How to Grow French Lavender
Lavandula stoechas
French Lavender (L. stoechas) is a compact, showy shrub with distinctive "rabbit ear" bracts above each flower head. It flowers much longer than English lavender (May to September, often reblooming) but is only half-hardy (to -5C). Crucially, it needs acid to neutral soil and will NOT tolerate chalk or limestone. Plant in full sun, sheltered from cold winds. Prune lightly after the first flush to encourage reblooming. Shorter-lived than English lavender (3-5 years); take cuttings regularly as insurance.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential; sheltered south-facing position ideal
Full sun is essential — at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. French Lavender becomes leggy and flowers poorly in shade. A south-facing, sheltered position is ideal to protect from cold winds.
Watering
Drought-tolerant; overwatering and wet winter soil are fatal
Drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly and only in prolonged dry spells. Overwatering and wet soil cause root rot. Ensure sharp drainage, especially in winter when wet roots combined with cold are fatal.
Fertilizing
Rarely needed; avoid lime-based feeds; ericaceous if anything
Rarely needed. A light sprinkling of sulphate of potash in spring may encourage flowering. Avoid rich feeds and lime-based fertilizers which raise soil pH. Ericaceous feed is safe if needed.
Pruning
Light prune after first flush for reblooming; never cut old wood
Prune lightly after the first flush of flowers in early summer to encourage a second flowering. Trim again lightly in early autumn. Never cut into old bare wood — it will not regrow. Replace plants every three to five years as they become woody.
Growing Tips
Acid soil only
Unlike English lavender which thrives on chalk, French Lavender needs acid to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0). It will yellow and die on alkaline or chalky ground. Test your soil before planting.
Deadhead for repeat flowering
Snip off spent flower heads as they fade to encourage continuous blooming from May through September. This is the key advantage over English lavender.
Winter protection essential
Only hardy to -5C. In cold areas, grow in pots and move to a sheltered spot or cold greenhouse over winter. In milder areas, plant against a south-facing wall with good drainage.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 45 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 50 cm |
Compact shrub; 45-60 cm between plants for a full display. Allow 60 cm rows for air circulation to prevent grey mould.
