Large Lavender Plants: Best Varieties, Where to Buy, and Growing Guide
Large lavender plants are perfect for hedging, landscaping, and creating fragrant garden borders. These tall-growing varieties provide striking purple flowers, attract pollinators, and require minimal maintenance. Whether you’re looking for established lavender plants or planning to grow a lavender hedge, choosing the right variety is essential.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ Best large lavender varieties for UK gardens
✔️ Where to buy mature lavender plants online & in-store
✔️ How to plant and care for tall lavender plants
✔️ How to use large lavender plants in landscaping
Let’s explore everything you need to know about large lavender plants! 🌿💜
1. Best Large Lavender Varieties for UK Gardens
Not all lavenders grow tall—some varieties stay compact, while others reach over 1 metre (3 feet) in height.
Top Large Lavender Varieties
🌿 ‘Grosso’ – A tall hybrid lavender with deep purple flowers and strong fragrance.
🌿 ‘Hidcote Giant’ – A stunning variety with large, vibrant blooms, growing up to 1 metre tall.
🌿 ‘Phenomenal’ – A cold-hardy variety that grows 80–100 cm (32–40 inches) tall.
🌿 ‘Provence’ – A traditional French lavender, reaching 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height.
🌿 ‘Vera’ – The truest form of English lavender, known for its tall stems and high essential oil content.
Tip: For hedging, choose ‘Grosso’ or ‘Phenomenal’, as they grow tall, bushy, and tolerate UK winters well.
2. Where to Buy Large Lavender Plants in the UK
You can buy mature lavender plants from specialist nurseries, garden centres, and online stores.
Best Online Stores for Large Lavender Plants
🛍️ Crocus – Offers a wide range of large potted lavender plants.
🌿 Thompson & Morgan – Great for bulk-buying mature lavender for hedging.
🌸 YouGarden – Specialises in affordable large lavender plants.
🌿 Primrose – Stocks mature lavender plants for landscaping.
🌸 Suttons – Sells fully grown lavender plants in 3–5L pots.
Tip: Check if the seller offers a plant guarantee to ensure you receive healthy, well-rooted plants.
Local Garden Centres & Nurseries in the UK
🌿 Dobbies Garden Centres – Nationwide chain selling large lavender varieties.
🌸 Hillier Garden Centres – Specialises in high-quality mature lavender plants.
🌿 B&Q & Homebase – Occasionally stock larger lavender plants in peak season.
Tip: When buying in-store, choose healthy plants with strong stems and no signs of disease.
3. How to Plant Large Lavender Plants
Mature lavender plants need the right conditions to thrive and establish quickly.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
✔️ Choose a sunny spot – Large lavender plants need 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
✔️ Improve drainage – Mix grit or sand into the soil if it’s heavy or clay-based.
✔️ Space plants properly – Leave 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) between plants for good airflow.
✔️ Plant at the right depth – Keep the crown level with the soil surface to prevent rot.
✔️ Water deeply but infrequently – Water well when first planted, then only when the soil is dry.
Tip: If planting lavender hedging, space plants 40 cm (16 inches) apart for a dense hedge.
4. Caring for Large Lavender Plants
Tall lavender plants need minimal maintenance but benefit from proper care.
Pruning & Maintenance
✔️ Prune after flowering – Cut back by one-third to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
✔️ Avoid cutting into old wood – Always leave some green growth to prevent dieback.
✔️ Remove spent flowers – Helps encourage a second flush of blooms.
Watering & Feeding
✔️ Water sparingly – Overwatering leads to root rot.
✔️ Use a potash-rich feed – Encourages flowering but avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.
✔️ Mulch with gravel – Helps improve drainage and suppress weeds.
Tip: Large lavender plants thrive in dry, well-drained soil—avoid overwatering at all costs!
5. Using Large Lavender Plants in Landscaping
Mature lavender plants add beauty, fragrance, and structure to gardens.
Best Ways to Use Large Lavender Plants
🌿 Lavender Hedges – Create fragrant, bee-friendly borders for pathways and driveways.
🌸 Mixed Borders – Combine lavender with roses, grasses, and perennials.
🌿 Wildlife Gardens – Attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
🌸 Mediterranean Gardens – Perfect for rock gardens and gravel beds.
Tip: Pair lavender with rosemary, thyme, and sage for a drought-tolerant herb garden.
6. Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Common Issues with Large Lavender Plants
❌ Root Rot – Caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
✅ Solution: Water only when soil is completely dry and plant in well-draining soil.
❌ Leggy Growth – Happens if lavender isn’t pruned regularly.
✅ Solution: Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape.
❌ Yellowing Leaves – Often due to excess moisture or nutrient deficiency.
✅ Solution: Reduce watering and avoid heavy feeding.
Tip: If lavender stops flowering, it may need pruning or more sunlight.
FAQs: Buying & Growing Large Lavender Plants
How tall can lavender grow?
✔️ Some varieties like ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’ grow over 1 metre (3 feet) tall.
Which lavender variety is best for hedging?
✔️ ‘Grosso’, ‘Phenomenal’, and ‘Hidcote Giant’ are excellent for hedging.
Where can I buy mature lavender plants in the UK?
✔️ Crocus, Thompson & Morgan, and Suttons sell large potted lavender plants online.
How far apart should I plant lavender hedging?
✔️ Space tall lavender plants 40–60 cm (16–24 inches) apart for a dense, bushy hedge.
How long does a large lavender plant live?
✔️ With proper care, lavender plants can live for 10–15 years.
Final Thoughts: Where to Buy & How to Grow Large Lavender Plants
✔️ Buy large lavender plants online from top UK nurseries like Crocus and Thompson & Morgan.
✔️ Choose the right variety—‘Grosso’, ‘Hidcote Giant’, and ‘Phenomenal’ are best for tall growth and hedging.
✔️ Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and prune regularly for best results.
✔️ Use large lavender plants in hedges, borders, and pollinator-friendly gardens.
Whether you’re looking for instant impact with mature lavender plants or planning to create a fragrant lavender hedge, these tall-growing varieties will transform your garden! 🌿💜
Which large lavender variety are you growing? Let us know in the comments!
Now you’re ready to buy and grow large lavender plants! 🌿💜 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