A Guide To 4 Different Types Of Lavender Flowers

Lavender is one of the world's most beloved flowers, known for its calming scent and beautiful purple hues. But not all lavender is the same. With dozens of species and hundreds of varieties, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. 

This guide simplifies it for you. We will explore the main types of lavender, from classic English to showy Spanish, and help you understand their unique characteristics. We’ll focus on which ones are best suited for your home and garden, especially in Singapore’s tropical climate, so you can make the perfect choice.

1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

When most people picture lavender, they are likely thinking of English Lavender. Despite its name, this species is native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. It is cherished worldwide for its classic appearance and exceptionally sweet fragrance, making it the most popular choice for a wide range of uses.

What is English Lavender?

English Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is known for its compact flower spikes that sit atop slender stems. The flowers are typically a soft violet-blue, tightly packed together to form a neat, elegant spire. Its leaves are narrow and have a lovely grey-green or silvery-green colour, providing a beautiful contrast to the vibrant blooms.

The most defining feature of English Lavender is its scent. It has a sweet, floral, and multi-layered fragrance without the strong camphor or medicinal notes found in other types. This pure, gentle aroma is why it is the number one choice for high-quality essential oils, perfumes, and for use in cooking and baking.

Popular English Lavender Varieties

Within the English Lavender family, there are several famous cultivars, each with slightly different features.

Munstead Lavender: This is a very popular variety, loved for its compact and bushy growth. 'Munstead' produces beautiful, rich violet-blue flowers. It tends to bloom a little earlier in the season than other English lavenders. Its smaller size makes it perfect for planting in containers, along garden borders, or in smaller garden spaces where you want classic beauty without the plant becoming too large.

Hidcote Lavender: 'Hidcote' is perhaps the most visually striking English Lavender. It is famous for its intensely deep, dark purple flowers that hold their colour exceptionally well, even when dried. The foliage is a contrasting silvery-grey, which makes the dark blooms pop. Because its colour is so stable, 'Hidcote' is the top choice for dried flower arrangements, potpourri, and crafts.

Growing English Lavender in Singapore

Growing English Lavender in Singapore can be a challenge, but it is not impossible for a dedicated gardener. This variety is used to the dry, rocky soils of the Mediterranean and does not like the combination of high heat and high humidity found in the tropics. The biggest issue is the risk of root rot from too much moisture.

If you wish to grow it, here are some essential care tips:

• Sunlight is Key: Your lavender plant needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, full sun every day. A sunny balcony or a bright spot by a window is ideal.
• Excellent Drainage: This is the most crucial factor. Use a gritty, sandy soil mix. You can buy a pre-made cactus or succulent mix, or create your own by adding sand or perlite to standard potting soil. The pot must have plenty of drainage holes.
• Air Circulation: Good airflow around the plant helps the leaves stay dry and prevents fungal diseases. Avoid crowding it with other plants.
• Water Carefully: Overwatering is the fastest way to kill English Lavender. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Check the soil with your finger; if it feels even slightly damp, wait another day or two before watering again.
• Consider it an Annual: In Singapore's climate, many gardeners treat English Lavender as a beautiful annual plant, enjoying it for one season rather than trying to keep it alive long-term.

2. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

Often confused with other types, French Lavender, or Lavandula dentata, has unique features that make it easy to identify once you know what to look for. It is a robust and attractive plant that offers a different kind of charm compared to its English cousin.

What is French Lavender?

The easiest way to identify French Lavender is by looking at its leaves. The species name dentata means "toothed" in Latin, and this perfectly describes its foliage. The leaves have finely serrated, almost fringe-like edges, giving them a delicate, feathery appearance. This is very different from the smooth-edged leaves of English and Spanish lavenders.

The flowers grow on long, thin stems and form short, dense spikes. The colour is often a softer, greyish-purple. The fragrance of French Lavender is also different. It has a lighter, cleaner scent with a noticeable touch of camphor or rosemary. While pleasant and aromatic, it is not as sweet as English Lavender, making it less popular for culinary purposes but wonderful for scenting a room.

Characteristics and Uses

One of the best features of French Lavender is its incredibly long blooming season. In the right conditions, it can produce flowers almost continuously throughout the year, making it a reliable choice for adding consistent colour and fragrance to a garden or balcony.

Its aromatic leaves and flowers are excellent for use in potpourri, scented sachets, and other home crafts. The sturdy stems also make them suitable for fresh or dried arrangements, though they do not hold their colour as vibrantly as 'Hidcote' English Lavender.

Is French Lavender a Good Choice for Singapore?

French Lavender is generally a better choice for Singapore’s climate than English Lavender. It has a higher tolerance for heat, which gives it a significant advantage. However, it still requires careful attention to watering and air circulation to thrive in our humidity.

