At Hooks Green Herbs we grow over 50 varieties of lavender, from traditional English lavenders such as Hidcote and Munstead to modern introductions and specialist collector's varieties.
Which Lavender Should I Choose?
Choosing the right lavender can be surprisingly difficult. With so many beautiful varieties available, gardeners often ask us which lavender is best for pots, which makes the best hedge, which has the strongest fragrance, or which copes best with British weather.
At Hooks Green Herbs, we grow one of the UK's largest collections of lavender varieties. This guide brings together our recommendations to help you choose the perfect lavender for your garden.
Whether you're planting a formal hedge, filling containers on a patio, creating a pollinator-friendly border or simply looking for the most fragrant variety, there is a lavender to suit every situation.
Quick Lavender Finder
Best Lavender for Hedges
For a neat, traditional lavender hedge, we recommend:
These varieties form dense, attractive plants that respond well to regular trimming and create beautiful summer displays.
Best Lavender for Pots and Containers
If space is limited, these compact varieties perform particularly well in containers:
Choose a sunny position and ensure excellent drainage for best results.
Best Lavender for Fragrance
If scent is your priority, consider:
These varieties produce highly aromatic flowers and foliage, making them excellent choices near paths, seating areas and doorways.
Best Lavender for Bees and Pollinators
Lavender is one of the most valuable garden plants for pollinators. Some of our favourites include:
- Folgate
- Lullingstone Castle
- Lullaby Blue
- Saint Jean
These varieties are regularly visited by bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects throughout summer.
Best Lavender for Wet UK Winters
Many gardeners struggle with lavender in heavy or damp soils. These varieties have shown particularly good resilience:
- Sensational!®
- Phenomenal®
- Hidcote
Good drainage remains essential for all lavenders.
Best White Flowered Lavender
For a softer, elegant look:
White-flowered lavenders combine beautifully with roses and silver foliage plants.
Best Pink Flowered Lavender
For something a little different:
Pink lavenders bring a gentle, romantic feel to borders and cottage gardens.
Understanding the Different Types of Lavender
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is the classic garden lavender. It is hardy, compact and highly fragrant, making it ideal for hedges, borders and containers.
Popular varieties include:
- Hidcote
- Munstead
- Imperial Gem
- Melissa Lilac
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandins are larger plants with longer flower spikes and often stronger fragrance. They are excellent for larger gardens, hedges and drying.
Popular varieties include:
- Grosso
- Sensational!®
- Gros Bleu
- Old English
French and Spanish Lavenders
These ornamental lavenders provide distinctive flower heads and long flowering seasons but are generally less hardy than English lavenders.
They are best suited to containers and sheltered gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lavender flowers for the longest period?
Flowering times vary between varieties, but combining English lavenders and Lavandins can provide colour over a much longer season.
Which lavender has the strongest fragrance?
Many gardeners consider Grosso, Sensational!® and Old English to be among the most fragrant varieties available.
Which lavender is best for a low hedge?
Hidcote, Munstead and Imperial Gem are all excellent choices for compact hedging.
Can lavender grow in pots?
Yes. Many lavenders thrive in containers provided they receive plenty of sunshine and excellent drainage.
Which lavender is easiest to grow?
Hidcote and Munstead remain among the most reliable and forgiving varieties for most UK gardens.
Still Not Sure Which Lavender to Choose?
If you're unsure which variety is right for your garden, browse our full lavender collection or get in touch. We are always happy to help gardeners select the best lavender for their particular situation.
With over 50 varieties available, we can help you find the perfect lavender for fragrance, colour, wildlife, hedging, containers or simply year-round enjoyment.
Lavender Comparison Table
| Variety | Type | Height | Spread | Flower Colour | Flowering Period | Foliage | Fragrance | Best Use | Hardy | Our Verdict | Recommended Alternative |
| Hidcote | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 50cm | Deep Purple | July to September | Grey - green | Strong | Hedges | Very Hardy | The benchmark English lavender and one of the finest choices for a traditional hedge. | Imperial Gem |
| Munstead | Angustifolia | Compact / 45cm | 45cm | Mid Blue | Early to mid-summer, potential light second flower | Grey - green | Very Strong | Pots & Borders | Very Hardy | Exceptionally reliable, highly fragrant and ideal for smaller gardens. | Compact |
| Imperial Gem | Angustifolia | Compact 30cm | 30cm | Rich Purple | Early summer to late summer, often with second flush after trimming | Silver - Green | Very Strong | Hedges & Containers. Good for Essential Oils | Very Hardy | A compact variety with outstanding flower colour and fragrance. | Hidcote |
| Sensational!® | Lavandin Intermedia | Medium / 45cm | 45cm | Violet Blue / Purple | May to September | Silver - Grey | Very Strong | Feature Plant / Container / Border | Very Hardy | One of the most impressive modern introductions, combining large flowers with excellent garden performance. | Grosso |
