Lavandula dentata aka French Lavender

Taxonomy

Lavandula dentata, also known as French lavender or fringed lavender, is a popular species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean, the Atlantic islands, and the Arabian peninsula, and can grow up to 60 cm tall. The plant forms a bushy shrub with gray-green, linear or lance-shaped leaves that have toothed edges and a lightly woolly texture. The leaves are strongly aromatic with the typical lavender fragrance. The plant produces long-lasting, narrow spikes of purple flowers topped with pale violet bracts that appear in late spring. French lavender is commonly grown as an ornamental plant and its essential oil is used in perfumes. It is particularly associated with dry, sunny, well-drained conditions in alkaline soil, but it will tolerate a range of conditions. Its native habitat includes low hills with limestone substrates amidst other shrubs. One of several species known by the English common name French lavender, it is present on Madeira and the Canary Islands. The cultivar L. dentata var. dentata 'Royal Crown' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, and it requires some shelter in frost-prone areas. French lavender is a popular houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

French Lavender, Toothed Lavender, Spanish Lavender

How to care for French Lavender

Difficulty

French Lavender requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

French Lavender should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

French Lavender loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

French Lavender requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your French Lavender will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for French Lavender to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The French Lavender does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The growth of French Lavender is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

French Lavender’s native range is Old World.


More info:
Wikipedia