{"id":613787867649,"date":"2026-06-05T11:44:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T11:44:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/uncategorized\/best-lavender\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T11:44:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T11:44:49","slug":"best-lavender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/best-lavender\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Lavender: Which Variety to Choose | Ashridge Trees"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"best-lavender\">Which lavender is best, and how do you choose the right one?<\/h2>\n<p>The best lavender for your garden depends entirely on what you want it to do. A variety that makes a superb clipped hedge may be a poor choice for the kitchen, while the most fragrant oil-producing lavender often grows too large for a windowsill pot. This guide cuts through the confusion by matching the right varieties to the right jobs \u2014 so you spend less time guessing and more time enjoying the results.<\/p>\n<p><!-- merlin:related start --><\/p>\n<h3>Related guides<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/harvesting-lavender-flowers\">Harvesting Lavender Flowers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-cut-back-lavender-plants-august-september\">How to Cut Back Lavender Plants in Late Summer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-lavender-plants\">How to grow lavender \u2014 planting, feeding, soil and year-round care<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/lavender-888-rule-watering\">How to Water Lavender \u2014 When, How Often, and How Much<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/is-lavender-native-uk\">Is Lavender Native to the UK?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- merlin:related end --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lavender-for-hedging\">Which lavender is best for hedging?<\/h2>\n<p>For a reliable, long-lived lavender hedge, <strong>English lavenders (<em>Lavandula angustifolia<\/em>)<\/strong> are the first choice \u2014 they clip well, cope with hard winters, and hold their shape for many years. The key is picking a variety with a naturally compact, upright habit that responds well to regular trimming without dying back to bare wood.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/strong> is the classic hedging lavender in British gardens for good reason: it stays compact (around 40\u201350 cm), produces deep violet spikes over a long season, and tolerates hard annual pruning. <strong><a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a><\/strong> is slightly shorter and earlier to flower \u2014 ideal if you want colour from late May into June. For something a little different, <strong><a href=\"\/products\/melissa-lilac-english-lavender-plants\">Melissa<\/a><\/strong> offers soft lilac flowers on a tidy mound, while the <strong><a href=\"\/products\/mixed-english-lavender-plants-hedge-pack\">mixed English lavender hedge pack<\/a><\/strong> blends Hidcote, Munstead, and others for a naturalistic ribbon of colour.<\/p>\n<p>Dutch hybrid lavenders (<em>Lavandula \u00d7 intermedia<\/em>), sometimes called lavandins, grow larger \u2014 often 60\u201390 cm \u2014 and can also be used for informal or low-boundary hedges, particularly on sunny banks where their drought tolerance is an asset. <strong><a href=\"\/products\/phenomenal-dutch-lavender-plants\">Phenomenal<\/a><\/strong> is especially storm- and rain-tolerant for a lavandin, making it a good choice for exposed sites.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:1.2em 0;font-size:0.95em\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#f5f0e8\">\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Variety<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Height<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Flower colour<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Hedge suitability<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">40\u201350 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Deep violet<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">35\u201345 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Blue-purple<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/melissa-lilac-english-lavender-plants\">Melissa<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">40\u201350 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Soft lilac<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/phenomenal-dutch-lavender-plants\">Phenomenal<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">60\u201390 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Blue-violet<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606 (informal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Browse the full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-hedging-lavender-plants\">best lavender for hedging<\/a> collection, or read our dedicated guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-plant-a-lavender-hedge\">planting a lavender hedge \u2014 spacing, varieties and getting a solid line in the first year<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lavender-for-pots\">Which lavender is best for pots and containers?<\/h2>\n<p>Compact English lavenders are the safest choice for pots because they stay small, are winter-hardy, and can be pruned to shape without difficulty. Avoid large lavandins in small containers \u2014 they will become pot-bound and woody very quickly.