French Lavender Hedge (Lavandula stoechas)

French Lavender Hedge Plant Description

French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is one of the most distinctive lavender varieties, producing deep purple flower spikes topped with colourful butterfly-like bracts from late spring into summer. Its fragrant silver-green foliage remains attractive throughout the year, making it an excellent evergreen choice for low hedging, edging pathways, cottage gardens and Mediterranean planting schemes.

Unlike taller hedge plants, French Lavender naturally forms a compact mound that is easy to keep neat while providing months of colour and fragrance. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

French Lavender performs best in full sun and free-draining soils. Once established it is drought tolerant and well suited to coastal gardens, gravel gardens and areas with lighter soils. It dislikes heavy, waterlogged ground, particularly during winter.

Growth Rate

French Lavender has a moderate growth rate of approximately 20–40cm each year depending on growing conditions. Mature plants usually reach 60–90cm in height and spread, making them ideal for creating attractive low hedges with excellent seasonal colour.

French Lavender is easy to maintain with annual pruning.

Prune immediately after the main flowering period in late summer by removing spent flower stems and lightly trimming the current season's growth. Avoid cutting back into old woody stems, as these produce fewer new shoots and may not recover well.

A light trim in early spring can remove any winter damage and encourage fresh, bushy growth before flowering begins.

Regular pruning helps maintain a compact shape, encourages more flowers each year and prevents plants from becoming woody or open in the centre.

Further Information

French Lavender creates an attractive low hedge with excellent fragrance throughout the growing season.

For a relaxed informal hedge, plant approximately 3 plants per metre.

For a fuller hedge that establishes more quickly, use 5 plants per metre.

For the densest effect, plant 6–7 plants per metre in a staggered double row where space allows.

French Lavender is particularly effective along paths, driveways, cottage gardens and herb gardens, where its fragrance can be appreciated up close. It combines beautifully with rosemary, santolina, cistus and other drought-tolerant Mediterranean shrubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is French Lavender evergreen?

Yes. French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is an evergreen shrub that keeps its attractive silver-green foliage throughout the year in most UK gardens.

How tall does French Lavender grow?

Most plants reach between 60cm and 90cm tall, making them ideal for low hedges and borders.

Is French Lavender good for hedging?

Yes. French Lavender naturally forms a compact, bushy shape and creates an attractive, fragrant low hedge that is ideal for paths, driveways and cottage gardens.

What is the best spacing for a French Lavender hedge?

Plant around 3–5 plants per metre depending on how quickly you want the hedge to fill out.

Does French Lavender attract bees?

Yes. The highly fragrant flowers are rich in nectar and are popular with bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects throughout the flowering season.

Does French Lavender need full sun?

Yes. French Lavender performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. Too much shade or wet soil can reduce flowering and shorten the plant's lifespan.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.