French lavender (Lavandula pedunculata)
Care, watering, light and tips for French lavender on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About French lavender
Lavandula pedunculata, also known as French lavender or butterfly lavender, is a distinctive lavender species characterized by its large, showy floral bracts crowning the flower spikes. Its exotic appearance and fragrance make it ideal for garden borders, rockeries, or pots, adding a Mediterranean touch. It's perfect for attracting pollinators and bringing unique visual interest to your outdoor space.
Native range
Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development, at least 6 hours daily. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent waterlogging, as it is very susceptible to root rot. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or gritty soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. A common mistake is overwatering and lack of pruning after flowering, which can lead to woody growth and reduced blooming.
How to save a dying French lavender
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or grey leaves; woody stems without new growth. General decline.
- First aid
- Move to a sunny, well-ventilated spot. Check drainage; prune dry stems. Water moderately if soil is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (especially in winter) and lack of sun. Constant moisture rots its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted. Act fast with light and controlled watering.