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/products\/little-lady-lavender-plants\">Little Lady<\/a><\/strong> is one of the most popular dwarf lavenders for pots, reaching only 25\u201330 cm with neat, deep-violet spikes disproportionately large for the plant. <strong><a href=\"\/products\/beezee-dark-blue-english-lavender-plants\">BeeZee Dark Blue<\/a><\/strong> is another excellent compact variety, growing to around 30 cm with rich blue flowers that attract pollinators even on a small balcony. <strong><a href=\"\/products\/havana-english-lavender-plants\">Havana<\/a><\/strong> offers a slightly taller option (35\u201340 cm) with a tidy habit that suits larger terracotta pots or half-barrels.<\/p>\n<p>French butterfly lavender (<em>Lavandula stoechas<\/em>) can also be grown in pots and looks spectacular \u2014 but remember it is less cold-hardy than English lavender, so you may need to bring pots under cover or into a cool greenhouse over winter in colder parts of the UK.<\/p>\n<p>Use a free-draining, gritty compost in terracotta or stone pots with generous drainage holes. Plastic pots retain moisture for too long and increase the risk of root rot. For full pot-growing advice, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/lavender-in-pots\">growing lavender in pots and containers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:1.2em 0;font-size:0.95em\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#f5f0e8\">\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Variety<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Height<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Winter hardiness<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Pot suitability<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/little-lady-lavender-plants\">Little Lady<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">25\u201330 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Fully hardy<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/beezee-dark-blue-english-lavender-plants\">BeeZee Dark Blue<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">30 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Fully hardy<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/havana-english-lavender-plants\">Havana<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">35\u201340 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Fully hardy<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/lusi-purple-french-lavender-plants\">Lusi Purple<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">40\u201350 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Half-hardy<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606\u2606<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"lavender-for-cooking\">Which lavender is best for cooking?<\/h2>\n<p>Only <strong>English lavender (<em>Lavandula angustifolia<\/em>)<\/strong> varieties should be used in cooking \u2014 they have a clean, floral scent with low camphor content, which means their flavour is pleasant rather than medicinal. Dutch hybrid lavandins and French stoechas varieties contain significantly higher levels of camphor and can taste harsh, soapy, or even unpleasant in food.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a><\/strong> is the go-to culinary lavender: it has a mild, balanced flavour with just enough sweetness for use in shortbread, sugar, herb blends, and drinks. <strong><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/strong> is slightly more intense but still well within the pleasant range and equally useful in the kitchen. <strong><a href=\"\/products\/miss-katherine-lavender-plants\">Miss Katherine<\/a><\/strong>, with its soft pink flowers and gentle scent, is another lovely culinary choice \u2014 its restrained flavour makes it forgiving for those new to cooking with lavender.<\/p>\n<p>A useful rule: if a lavender smells powerfully camphorous (think mentholated), it will taste medicinal in food. Always taste a petal or two before cooking with any variety you haven&#8217;t used before. For the kitchen, less is almost always more \u2014 a few flower heads go a surprisingly long way.<\/p>\n<p>Browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-cooking-edible-lavender-plants\">best lavender for cooking<\/a> collection, and see the related guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/harvesting-lavender-flowers\">harvesting lavender flowers<\/a> for the best time to pick for food use.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lavender-for-scent-and-oil\">Which lavender is best for scent and oil?<\/h2>\n<p>For maximum essential oil yield and the richest, longest-lasting fragrance \u2014 whether for cutting, pot-pourri, sachets, or distilling \u2014 the <strong>Dutch hybrid lavandins<\/strong> are the undisputed champions. They produce two to five times the oil volume of English lavender, with bold, penetrating scent that carries well across a garden.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/products\/grosso-dutch-lavender-plants\">Grosso<\/a><\/strong> is the most widely grown lavender in Provence and the world&#8217;s primary commercial source of lavender oil. Its large, fat spikes are heavily loaded with essential oil and dry beautifully for sachets and bundles. The scent has a slightly camphorous edge that many people associate with classic lavender products. <strong><a href=\"\/products\/phenomenal-dutch-lavender-plants\">Phenomenal<\/a><\/strong> is a newer, disease-resistant lavandin with similarly large spikes and a scent profile many gardeners find slightly more refined than Grosso.