French lavender Lavandula stoechas
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Mediterranean basin and Iberia. It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -9 °C (16 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan French lavender in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
French lavender at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -9 °C (16 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean basin and Iberia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Invasive in | Australia (environmental weed, several states): check local rules before planting |
Is French lavender toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: flowers, essential oil
Linalool and linalyl acetate can cause mild illness in cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with French lavender
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Xylella fastidiosa: Insect-spread bacterium (EU quarantine pest) hitting olive, lavender, rosemary, oleander, Prunus and citrus. Evidence B
See French lavender in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Gardens by the Bay (6 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (6 plants)
Questions about French lavender
- How far apart should I plant French lavender?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does French lavender need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does French lavender need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is French lavender?
- It tolerates about -9 °C (16 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does French lavender flower?
- From about May for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is French lavender poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Linalool and linalyl acetate can cause mild illness in cats and dogs.
- What grows well with French lavender?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for French lavender. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Less cold-hardy than English lavender (about zone 8); needs sharp drainage. Flowers earlier than other lavenders. Self-sows in warm dry climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare