lavandula multifida (Fernleaf Lavender)

• Qualities: Unique fern-like foliage, light lavender blooms, heat and drought tolerant.
• Uses: Ornamental, landscaping, low-maintenance.