<\/p>\n<p>If you prefer a softer, more delicate fragrance without camphor notes \u2014 closer to what perfumers value as fine lavender \u2014 then <strong><a href=\"\/products\/miss-katherine-lavender-plants\">Miss Katherine<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/strong> are the English lavender picks. The oil yield is lower, but the quality is exceptional.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:1.2em 0;font-size:0.95em\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#f5f0e8\">\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Variety<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Type<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Oil yield<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Scent character<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Best use<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/grosso-dutch-lavender-plants\">Grosso<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Dutch hybrid<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Very high<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Bold, camphor notes<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Sachets, bundles, distilling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/phenomenal-dutch-lavender-plants\">Phenomenal<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Dutch hybrid<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Very high<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Bold, slightly refined<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Sachets, bundles, distilling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">English<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Moderate<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Sweet, classic<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Fine fragrance, garden scent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/miss-katherine-lavender-plants\">Miss Katherine<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">English<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Moderate<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Soft, floral, sweet<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Fine fragrance, cutting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-oil-harvest-lavender-plants\">best lavender for oil harvest<\/a> collection for varieties specifically suited to cutting and distilling.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lavender-for-bees\">Which lavender is best for bees and pollinators?<\/h2>\n<p>Almost every lavender is attractive to bees, but some varieties consistently draw larger numbers for longer periods. The most pollinator-friendly lavenders combine accessible flowers (not obscured by bracts), a long flowering season, and abundant nectar.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/products\/beezee-dark-blue-english-lavender-plants\">BeeZee Dark Blue<\/a><\/strong> was specifically selected for exceptional bee attraction \u2014 it was trialled and verified through RHS pollinator studies. Its relatively small, compact form makes it perfect for gardens of any size, including pots on a balcony. <strong><a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/strong> are both consistently rated as excellent pollinator plants, flowering reliably from late May with a second flush possible after summer pruning.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"\/products\/grosso-dutch-lavender-plants\">Grosso lavandin<\/a> flowers later than English lavenders (typically July\u2013August) and its large spikes attract bumblebees and honeybees in enormous numbers. Because it flowers when many earlier-blooming plants are fading, it provides a vital late-summer nectar source.<\/p>\n<p>French butterfly lavender (<a href=\"\/products\/french-butterfly-papillon-lavender-plants\">Papillon<\/a>) has a different flower structure \u2014 the prominent flag petals attract butterflies as well as bees, and it flowers very early in the season (sometimes from April). The trade-off is lesser winter hardiness.<\/p>\n<p>For the most bee-friendly planting overall, consider combining an early-flowering French lavender, mid-season English lavenders, and a late-season lavandin \u2014 this gives continuous nectar from April through to September.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lavender-for-colour\">Which lavender has the best colour variety?<\/h2>\n<p>Most people picture purple when they think of lavender, but the colour range extends from deep indigo through pink and lilac to pure white \u2014 with some unusual bicolour varieties in between. Mixing colours creates a naturalistic, meadow-inspired planting that looks spectacular in full bloom.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Deep violet\/blue:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a> and <a href=\"\/products\/beezee-dark-blue-english-lavender-plants\">BeeZee Dark Blue<\/a> are the most intense blues in the English lavender range \u2014 bold, rich, and classic.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Soft lilac\/lavender:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/products\/melissa-lilac-english-lavender-plants\">Melissa<\/a> is the definitive soft lilac \u2014 a cooler, more delicate tone that complements silver and grey foliage planting beautifully.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pink:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/products\/miss-katherine-lavender-plants\">Miss Katherine<\/a> produces warm rose-pink flowers that are genuinely unusual in the lavender world. <a href=\"\/products\/loddon-pink-english-lavender-plants\">Loddon Pink<\/a> is the other well-known pink English lavender \u2014 paler and more pastel than Miss Katherine.