Like other lavenders, it needs full sun and extremely well-draining soil. Plant it in a terracotta pot, which helps wick moisture away from the roots, and use a sandy soil mix. Ensure the location has good airflow to prevent the dense foliage from trapping moisture, which can lead to fungal problems. With the right care, French Lavender can be a rewarding and long-flowering addition to a sunny Singaporean home.

3. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

If you are looking for a lavender that makes a bold statement, Spanish Lavender is the perfect choice. Known for its unique and playful appearance, this variety is not only beautiful but also one of the best-suited types for warmer climates and will bloom all year round in Singapore.

Identifying Spanish Lavender

Spanish Lavender, Lavandula stoechas, is instantly recognisable. The main feature that sets it apart is the set of prominent, petal-like bracts that stand up from the top of each flower head. These are often called "bunny ears" or "wings," and they give the plant a whimsical and very distinctive silhouette.

The flower heads themselves are short and stout, shaped like a small pineapple. The main body is made up of tiny, dark purple flowers, while the bracts on top can be a lighter shade of purple, pink, or even white. The leaves are typically grey-green and linear. The scent of Spanish Lavender is quite different from the sweet fragrance of English Lavender. It is much more pungent and medicinal, with strong notes of camphor and pine, similar to eucalyptus.

Why Choose Spanish Lavender?

The primary reason to choose Spanish Lavender is for its stunning visual appeal. It is an eye-catching ornamental plant that brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to any space. It is also one of the first lavender types to bloom in the spring, offering early colour.

While its strong scent means it is not used for cooking, it is very effective at perfuming the air in a garden or on a balcony. Its robust nature and unique look make it a favourite for container gardening, where its interesting shape can be fully appreciated.

Growing Spanish Lavender in Singapore's Climate

Of all the main lavender types, Spanish Lavender is arguably the best choice for growing in Singapore. It is naturally more tolerant of heat and humidity than its English counterpart, making it a much more resilient and forgiving option for local gardeners.

• Embrace the Sun: This plant loves heat and sun. It needs a spot where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. A west-facing balcony is often a perfect location.
• Drainage is Non-Negotiable: Like all lavenders, it cannot tolerate "wet feet." Plant it in a pot with ample drainage holes and use a very gritty, fast-draining soil mix.
• Water Wisely: Even though it tolerates humidity better, it still needs its soil to dry out between waterings. The risk of root rot remains if the soil is kept constantly moist.
• Prune for More Blooms: After the first wave of flowers fades, it is a good idea to prune the plant. Trimming off the spent flower stems will encourage the plant to become bushier and produce a second flush of its delightful "bunny ear" blooms.

4. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)

Lavandin is not a single species but a group of hybrids. These plants are a cross between English Lavender (L. angustifolia) and Portuguese Lavender (L. latifolia). This combination results in a plant that is larger, hardier, and produces a tremendous amount of fragrant oil.

What is a Lavender Hybrid?

Lavandin, scientifically known as Lavandula x intermedia, was created to combine the best traits of its parents. It inherits the cold hardiness of English Lavender and the heat tolerance of Portuguese Lavender. The result is a vigorous, fast-growing plant that is generally larger than most English lavenders, with long stems and thick, pointed flower spikes.

Because it is a sterile hybrid, Lavandin produces more flowers and a higher yield of essential oil as it does not waste energy producing seeds. This makes it the darling of the commercial lavender industry.

The Most Fragrant Lavender for Your Home

When it comes to sheer fragrance power, Lavandin is the best choice. Its scent is incredibly strong and sharp due to a high concentration of camphor, inherited from its Portuguese parent. The aroma is less sweet and more herbaceous than English Lavender.

This is the lavender most often used for perfumes, soaps, detergents, and scented sachets. If you have ever bought a lavender sachet for your wardrobe, it was most likely filled with Lavandin buds. Popular cultivars include 'Grosso', famous for its high oil yield and strong scent, and 'Phenomenal', which is known for its exceptional humidity tolerance and hardiness.

Lavandin Care and Considerations

Lavandin is a robust and relatively easy-to-grow plant. Its hybrid nature makes it more tolerant of a wider range of conditions, including the heat of a climate like Singapore's. Care is similar to other lavenders: provide full sun, excellent drainage, and be careful not to overwater.

While it is fantastic for scenting your home and garden, it is important to remember that Lavandin is not suitable for cooking. The high camphor content gives it a bitter, medicinal flavour that would be unpleasant in food. For fragrance, it is a superstar; for the kitchen, stick to English Lavender.

