French Lavender

French lavender is an evergreen, aromatic shrub with toothed dark-green leaves and purple-blue flower spikes. It can be used as a low hedge, border shrub, or container plant in sunny, well-drained sites. ## Flowers and form The species has a dense, upright habit. The South Australian Botanic Gardens lists spring and autumn flowering, while the RHS describes flowers in mid to late summer; timing varies with climate. Its mature size also varies by source: RHS lists 0.5–1 m tall and 1–1.5 m wide, while the South Australian Botanic Gardens lists 1–1.5 m tall and 0.8–1 m wide. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. The South Australian Botanic Gardens notes minimal supplementary watering, drought tolerance, and attraction for bees and butterflies. The RHS also lists full sun and sandy, loamy, or chalky soils. ## Maintenance Trim after flowering to maintain a neat form, avoiding cuts into old wood. See the [Lavandula dentata profile from the South Australian Botanic Gardens](https://plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/Plants/Details/3004) and the [French lavender profile from the RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/77547/lavandula-dentata/details).