<\/p>\n<p><strong>White:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/products\/arctic-snow-english-lavender-plants\">Arctic Snow<\/a> is a clean-white English lavender that provides striking contrast when planted alongside purple varieties. <a href=\"\/products\/edelweiss-white-dutch-lavender-plants\">Edelweiss<\/a> is the white-flowered lavandin \u2014 taller and later-flowering than Arctic Snow, with the bold spike habit of the Dutch hybrids.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Exotic\/unusual:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/products\/french-butterfly-papillon-lavender-plants\">Papillon<\/a> French butterfly lavender has distinctive flag petals in dark purple and pale purple, giving it a tropical appearance quite unlike traditional lavender spikes. <a href=\"\/products\/lusi-purple-french-lavender-plants\">Lusi Purple<\/a> is another stoechas type with deep, rich colouring and prominent flags.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:1.2em 0;font-size:0.95em\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#f5f0e8\">\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Colour<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Best variety<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Type<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Deep violet-blue<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">English<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Classic, reliable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Soft lilac<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/melissa-lilac-english-lavender-plants\">Melissa<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">English<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Cool, elegant tone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Rose-pink<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/miss-katherine-lavender-plants\">Miss Katherine<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">English<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Warm, distinctive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Pale pink<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/loddon-pink-english-lavender-plants\">Loddon Pink<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">English<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Pastel, traditional<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">White<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/arctic-snow-english-lavender-plants\">Arctic Snow<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">English<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Clean, bold contrast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">White (tall)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/edelweiss-white-dutch-lavender-plants\">Edelweiss<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Dutch hybrid<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Large spikes, late-season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Bicolour flags<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/french-butterfly-papillon-lavender-plants\">Papillon<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">French stoechas<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Exotic, early-flowering<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"english-vs-dutch-vs-french\">English, Dutch, or French \u2014 which type is right for me?<\/h2>\n<p>The three main groups of lavender behave quite differently in the garden, and choosing the right type is as important as choosing the right variety. Here is a straightforward summary to help you decide.<\/p>\n<p><strong>English lavender (<em>Lavandula angustifolia<\/em>)<\/strong> is the most versatile all-rounder for UK gardens. It is fully hardy, clips well, works in hedges and pots, is suitable for cooking, and comes in the widest colour range. Most people growing lavender in the UK should start here. See the full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/english-lavandula-angustifolia-lavender-plants\">English lavender<\/a> range.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dutch hybrid lavender \/ lavandin (<em>Lavandula \u00d7 intermedia<\/em>)<\/strong> is larger, later, and produces more essential oil. It makes an impressive garden statement and is the best choice for oil production, late-season bee forage, and dramatic cutting. It is hardy in most of the UK but not ideal for small pots. See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/dutch-lavandin-lavandula-intermedia-lavender-plants\">Dutch hybrid lavender<\/a> range.<\/p>\n<p><strong>French butterfly lavender (<em>Lavandula stoechas<\/em>)<\/strong> is the most visually exotic, with its distinctive flag petals, and it flowers earliest \u2014 sometimes from April. It is less hardy, however, and is best suited to sheltered, sunny gardens in milder parts of the UK, or to pot-growing where it can be protected in winter. See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/french-butterfly-lavandula-stoechas-lavender-plants\">French butterfly lavender<\/a> range.<\/p>\n<p>For a full technical comparison of the three types, read our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/difference-english-dutch-french-lavender\">the differences between English, French and Dutch lavender<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lavender-quick-reference\">Quick-reference: which lavender for which situation?