French Lavender Plant Care
Lavandula dentata L.
Lavandula dentata, the fringed lavender or French lavender, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean basin, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, and the Arabian Peninsula. Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall, it has gray-green, linear or lance-shaped leaves with toothed edges and a lightly woolly texture.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–90°F
30–70%
What Is the French Lavender?
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Lavandula genus. French Lavender is native to the Mediterranean basin, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, and the Arabian Peninsula. French Lavender is also known as Toothed Lavender.
French Lavender displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 inches tall with a spread of approximately 3 inches. French Lavender produces fragrant spikes of purple, blue, or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a French Lavender?
Lavandula dentata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the French Lavender Need?
French Lavender thrives in full sun light conditions. The optimal light range is 600–2000 lux. Avoid placing French Lavender in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun
600–2000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the French Lavender Prefer?
Lavandula dentata grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. French Lavender prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
30–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a French Lavender?
Well-draining, sandy soil with a pH of 6.4 to 8.3. Good drainage is essential for French Lavender to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a French Lavender?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a French Lavender?
French Lavender can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lavender plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the French Lavender Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the French Lavender?
French Lavender is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the French Lavender Need?
French Lavender grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. Native to the Mediterranean basin, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, and the Arabian Peninsula, French Lavender is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow French Lavender as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
French Lavender is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lavandula genus — compare its care with other Lavandula species on PlantoScan.
French Lavender thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lavandula Species
Other Lavandula species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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