Lavender Plants: Best Varieties, How to Grow, and Where to Buy
Lavender plants are beloved for their fragrance, stunning blooms, and pollinator-friendly nature. Whether you’re growing lavender in pots, borders, or as hedging, it’s a low-maintenance plant that adds beauty and aroma to any garden.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ Best lavender varieties for UK gardens
✔️ How to plant and care for lavender
✔️ Uses for lavender in landscaping, wellness, and cooking
✔️ Where to buy lavender plants online and in-store
Let’s explore everything you need to know about growing lavender plants! 🌿💜
1. Best Lavender Varieties for UK Gardens
There are many lavender varieties, each suited for different garden needs.
1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
🌿 ‘Hidcote’ – Compact, deep purple flowers, perfect for hedging.
🌸 ‘Munstead’ – Hardy, bushy, great for small gardens.
🌿 ‘Vera’ – Highly fragrant, ideal for essential oils.
2. French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
🌸 ‘Anouk’ – Compact with purple butterfly-like blooms.
🌿 ‘Regal Splendour’ – Rich purple flowers with silver foliage.
3. Hybrid Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia)
🌿 ‘Grosso’ – Popular for lavender fields and dried flowers.
🌸 ‘Phenomenal’ – Disease-resistant, thrives in UK climates.
Tip: English lavender is best for colder UK gardens, while French lavender prefers warmer climates.
2. How to Grow Lavender Plants in the UK
Lavender is an easy-care plant, but it thrives best with proper conditions.
Planting Lavender
✔️ Choose a sunny location – Needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.
✔️ Ensure well-draining soil – Mix grit or sand into clay-heavy soil.
✔️ Space plants correctly – Leave 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between plants.
✔️ Water sparingly – Overwatering causes root rot.
Tip: Lavender grows best in alkaline or neutral soil. If your soil is acidic, add lime or crushed eggshells.
Caring for Lavender Plants
✔️ Water once established – Lavender prefers dry conditions.
✔️ Prune after flowering (August–September) – Keeps plants compact.
✔️ Avoid rich compost – Too much nitrogen leads to leggy growth.
✔️ Mulch with gravel – Helps improve drainage and prevent weeds.
Tip: Lavender thrives in terracotta pots, which help wick away excess moisture.
3. Best Uses for Lavender Plants
Lavender is versatile, making it a great addition to any 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.
4. Where to Buy Lavender Plants in the UK
Looking for lavender plants for sale? Here are some of the best options:
Online Nurseries & Stores
🛍️ Crocus – Offers a wide range of potted lavender plants.
🌿 Thompson & Morgan – Great for bulk-buying lavender plants for hedging.
🌸 YouGarden – Affordable lavender plants for small gardens.
🌿 Primrose – Stocks mature lavender plants for landscaping.
🌱 Suttons – Specialises in hardy lavender varieties for UK gardens.
Tip: Look for plant guarantees and customer reviews when buying lavender online.
Local Garden Centres & Nurseries
🌸 Dobbies Garden Centres – Nationwide chain selling English lavender varieties.
🌿 B&Q & Homebase – Often stock lavender plants at affordable prices.
🌱 Hillier Garden Centres – Specialises in high-quality mature lavender plants.
Tip: When buying in-store, choose plants with strong stems and no yellowing leaves.
5. Common Problems & How to Fix Them
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| ❌ Yellowing Leaves | Overwatering | Water only when soil is dry |
| ❌ Lavender Not Flowering | Too much nitrogen | Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer |
| ❌ Leggy Growth | Lack of pruning | Prune after flowering to maintain shape |
| ❌ Root Rot | Poor drainage | Plant in gritty, sandy soil |
Tip: If your lavender stops flowering, it may need more sunlight or a soil pH adjustment.
6. FAQs About 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 before winter.
Which lavender variety is best for hedging?
✔️ ‘Hidcote’, ‘Vera’, and ‘Folgate’ are excellent for hedging and borders.
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! 🚀