Perennials & Grasses
French lavender
Lavandula dentata
French lavender is a woody, aromatic subshrub with fragrant foliage and violet-blue flower spikes in summer. It generally reaches about 2–3 feet tall and can spread 3–5 feet, giving it more room than a narrow border edge might allow. In Southwest Washington, give it full sun, open air, and sharply drained soil, preferably in a raised bed or container where winter rain will not linger around the crown. It suits herb gardens and sunny borders, and its flowers draw bees. Expect limited cold tolerance: a sheltered position and winter protection matter, especially when temperatures fall after prolonged wet weather.
Ask about this plant
At a glance
- Mature height
- About 2–3 feet
- Mature spread
- About 3–5 feet
- Light
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Half-hardy; needs a sheltered site and winter protection
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its fragrant foliage and summer flowers suit herb gardens, rock gardens, and sunny border edges. The flowers attract bees, so leave room for both the mature spread and pollinator activity.
Where to plant
Choose a sheltered spot in full sun with air movement. Allow about 3–5 feet for its spread, or grow it in a container where drainage and winter exposure are easier to manage.
Through the seasons
Fragrant foliage provides interest beyond bloom. Violet-blue flower spikes appear in summer; flowering may last longer in milder conditions.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Southwest Washington's wet winters make drainage and cold exposure the main siting concerns. A raised bed or movable container can help protect the crown from persistent moisture.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in sharply well-drained, lean soil; sandy or rocky ground is suitable. Water during establishment, then avoid frequent watering and heavy fertilizer.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape, leaving leafy growth below each cut. Avoid cutting into bare old wood or pruning in autumn where winters are wet or cold.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Root or crown rot
Wilting or dieback when soil stays wet.
Help your plant thrive
Improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Check the crown and roots if the plant declines.
Leaf spot
Spots develop on leaves, particularly under damp conditions.
Help your plant thrive
Give plants full sun and air movement, and avoid wetting foliage unnecessarily.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Western sword fern
Polystichum munitum
Western sword fern brings evergreen fronds to shaded woodland plantings. Its broad clumps grow about 3–4 feet tall and wide and tolerate established dry shade.
Explore this plantFrench lavender 'Kew Red'
Lavandula stoechas 'Kew Red'
Compact 'Kew Red' lavender has aromatic evergreen foliage and pink-red blooms; give it full sun, sharp drainage, and shelter from Southwest Washington's cold, wet winters.
Explore this plantGoodwin Creek lavender
Lavandula heterophylla 'Goodwin Creek'
Fragrant Goodwin Creek lavender brings warm-season flowers to sunny borders and containers. Allow about 2 to 3 feet and protect roots from persistent winter wet.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
Let’s find the right plant
for your place.
Ask our team about plant selection and current availability.