There are many different lavender varieties across the globe. Each variety has its own unique characteristics that reflect back to its place of origin. From the sun-drenched fields of Spain to the rolling hills of Provence, lavender’s diverse forms mirror the regions they come from. Whether you’re looking for the perfect wedding bouquet, a soothing aroma for your home, or the best culinary flavour, there’s a type of lavender perfectly suited for every occasion. Understanding the distinct traits of each variety can enhance your appreciation and help you select the best lavender to meet your needs. In this article, we will go over the French, Spanish, and English lavender varieties in depth so that you can gain a deeper understanding of their uses and appearance. Follow along below to learn more!
English Lavender – A Culinary Favourite Flavour
The quintessential lavender variety, English lavender, otherwise known as Lavandula angustifolia, displays short spikes of purple flowers and emits a delightful aroma. Its compact growth habit makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
English lavender thrives in cooler climates and is hardy and adaptable compared to its Mediterranean counterparts. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it suitable for a range of gardening conditions. English lavender does exceptionally well in the Okanagan climate as it does not require much water and enjoys the hot, dry weather.
Traditionally, English lavender is used in cooking, herbal medicine, and as a calming agent. Its timeless charm also makes it a staple in English gardens and a popular choice for lavender-based products. At MKL, we use English lavender as the primary ingredient in our lavender simple syrups and other culinary products. After testing numerous varieties, we have found that the English plants have the sweetest flavour.
Some of the most popular English lavender varieties include Hidcote and Munstead; both of which, we grow on our farm. So, if you’re looking for the perfect flower for your next culinary creation or a hardy addition to your garden consider trying an English lavender variety!
French Lavender – For Your Everday Bouquet
French lavender, or Lavandula dentata, is celebrated for its soft, long-lasting blooms and aromatic leaves. People often describe its foliage as fringed or toothed, adding to its unique texture and charm. When compared to its English and Spanish cousins, French lavender stands out as being notably taller in size.
French lavender prefers a mild climate with well-drained soil. It is less tolerant of extreme cold but thrives in temperate regions where it can enjoy ample sunshine. Even though the Okanagan can reach frigid temperatures, French lavender can still flourish with the right care.
Crafters often use this variety to make essential oils, sachets, and potpourri. Its soothing scent makes it a favourite in French gardens and homes. In fact, if you’ve ever seen a stock image of a lavender field, it’s likely showcasing the French variety. We use French lavender in the production of our essential oils, hydrosols and potpourri blends. If you’re looking for the perfect crafting lavender, try out a jar of our French buds!
At MKL, we cultivate two distinct varieties of French lavender—Phenomenal and Grosso. Both varieties feature long stems and strong lavender fragrances. This variety frequently appears in commercially available lavender products, making their scents easily recognizable.
Spanish Lavender – A Versatile Bunch
While we do not grow Spanish lavender, it’s still important to understand what this variety is and why it doesn’t like to grow in the Okanagan. Spanish lavender, known scientifically as Lavandula stoechas, is distinguished by its unique, tufted blooms that resemble a small, pineapple. Its vibrant purple flowers and sturdy, upright growth make it a striking addition to any garden.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Spanish lavender is valued in the production of perfumes and essential oils. Its distinctive fragrance and striking appearance also make it a popular choice for culinary infusions and decorative arrangements.
This variety thrives in hot, dry climates and suits Mediterranean environments well. Additionally, it requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight to flourish. Spanish lavender typically does well in zones 8a through 9b. Unfortunately, we in Kelowna are part of zone 7b. This makes it very challenging to grow Spanish lavender without it dying off in the winter. Spanish lavender varieties are not very cold-tolerant and cannot withstand temperatures below -10 Celsius. If you’ve lived in the Okanagan for long, you’d know that temperatures often drop much lower than this threshold. Despite our best efforts to cultivate Spanish lavender, we have not yet been successful due to our climate!
Contact us About Our French and English Lavender Varieties!
Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information about our farm and the plants we grow. We love to educate our readers and customers about lavender and its amazing benefits! As always, if you have any questions about our lavender farm in Kelowna, feel free to contact us. Moreover, if you have any inquiries about Lavender Jack’s, don’t hesitate to reach out.
