Have you ever grown lavender, only to have it turn woody and die? If so, you’re not alone.
The fragrant herb is beloved for its beauty and aroma, but it can be difficult to keep healthy and thriving.
In this article, we’ll cover the different types of lavender that don’t go woody and discuss the proper care and pruning techniques that will help you keep your lavender plants looking their best.
Get ready to learn which lavender varieties are the best for your garden and how to keep them healthy all year long.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular variety of lavender that is known for its fragrant scent and is the most common type used in cooking.
It does not go woody and is known to be a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is another popular variety of lavender that is known for its long-lasting blooms.
This variety also does not go woody and is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant.
Overview of Lavender Varieties
Lavender is a beloved flower, and there are many different varieties available.
While some lavenders may be more fragrant or more colorful than others, it is important to consider whether the particular variety you are interested in growing will stay true to its original form for years with proper care and pruning.
Some lavender varieties, such as Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, and Lavandula x intermedia, are known for their ability to remain soft and fragrant for years without becoming woody.
Additionally, Lavandula dentata is an evergreen variety of lavender that also does not become woody.
For gardeners and landscapers looking for lavender that will last for a long time and remain fragrant, these four varieties are a great option.
Lavandula angustifolia is a popular variety of lavender that is known for its pleasant fragrance and its ability to remain soft and vibrant for years.
Lavandula stoechas, or Spanish Lavender, is also a popular choice due to its unique shape and beautiful color.
Lavandula x intermedia is a hybrid variety of lavender that is known for its hardiness and long-lasting blooms.
Finally, Lavandula dentata is an evergreen variety of lavender that is known for its long-lasting blooms and its ability to stay green even in colder climates.
When selecting a lavender variety, it is important to consider the climate in which it will be grown.
Some varieties of lavender may not thrive in certain climates, so it is important to research the variety you are interested in to ensure it will grow successfully in your area.
Additionally, proper care and pruning are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of lavender plants.
When cared for properly, these four varieties of lavender can provide years of beauty and fragrance in your garden or landscape.
Types of Lavender That Don’t Go Woody
When it comes to lavender, not all varieties are created equal. Some types of lavender tend to go woody over time, while others remain soft and fragrant for many years. To help you determine which lavender varieties wont go woody, here is a breakdown of the types of lavender that dont go woody:
Lavandula Angustifolia Also known as English Lavender, this variety of lavender is well known for its sweet scent and its ability to retain its shape for years.
It requires little maintenance and is drought tolerant.
Lavandula Stoechas This type of lavender is also known as French Lavender and is a favorite of gardeners because of its compact size and beautiful colors.
It remains true to its original form and does not go woody.
Lavandula x Intermedia This type of lavender is a hybrid between two other types, Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia.
It is a hardy plant and is resistant to diseases and pests.
It is also tolerant of cold temperatures and has a longer flowering season than other varieties.
Lavandula Dentata This type of lavender is an evergreen variety that does not become woody.
It is also known as the French Lavender and is a favorite of gardeners because it is easy to grow and requires little maintenance.
All of these varieties of lavender will remain true to their original form for many years with proper care and pruning.
They are all low maintenance and can be grown in a variety of climates.
With the right care, you can enjoy the beautiful and fragrant blooms of these lavender varieties for years to come.
Lavandula Angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English Lavender, is a popular type of lavender that does not go woody.
This variety is native to the Mediterranean region and is characterized by its fragrant, narrow leaves and deep purple flower heads.
It is best grown in full sun with well-drained soil, and prefers cooler climates.
Once established, it is a low-maintenance evergreen plant that will remain soft and fragrant for years.
Its long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for both ornamental and aromatic purposes.
With proper pruning and care, English Lavender will remain mostly true to its original form for many years.
It is an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a long-lasting, reliable lavender.
Lavandula Stoechas
Lavandula stoechas, also known as Spanish lavender, is one of the most popular varieties of lavender.
It is known for its distinctive purple flowers and its sweet, citrusy fragrance.
It is also known for its ability to stay soft and fragrant for many years without becoming woody.
The plant grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it prefers a slightly acidic soil pH.
The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, making it an ideal choice for a garden.
With proper care and pruning, Lavandula stoechas can remain mostly true to its original form for many years.
It can be grown in containers or in the ground, and it’s easy to take care of.
It is a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to deer and other pests.
It is also drought-tolerant and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Lavandula stoechas is a great choice for any garden, and it’s a sure bet when it comes to selecting a lavender that won’t go woody.
Lavandula x Intermedia
Lavandula x intermedia, also known as lavandin, is a hybrid of two species of lavender Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia.
This hybrid lavender is known for its strong aroma and its ability to be grown in a variety of climates.
Due to its hybrid nature, Lavandula x intermedia is not as fussy as other lavender varieties when it comes to soil and climate.
In fact, it is one of the most hardy and versatile lavenders available.
The most notable feature of this hybrid lavender is its growth habit.
Unlike other lavender varieties, Lavandula x intermedia does not tend to become woody over time.
Instead, it remains soft and fragrant for many years, even when it is not pruned or cared for properly.
This makes it an ideal choice for gardeners who don’t want to spend a lot of time pruning and caring for their lavender plants.
Lavandula x intermedia also produces a higher yield of essential oils than other lavender varieties.
This makes it a popular choice for those who are looking to extract lavender essential oils for use in perfumes, cosmetics, and other products.
Lavandula x intermedia is also known for its long-lasting blooms, which can last for up to 8 weeks, making it an ideal choice for those who want a long-lasting flowering lavender plant.
Lavandula Dentata
When it comes to lavender that doesnt go woody, one of the best varieties is Lavandula dentata.
This evergreen variety is a great choice for many gardeners who want to enjoy the blooms and scent of lavender without having to worry about it becoming woody.
Lavandula dentata is native to the Mediterranean region, and its blooms are a beautiful light blue.
The flowers have a unique appearance, with the petals curling back in on themselves, creating a cup shape.
The leaves of this type of lavender are oval and gray-green in color, and the plant itself can reach heights of up to two feet.
This type of lavender is known for its strong scent, which is a combination of woody and sweet.
The scent is often used in potpourri and sachets, as well as in aromatherapy.
It is also a popular choice for its medicinal properties, as it is known to have a calming effect on the body and mind.
In order to keep this type of lavender looking its best, it is important to give it plenty of sun and water.
The soil should be well draining and kept slightly moist, but not soggy.
Pruning should be done at least once a year, usually in late winter or early spring.
Pruning helps to promote new growth and keep the plant healthy.
Additionally, it is important to fertilize Lavandula dentata regularly in order to keep it growing and blooming.
Proper Care and Pruning
When it comes to keeping lavender looking its best, proper care and pruning are essential.
Proper care includes providing the right amount of light, water, and nutrients, as well as protecting the plant from pests and disease.
Pruning lavender is also important, as it helps to keep the plant healthy and ensure that it remains soft and fragrant for years.
Pruning should be done in the spring or fall, when the plant is in its dormant stage.
During this time, it is important to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any stalks that are no longer producing flowers.
If pruning is done too late in the season, it can encourage the plant to become woody.
When pruning, it is important to use clean, sharp tools, as this will help to prevent the spread of disease.
Additionally, it is important to leave no more than one-third of the plant’s foliage when pruning, as this will ensure that the plant is able to recover and remain healthy.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know which lavender doesn’t go woody, you can choose the perfect variety for your garden or home.
Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula x intermedia, and Lavandula dentata all remain true to their original forms for many years with proper care and pruning.
So, if you want to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of lavender without worrying about it going woody, add some of these varieties to your garden today!