Have you ever wondered what the difference is between traditional lavender and French lavender? If so, you’re not alone! Many people are curious about the variety of lavender plants that exist and the differences between them.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the key differences between lavender and French lavender, including their leaves, flowers, scent, temperature tolerance, and growing locations.
Keep reading to learn more about this fragrant plant and how to differentiate between the two varieties.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Lavender and French lavender are both species of flowering plants within the genus Lavandula, but they are different varieties.
Lavender has a floral scent and commonly has grayish-green leaves, while French lavender has a more camphor-like scent and has bright green leaves.
Lavender is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of climates, while French lavender is more sensitive to the environment and may not survive in colder regions.
Overview of Lavender
Lavender is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the genus Lavandula and is native to the Mediterranean region.
It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to two feet in height and is a popular choice for gardeners due to its fragrant flowers and calming scent.
Lavender is a common ingredient in aromatherapy and is known for its soothing properties, which make it a popular choice for stress relief and relaxation.
The flowers of lavender range from a light pink to a deep purple, and its leaves are long and slender.
The scent of lavender is delicate and sweet, with a hint of citrus.
It has been used in herbal remedies for centuries, and is still popular today for its calming and healing properties.
Overview of French Lavender
French lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a variety of the flowering plant Lavandula angustifolia.
Native to the Mediterranean region, French lavender is a perennial shrub that is drought-tolerant, hardy, and easy to grow.
French lavender is often used in gardens and landscapes for its fragrant aroma and vibrant purple flowers.
It can also be used as an essential oil, dried for potpourri, and used as an ingredient in many culinary dishes.
French lavender has short, broad leaves that range in color from grey-green to silver-grey.
Its flowers are generally a lighter shade of purple than those of lavender, and its scent is less intense.
The blooms of French lavender are usually clustered at the top of the stem, rather than in a dome shape like those of lavender.
French lavender is also more tolerant of cold temperatures than lavender, and can survive in outdoor landscapes and gardens.
Comparison of Leaves
When it comes to the differences between lavender and French lavender, one of the most obvious is the shape and size of their leaves.
Lavender has long, slender leaves that are a bright green color and often have a silvery hue.
French lavender, on the other hand, has shorter, broader leaves that are a darker green and are slightly fuzzy to the touch.
The leaves of French lavender are also more rounded in shape than those of lavender.
The difference in leaf shape and size can make it easy to distinguish between the two varieties.
The leaves of lavender are also more delicate and brittle than those of French lavender, making them more susceptible to damage from wind or other environmental factors.
French lavender, however, is more resistant to the elements and can better withstand cold temperatures, making it an ideal choice for outdoor gardens.
In addition to the differences in shape and size, the two varieties of lavender have different scents as well.
Lavender is known for its strong, sweet scent, while French lavender has a more subtle and herbal aroma.
The heightened scent of lavender is due to its higher concentration of essential oils, which can be used for aromatherapy or other therapeutic purposes.
Comparison of Flowers
When it comes to comparing the flowers of lavender and French lavender, there are some noticeable differences.
The flowers of lavender are generally a deeper shade of purple than those of French lavender, and the scent is more intense.
The flowers of French lavender are usually more delicate and have a lighter hue.
The shape of the flowers of lavender is more rounded, while French lavender has a more pointed shape.
Lavender blooms from June to August, while French lavender blooms in July and August.
Additionally, French lavender has more of a sweet, floral smell than traditional lavender.
Comparison of Scent
When it comes to the differences between lavender and French lavender, one of the most significant is their scent.
Lavender has a much more intense fragrance, with a sweet, herbal aroma thats often described as being similar to that of rosemary or thyme.
Its a popular choice for use in aromatherapy and therapeutic massage.
French lavender, on the other hand, has a more subtle, delicate scent.
Its often used in potpourris, sachets, and other decorative items, but is not as popular an option for therapeutic use due to its milder aroma.
Additionally, the scent of French lavender tends to linger in the air longer than that of regular lavender.
Temperature Tolerance
When it comes to temperature tolerance, there are some distinct differences between lavender and French lavender.
Lavender is a more delicate plant and should be grown indoors in areas with cooler climates.
It can handle temperatures as low as 40F, but should be kept away from frost.
French lavender, on the other hand, is much hardier and can withstand temperatures as low as 20F.
This makes it the ideal choice for outdoor gardens in colder climates, as it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
French lavender is also more tolerant of wind and drought, so it can survive in harsher conditions than lavender.
Comparison of Growing Locations
When it comes to the difference between lavender and French lavender, one of the most obvious differences is the growing location.
Lavender is best suited for indoor growth, while French lavender is more tolerant of cold temperatures and can thrive in outdoor gardens.
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant, so it prefers a warm, dry climate with plenty of sunshine and not too much water.
French lavender is more hardy and can survive cooler temperatures and wetter conditions.
When growing lavender indoors, the soil should be well-draining and the plant should be placed in a sunny spot.
French lavender, on the other hand, can thrive in a variety of soil conditions and can tolerate partial shade.
While lavender should be grown in a pot with drainage holes, French lavender can be grown in the ground or in a container.
Additionally, French lavender is more resistant to disease and pests than lavender, making it an ideal choice for outdoor gardens.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the difference between lavender and French lavender? While they are both members of the same species, there are some distinct differences between the two.
Lavender has long, slender leaves and deep purple flowers with an intense scent, while French lavender has shorter, broader leaves and lighter purple flowers with a milder scent.
French lavender is more tolerant of cold temperatures and can be grown outdoors, while lavender should be grown indoors.
Now that you know the difference, you can choose the right variety for your own garden or home.