Lavender Plants: Best Varieties, Growing Guide & Where to Buy in the UK
Lavender plants are beloved for their fragrance, beautiful blooms, and ability to attract pollinators. Whether you’re looking for compact lavender for pots or large varieties for hedging, there’s a perfect lavender plant for every garden.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ Best lavender varieties for UK gardens
✔️ How to grow and care for lavender plants
✔️ Where to buy lavender plants online & in-store
✔️ How to use lavender in landscaping, aromatherapy, and cooking
Let’s explore everything you need to know about growing lavender plants! 🌿💜
1. Best Lavender Varieties for UK Gardens
Different lavender varieties suit different garden needs, from hedging to container gardening.
Best Lavender Varieties for Pots & Small Gardens
🌿 ‘Hidcote’ – Compact, deep purple flowers, hardy in the UK.
🌸 ‘Munstead’ – Bushy, cold-hardy, perfect for containers.
🌿 ‘Little Lottie’ – A rare pink-flowered dwarf variety.
Best Lavender for Hedging & Landscaping
🌸 ‘Grosso’ – A tall hybrid with long-lasting blooms.
🌿 ‘Phenomenal’ – Disease-resistant, grows up to 1 metre tall.
🌸 ‘Provence’ – Traditional French lavender, excellent for warm climates.
Unusual Lavender Varieties
🌿 ‘Ellagance Snow’ – A rare white lavender variety.
🌸 French Lavender (‘Lavandula stoechas’) – Butterfly-shaped blooms.
Tip: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is best for UK gardens because it’s hardy and low-maintenance.
2. How to Grow Lavender Plants in the UK
Lavender is an easy-care plant when given the right conditions.
Planting Lavender
✔️ Choose a sunny spot – Lavender needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day.
✔️ Well-drained soil is essential – Mix grit or sand into heavy soil.
✔️ Space plants correctly – Leave 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between plants.
✔️ Water sparingly – Overwatering leads to root rot.
Tip: If your soil is acidic, add lime or crushed eggshells to make it more alkaline.
Caring for Lavender Plants
✔️ Prune after flowering – Keeps plants compact and encourages blooms.
✔️ Avoid rich compost – Too much nitrogen promotes leaf growth instead of flowers.
✔️ Mulch with gravel – Helps improve drainage and prevent weeds.
Tip: Lavender thrives in terracotta pots, which help wick away excess moisture.
3. Where to Buy Lavender Plants in the UK
Best Online Nurseries for Lavender Plants
🛍️ Crocus – Offers a wide range of potted lavender plants.
🌿 Thompson & Morgan – Great for bulk-buying lavender plants.
🌸 YouGarden – Affordable lavender plants for small gardens.
🌿 Primrose – Stocks lavender for hedging and landscaping.
🌱 Suttons – Specialises in mature lavender plants in 3–5L pots.
Tip: Look for organic, pesticide-free lavender plants when shopping online.
Local Garden Centres & Stores
🌸 Dobbies Garden Centres – Nationwide chain selling lavender varieties.
🌿 B&Q & Homebase – Often stock lavender plants at affordable prices.
🌱 Hillier Garden Centres – Specialises in premium-quality lavender plants.
Tip: When buying in-store, choose healthy plants with strong stems and no yellowing leaves.
4. Best Uses for Lavender Plants
Lavender is more than just a pretty plant—it has practical uses in the home and garden.
1. Landscaping & Garden Design
🌿 Lavender Hedges – Creates fragrant, bee-friendly borders.
🌸 Rock Gardens – Thrives in dry, sandy soil.
🌿 Wildlife Gardens – Attracts bees and butterflies.
🌸 Pots & Containers – Perfect for balconies and patios.
2. Home & Wellness Uses
✔️ Aromatherapy – Reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
✔️ Dried Lavender Sachets – Keeps clothes fresh and repels insects.
✔️ DIY Lavender Candles – Adds a calming scent to your home.
✔️ Sleep Aid – Place lavender near your bed for better sleep.
3. Cooking & Herbal Remedies
✔️ Lavender-Infused Honey – Perfect for tea and desserts.
✔️ Lavender Shortbread – Adds a floral flavor to cookies.
✔️ Lavender Herbal Tea – Helps with digestion and relaxation.
✔️ Natural Skincare – Used in face masks and bath soaks.
Tip: Only use culinary-grade lavender for cooking and herbal remedies.
5. Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Common Issues with Lavender Plants
❌ Root Rot – Caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
✅ Solution: Water only when soil is completely dry and plant in well-drained soil.
❌ Leggy Growth – Happens if lavender isn’t pruned regularly.
✅ Solution: Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape.
❌ Yellowing Leaves – Often due to too much moisture or nutrient deficiency.
✅ Solution: Reduce watering and avoid using rich compost.
Tip: If your lavender stops flowering, it may need more sunlight or a soil pH adjustment.
FAQs: Growing & Buying Lavender Plants
When is the best time to plant lavender?
✔️ Spring (March–May) is best for planting lavender, allowing it time to establish.
Which lavender variety is best for hedging?
✔️ ‘Grosso’, ‘Phenomenal’, and ‘Hidcote Giant’ are excellent for hedging.
Where can I buy lavender plants online?
✔️ Crocus, Thompson & Morgan, and Suttons sell high-quality lavender plants.
How far apart should I plant lavender?
✔️ Space 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) apart, depending on variety.
How long do lavender plants live?
✔️ With proper care, lavender plants can live for 10–15 years.
Final Thoughts: Why Grow Lavender Plants?
✔️ Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow.
✔️ Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
✔️ Used in hedging, pots, and Mediterranean-style gardens.
✔️ Perfect for aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and home fragrance.
✔️ Available in many varieties to suit different garden needs.
Lavender plants are one of the best additions to any UK garden, providing beauty, fragrance, and multiple uses. Whether you’re growing them for landscaping, wellness, or cooking, lavender is a must-have plant! 🌿💜
Which lavender variety is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Now you’re ready to buy, grow, and enjoy lavender plants! 🌿💜 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