<\/h2>\n<p>If you want a single table to settle the question, here it is. Each recommendation is based on the variety&#8217;s proven performance for that specific purpose.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:1.2em 0;font-size:0.95em\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#f5f0e8\">\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Purpose<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Top pick<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Runner-up<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left\">Shop link<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Hedging<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-hedging-lavender-plants\">Hedging lavender<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Pots &amp; containers<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/little-lady-lavender-plants\">Little Lady<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/beezee-dark-blue-english-lavender-plants\">BeeZee Dark Blue<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-garden-lavender-plants\">Garden lavender<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Cooking<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-cooking-edible-lavender-plants\">Cooking lavender<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Scent \/ oil<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/grosso-dutch-lavender-plants\">Grosso<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/phenomenal-dutch-lavender-plants\">Phenomenal<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-oil-harvest-lavender-plants\">Oil lavender<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Bees &amp; pollinators<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/beezee-dark-blue-english-lavender-plants\">BeeZee Dark Blue<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/grosso-dutch-lavender-plants\">Grosso<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-garden-lavender-plants\">Garden lavender<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#faf8f4\">\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Colour variety \/ mixing<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/mixed-english-lavender-plants-hedge-pack\">Mixed hedge pack<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/miss-katherine-lavender-plants\">Miss Katherine<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/lavender-plants\">All lavender<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\">Small \/ first-time garden<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #ccc;padding:8px 10px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/english-lavandula-angustifolia-lavender-plants\">English lavender<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the best lavender for a UK garden overall?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a> and <a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a> are the most reliably versatile choices \u2014 hardy, compact, fragrant, and suitable for hedging, borders, and general garden planting throughout the UK.<\/p>\n<h3>Which lavender smells the strongest?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/products\/grosso-dutch-lavender-plants\">Grosso<\/a> lavandin produces the highest volume of essential oil and carries the most powerful scent. For a sweeter, less camphorous fragrance, <a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a> English lavender is preferred.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you eat all types of lavender?<\/h3>\n<p>No \u2014 only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/english-lavandula-angustifolia-lavender-plants\">English lavender (<em>angustifolia<\/em>)<\/a> varieties are suitable for cooking. French and Dutch types contain high camphor levels that taste harsh and unpleasant in food.<\/p>\n<h3>Which lavender is best for small pots?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/products\/little-lady-lavender-plants\">Little Lady<\/a> and <a href=\"\/products\/beezee-dark-blue-english-lavender-plants\">BeeZee Dark Blue<\/a> are the most compact English lavenders, both reaching around 25\u201330 cm \u2014 ideal for small terracotta pots or window boxes.<\/p>\n<h3>Does lavender come back every year?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes \u2014 all English and Dutch hybrid lavenders are perennial and fully hardy in the UK. French stoechas types are perennial but less cold-hardy and may need winter protection in colder regions.<\/p>\n<h3>Which lavender flowers the longest?<\/h3>\n<p>English lavenders such as <a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead<\/a> and <a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a> often produce a second flush after pruning. French stoechas types, like <a href=\"\/products\/lusi-purple-french-lavender-plants\">Lusi Purple<\/a>, have the most extended individual season in mild conditions.<\/p>\n<h3>Which lavender is best for bees?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/products\/beezee-dark-blue-english-lavender-plants\">BeeZee Dark Blue<\/a> was specifically trialled for bee attraction. <a href=\"\/products\/grosso-dutch-lavender-plants\">Grosso<\/a> is also outstanding, providing late-summer nectar when many other plants have finished flowering.<\/p>\n<h3>Is Hidcote or Munstead better?<\/h3>\n<p>Hidcote is slightly taller with deeper violet flowers and a longer season. Munstead is earlier-flowering and a touch shorter. Both are excellent \u2014 choose Hidcote for maximum impact, Munstead for earliest colour.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the best white lavender?