French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is one of the most beloved lavender varieties for home gardens. With its iconic purple blooms and elegant gray-green foliage, this hardy lavender brings beauty and fragrance to outdoor spaces. But if you’re considering growing French lavender, you likely want to know – how big does it get? In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about French lavender’s mature size and growth habits.
An Overview of French Lavender
French lavender comes from the Mediterranean and can handle more heat and humidity than some other types of lavender. From late spring to fall, it blooms with light purple flowers on long stems. The leaves have small serrations on them, and when you rub them together, they smell like pine.
While not as sweetly scented as English lavender French lavender is less prone to common lavender problems like root rot and mildew. Its loose, informal growth habit makes it perfect for informal hedges borders, and mass plantings. Now let’s take a closer look at its size.
Mature Height of French Lavender
On average, French lavender grows to a mature height of 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall. However, some cultivars may reach slightly shorter or taller:
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Some types of dwarf French lavender, like ‘Melissa Lilac’ and ‘Anouk,’ grow to be 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) tall.
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Larger cultivars like ‘Folgate’ can reach up to 4 feet (120 cm) tall at maturity.
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Most standard French lavender plants will grow 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall at maturity in ideal conditions.
Soil fertility, sunlight exposure, and climate can also impact mature height. Rich soils tend to produce more vigorous growth. Meanwhile, plants grown in shade or extreme heat may stay more compact.
Mature Width of French Lavender
The width of French lavender at maturity also depends largely on the cultivar:
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More compact varieties reach 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) wide.
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Larger cultivars can spread 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) across.
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On average, mature French lavender spreads 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) wide.
Proper spacing while planting helps restrict width. Keep at least 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) of space between plants to keep them from getting too crowded. By keeping growth tight, pruning and shearing established plants also controls their width.
Growth Rate of French Lavender
French lavender grows pretty quickly, especially when grown in full sun on sandy, well-drained soil. Here’s what to expect:
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In warm climates, first-year plants may reach 18 inches (45 cm) tall and wide.
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Most plants take 2 to 3 years to fully mature to their maximum height and width.
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Once established, French lavender grows at a moderate rate of 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) per year.
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Healthy plants can live 5 years or longer in ideal conditions. Staggering new plantings every 2 to 3 years ensures a continual supply of young, vigorous plants.
Factors That Affect French Lavender’s Size
Several cultural and environmental factors can influence the eventual mature size of French lavender:
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Soil conditions – Plants reach larger sizes in sandy, well-draining soils. Growth may be stunted in heavy clay or perpetually damp soils.
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Sun exposure – At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is needed for French lavender to reach its full size. Too much shade results in sparse, leggy growth.
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Climate – Hot, dry climates tend to produce larger plants than cool coastal regions. Protect plants from harsh winter winds in cold climates.
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Pruning and shearing – Regular pruning controls size by removing old wood and shaping plants. Avoid shearing too often as it can weaken plants over time.
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Cultivar – Compact cultivars have an inherently smaller mature size than larger varieties. Select cultivars suited to available space.
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Spacing – Allow enough room between plants to prevent overcrowding and competition for resources. This encourages plants to grow freely to their mature dimensions.
Factors That Determine French Lavender’s Width
The eventual width of French lavender also depends on various growing conditions:
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Loose, fast-draining soil provides room for roots to spread out.
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Full sun exposure prevents lanky, spaced-out growth.
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Ample spacing prevents competition between plants.
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Routine pruning keeps growth compact and prevents bare lower stems.
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More compact cultivars have a naturally smaller mature width.
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Excess shade or fertilizer can cause plants to grow leggy as they reach for light and nutrients.
Growing French Lavender in Containers
French lavender adapts well to container growing. Limit pot size to restrict growth. A 12-14 inch (30-35 cm) diameter pot is usually sufficient for most plants. Select dwarf cultivars for smaller containers. Grow in a lightweight potting mix and allow pots to fully dry out between waterings. Move containers to a frost-free spot in winter. Rejuvenate potted plants every 2 to 3 years by taking cuttings or replacing with fresh plants.
Tips for Managing French Lavender’s Size
Here are some tips for controlling the growth of French lavender:
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Space plants 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) apart to avoid crowding.
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Prune annually after flowering to remove old wood and shape plants.
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Shear established hedges and borders lightly in midsummer to shape and compact growth. Avoid heavy shearing.
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Grow dwarf cultivars like ‘Anouk’ and ‘Melissa Lilac’ for smaller spaces.
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Use gravel mulch to keep soil dry and restrict vigorous growth.
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Reduce water and fertilizer to limit growth in rich soils.
Achieving the Perfect Size
With its airy purple blooms and elegant foliage, French lavender adds beauty, fragrance, and texture to both formal and informal garden designs. Allow enough space for this versatile lavender variety to grow to its mature size for maximum impact. Annual pruning and proper care will keep plants looking their best for years to come.
Will French lavender survive winter?
If the temperatures in your growing zone never drop below freezing, then you won’t need to take special measures to keep your French lavender alive during the winter months, as long as it is planted in well-draining soil. If you live in a zone 7 or lower area of the country and want to grow French lavender, do so as an annual or in a pot that you can bring inside for the winter.
Is French lavender edible?
French lavender flowers are not suitable for human consumption. You can, however, pick the flowers to use as cut flowers or to add to potpourris and dried flower bouquets.
How To Grow Insane Amounts of Lavender Like A Pro
FAQ
How much space does French lavender need?
It is generally easier to grow French lavender from nursery starts, since the seeds are small and tend to have a slow and erratic germination rate. To ensure good air circulation, space plants 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on their width at maturity.
What should not be planted next to lavender?
Lavender likes full sun and soil that doesn’t stay soggy. It shouldn’t be planted near plants that like wet soil, like mint, hostas, or hydrangeas, because they need different conditions to grow.
Where is the best place to plant French lavender?
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant (in needs if not always in geographic origin) and needs lots of sun and fast-draining soil. It will not survive long in shady, damp or extremely cold conditions. It prefers poor, dry or moderately fertile soil, including chalky and alkaline soils.
Is French lavender fast growing?
A large, fast growing shrub that is sometimes referred to as everblooming Lavender, French Lavender does best when kept at no more than three feet, including blooms. The large, blocky flower heads can be dried if picked before any of the little flowers turn brown.