French Lavender

Lavandula dentata

$20.00

| Hardiness Zones 8-11

There are plants that offer fragrance. And then there are plants that conjure memory. Lavandula dentata, with its silvery, sawtoothed leaves and ever-blooming lavender plumes, belongs to the latter—a bearer of the kind of scent that lingers in a sun-warmed linen chest, or in the folds of a well-worn book resting on a porch rail.

Known to old-world gardeners as French or fringed lavender, this hardy evergreen herb would’ve been right at home in the physic gardens of Carolina planters and the cottage borders of Provence. With a perfume less cloying than its English cousin—cleaner, greener, touched with resin—it speaks of Mediterranean hillsides, dry winds, and the whispered liturgy of bees.

We might say this is a plant for the contemplative soul—for the keeper of heirlooms, the reader of landscape, the one who knows that not all beauty is meant to dazzle. Some is meant to endure. Plant Lavandula dentata in lean soil with sun on its shoulders, and it will return the favor tenfold, even in the warmest Southern gardens where English lavenders faint.

This is a lavender that asks for little and gives much: bloom, balm, and a brush with timelessness.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 8 - 11
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained, Sandy, Loam, and Clay
  • Height at Maturity: 2 - 3 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 2 - 3 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower/Foliage

The foliage of Lavandula dentata is soft-hued and intricately etched, like the worn lace hem of a widow’s Sunday best. Each leaf is a slender lance of dusty grey-green, lined with delicate scallops—hence its name, "dentata," meaning "toothed." These leaves carry a scent that is part lavender, part pine resin—clean, aromatic, and reminiscent of old cedar chests and sun-bleached hillsides.

From this quietly ornamental base rise upright flower spikes—unbranched, dignified, and determined—topped with violet-blue blooms gathered in dense whorls. Each inflorescence is crowned by a showy bract, pale violet and winglike, catching the light like a moth at dusk. The flowers are not just a feast for the eyes—they summon bees and butterflies with the whispered promise of nectar, offering a steady bloom from early spring through late autumn in mild climates.

It is a plant that knows its place in the garden: refined, aromatic, and unhurried, yet enduringly present.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

​Lavandula dentata, commonly known as French or fringed lavender, is a semi-woody, evergreen perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean region, Madeira Islands, Canary Islands, and the Arabian Peninsula. It typically grows up to 3 feet tall and wide, featuring lance-shaped, grey-green leaves with distinctive toothed margins. The plant produces unbranched terminal flower stalks bearing densely packed spikes of purple-blue flowers, each tipped with a showy pale violet bract. These aromatic blooms emit the classic lavender scent, albeit with a more resinous note compared to English lavender.

Cultivation Notes:


Thrives in bright, direct sunlight and is highly intolerant of shade.


Best suited for USDA zones 8-11; not frost-tolerant. Prefers hot and dry conditions, demonstrating notable drought and heat tolerance.


Prefers sandy, well-drained soils but can tolerate loamy and clay soils with proper drainage. Excessively rich soils may lead to increased vegetative growth with reduced essential oil production. Tolerant of mildly alkaline to neutral pH levels and can withstand saline soils and maritime exposure.


Utilize a soak-and-dry method, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, as the plant is highly intolerant of standing water or excessively soggy soil.


Can be propagated by seed, layering, or cuttings.

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Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.