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/products\/arctic-snow-english-lavender-plants\">Arctic Snow<\/a> is the best compact white English lavender. For a taller, later-season white, <a href=\"\/products\/edelweiss-white-dutch-lavender-plants\">Edelweiss<\/a> Dutch hybrid provides dramatic large spikes from midsummer.<\/p>\n<h3>Which lavender is best for a low formal hedge?<\/h3>\n<p>For a neat, clipped formal hedge up to 50 cm, <a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote<\/a> is the classic choice. Browse the full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-hedging-lavender-plants\">hedging lavender<\/a> range for spacing and quantity guidance.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I mix lavender varieties in a hedge?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes \u2014 mixing works well in informal hedges. The <a href=\"\/products\/mixed-english-lavender-plants-hedge-pack\">mixed English lavender hedge pack<\/a> combines complementary varieties that flower at slightly different times for extended colour.<\/p>\n<h3>Which lavender is best for chickens?<\/h3>\n<p>Lavender planted around chicken runs acts as a natural pest deterrent and stress-reducer for the birds. See our dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-chicken-run-lavender-plants\">best lavender for chicken runs<\/a> collection for recommended varieties.<\/p>\n<h2>Related Products<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/lavender-plants\">Shop All Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/english-lavandula-angustifolia-lavender-plants\">English Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/dutch-lavandin-lavandula-intermedia-lavender-plants\">Dutch Hybrid Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/french-butterfly-lavandula-stoechas-lavender-plants\">French Butterfly Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-hedging-lavender-plants\">Best Lavender for Hedging<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-cooking-edible-lavender-plants\">Best Lavender for Cooking<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-oil-harvest-lavender-plants\">Best Lavender for Oil<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-garden-lavender-plants\">Best Garden Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/collections\/best-chicken-run-lavender-plants\">Best Lavender for Chicken Runs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/hidcote-english-lavender-plants\">Hidcote English Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/munstead-english-lavender-plants\">Munstead English Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/grosso-dutch-lavender-plants\">Grosso Dutch Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/little-lady-lavender-plants\">Little Lady Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/miss-katherine-lavender-plants\">Miss Katherine Lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/products\/mixed-english-lavender-plants-hedge-pack\">Mixed English Lavender Hedge Pack<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Related Articles<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-grow-lavender-plants\">How to grow lavender \u2014 planting, feeding, soil and year-round care<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/difference-english-dutch-french-lavender\">Types of lavender \u2014 the differences between English, French and Dutch lavender<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-plant-a-lavender-hedge\">Planting a lavender hedge \u2014 spacing, varieties and getting a solid line in the first year<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/lavender-in-pots\">Growing lavender in pots and containers \u2014 which varieties, what compost, and how to keep them happy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-to-prune-lavender\">How and when to prune lavender \u2014 including woody plants and different types<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/harvesting-lavender-flowers\">Harvesting Lavender Flowers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/how-cut-back-lavender-plants-august-september\">How to Cut Back Lavender Plants in Late Summer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/lavender-888-rule-watering\">How to Water Lavender \u2014 When, How Often, and How Much<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/lavender-safe-cats-dogs\">Is Lavender Safe for Cats and Dogs?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ashridgetrees.co.uk\/blogs\/garden-plants\/lavender-diseases-there-really-are-some\">Lavender Diseases \u2014 Causes and Treatment<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find the best lavender for hedging, pots, cooking, scent, bees or colour. Expert variety-by-variety guide from Ashridge Trees, with honest UK growing advice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Lavender: Which Variety to Choose | Ashridge Trees","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Find the best lavender for hedging, pots, cooking, scent, bees or colour. Expert variety-by-variety guide from Ashridge Trees, with honest UK growing advice.","footnotes":"","merlin_auto_generated":"true","merlin_generated_at":"2026-06-05T11:44:44.872Z"},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-613787867649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-garden-plants"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best Lavender: Which Variety to Choose | Ashridge Trees<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find the best lavender for hedging, pots, cooking, scent, bees or colour. 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