Understanding the Main Lavender Families

Before we look at specific varieties, it helps to understand that most lavenders you will find belong to a few main families within the Lavandula genus. Think of these as the main branches of the lavender tree. The most common ones are English, French, and Spanish lavender, along with a popular hybrid called Lavandin.

Even with the similarity of the colours of the flowers, each family has a distinct look, a different type of fragrance, and prefers different growing conditions. 

The shape of the flower spike, the texture of the leaves, the sweetness of the scent, and its ability to handle heat and humidity are all key differences. Understanding these will guide you to the perfect lavender for your specific needs, whether it is for a beautiful bouquet, a fragrant garden, or even for culinary use.

A Comparison: Which Lavender is Right for You?

With so many beautiful options, choosing the right lavender comes down to what you want to use it for and your growing conditions. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.

For the Most Beautiful Scent

If you are looking for that classic, sweet, and gentle floral fragrance that lavender is famous for, your best choice is English Lavender (. It is perfect for aromatherapy, relaxation, and creating a calming atmosphere. If you want a powerful, intense, and room-filling fragrance to scent your home, then Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is the one for you. Its strong, camphor-heavy aroma is ideal for sachets and potpourri.

For Cooking and Baking

There is only one real choice here: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Varieties like 'Munstead' and 'Hidcote' have a sweet, floral flavour that can be used (sparingly) in cakes, biscuits, syrups, and teas. The other types of lavender, especially Spanish Lavender and Lavandin, have high camphor levels that will make your food taste soapy or medicinal. Always use culinary-grade lavender from a trusted source.

For Growing in Pots in Singapore

For gardeners in Singapore, the clear winner for resilience and ease of care is Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas). Its natural tolerance for heat and humidity gives it the best chance of thriving on a sunny balcony or patio. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) is another good option that handles heat better than English varieties. While beautiful, English Lavender should be considered a more high-maintenance choice for experienced or very dedicated gardeners in this climate.

For Drying and Crafts

For projects where colour retention is important, 'Hidcote' English Lavender is the top choice. Its deep purple flowers keep their stunning colour long after being dried, making it perfect for wreaths and everlasting bouquets. For crafts where the scent is the main goal, such as making scented sachets for drawers and wardrobes, the powerful and long-lasting fragrance of Lavandin 'Grosso' is unmatched.

Conclusion On The Different Types of Lavender Flowers

Choosing the right lavender is a wonderfully personal journey. We have explored the main families, from the sweet and classic English Lavender to the showy and resilient Spanish Lavender. For those in Singapore, understanding that Spanish Lavender is often the most practical choice for our climate is key to gardening success. 

Ultimately, whether you seek a specific fragrance, a culinary ingredient, or a beautiful ornamental plant, there is a perfect lavender waiting for you. By considering your needs and your home environment, you can enjoy the timeless beauty and tranquillity this amazing flower brings.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Different Types of Lavender Flowers

What Are the Three Main Types of Lavender?

The three main and most widely recognised types of lavender are English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), known for its sweet scent and culinary use; Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), identified by its unique "bunny ear" bracts and suitability for hot climates; and French Lavender (Lavandula dentata), distinguished by its toothed leaves and long blooming season. A fourth popular group, Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), is a hybrid known for its intense fragrance and commercial use.

What Is the Most Common Type of Lavender?

The most common and classic type of lavender is English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Varieties like 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead' are what most people picture when they think of lavender. It is the most widely cultivated for its sweet fragrance, use in essential oils, and as a culinary herb.

What Is the Most Fragrant Type of Lavender?

This depends on the type of fragrance you prefer. For the strongest, most intense scent, Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), particularly the 'Grosso' variety, is the most fragrant due to its high camphor content. For the sweetest, most classic and floral scent without medicinal notes, English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is considered the best.

Which Lavender Is Best for Front of House?

For a traditional look, English Lavender varieties like 'Hidcote' or 'Munstead' are excellent choices for borders and pathways, creating a classic, cottage-garden feel. However, for a showy, eye-catching display that tolerates heat well, Spanish Lavender makes a fantastic statement plant near an entrance. The best choice depends on your climate and desired aesthetic.

What Is the Hardiest Type of Lavender?

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), especially the 'Phenomenal' cultivar, is known to be one of the hardiest types. It is a hybrid bred for vigour, tolerating both heat and humidity better than many English lavenders, and it is also very cold-hardy. For hot and humid climates like Singapore's, Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is often considered the hardiest and most resilient choice.

Which Lavender Flowers All Summer?

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) is renowned for its very long blooming period, often flowering continuously from spring through autumn in suitable climates. Many varieties of Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) also have a long season and can re-bloom if pruned after the first flush, effectively flowering for most of the summer.