| Grosso | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 90cm | 60cm | Purple | Mid-summer to early Autumn (June to September) | Grey - green | Exceptional | Drying & Fragrance | Very Hardy | The classic choice for drying and lavender bags thanks to its exceptional fragrance. High essential-oil yield. | Provence |
| Old English | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 100cm | 120cm | Purple | Mid-summer to early Autumn (June to September) | Silver-green | Strong | Large Gardens/ Cottage Style Border / Edging | Very Hardy | A vigorous, traditional variety that creates an impressive display in larger gardens. | Seal |
| Melissa Lilac | Angustifolia | Medium / 60cm | 60cm | Lilac Purple | Late Spring to Mid Summer | Grey - green | Strong | Cottage Gardens | Very Hardy | A beautiful lilac-purple flowered lavender that brings softness to borders and cottage gardens. | Loddon Pink |
| Edelweiss | Lavandin Intermedia | Medium / 80cm | 70cm | White | June - September | Silver - grey | Strong | Mixed Borders | Very Hardy | Elegant white flowers make this an excellent companion to roses and silver foliage plants. | Arctic Snow |
| Compact | Angustifolia | Compact / 45cm | 60cm | Purple / Blue | Mid to late Summer (June - August) | Grey - green | Very Strong | Hedging / Borders | Very Hardy | A neat, versatile variety perfect where space is limited. | Munstead |
| Seal | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 90cm | 90cm | Lilac - Violet | Mid-summer to early Autumn (June to September) | Silver-green | Strong | Cottage Style Borders | Very Hardy | Produces large flower spikes and makes a striking feature in the summer garden. | Old English |
| Artic Snow | Angustifolia | Compact / 45cm | 45cm | White | June to August | Silver-green | Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | One of the best white lavenders for containers and smaller spaces. | Edelweiss |
| Jean Davis | Angustifolia | Medium / 45cm | 60cm | Pale Pink | June to August, potential light second flush | Narrow, grey-green | Strong | Gravel Gardens / Borders | Very Hardy | Delicate pink flowers and a graceful habit make this a long-standing favourite. | Loddon Pink |
| Bridehead Blue | Lavandula × chaytoriae | Large / 75cm | 100cm | Violet Blue | June to August, potential light second flush | Narrow, silver-grey | Strong | Modern / Containers | Very Hardy | A distinctive variety with attractive blue flowers and strong garden presence. | Lullingstone Castle |
| Mailette | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 60cm | Soft Blue | Mid to late Summer | Silver-green | Very Strong | Consient Oil Profile / Field Planting / Borders | Very Hardy | Highly regarded for its consistent fragrance and suitability for oil production. | Provence |
| Backhouse Purple | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 50cm | Rich Purple | Early to mid-summer (June & July) | Narrow, grey-green | Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | Rich flower colour and compact growth make this an excellent garden performer. | Royal Purple |
| Richard Gray | Lavandula × chaytoriae | Medium / 60cm | 80cm | Violet Blue | June to August, potential light second flush | Narrow, Silver Grey | Strong | Container / Gravel garden / Border | Very Hardy | Beautiful silver foliage provides interest even when not in flower. | Grey Hedge |
| Nana Atropurpurea | Angustifolia | Dwarf / 30cm | 35cm | Deep Violet-purple | Early to mid-summer. June - July in UK | Silver-green | Strong | Borders | Very Hardy | A compact variety with unusually deep flower colour. | Thumbelina Leigh |
| Beechwood Blue | Angustifolia | Compact / 45cm | 50cm | Violet - Blue | Mid to late Summer (June - July) | Grey - green | Very Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | Strong fragrance and reliable flowering make this a superb all-round choice. | Twickle Purple |
| Thumbelina Leigh | Angustifolia | Dwarf / 25cm | 25cm | Mauve | Summer (June to August) | Grey - green | Very Strong | Hedging / Borders | Very Hardy | One of the best dwarf lavenders, flowering freely on a compact plant. | Peter Pan |
| Peter Pan | Angustifolia | Dwarf / 25cm | 25cm | Lilac - Purple | Early to mid Summer (June - July) | Silver-green | Strong | Hedging / Borders | Very Hardy | Compact, neat and ideal for edging paths and borders. | Thumbelina Leigh |
| Vera | Angustifolia | Large / 75cm | 75cm | Deep Blue | Summer (June to August) | Silver-green | Very Strong | Low Hedging / Edging | Very Hardy | A traditional favourite valued for its fragrance and versatility. | Hidcote |
| Alba | Angustifolia | Large / 70cm | 70cm | White | Late June to early August. Potential light second flush in Autumn | Grey - green | Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | A classic white lavender that stands out beautifully against darker foliage. | Purity |
| Little Lottie | Angustifolia | Dwarf / 30cm | 30cm | Pale Pink | June to August | Grey - green | Strong | Front Border | Very Hardy | Charming pale pink flowers on a naturally compact plant. Our Best Seller. | Hidcote Pink |
| Twickle Purple | Angustifolia | Medium / 40cm | 60cm | Violet Purple | Late Summer | Grey - green | Very Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | Notable for its rich flower colour and strong fragrance. | Beechwood Blue |
| Royal Purple | Angustifolia | Medium / 60cm | 60cm | Purple | June - July | Grey - green | Very Strong | Gravel Gardens / Borders | Very Hardy | Produces some of the darkest flowers among English lavenders. | Backhouse Purple |
| Princess Blue | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 50cm | Blue - Violet | Early to mid-summer | Silver-green | Strong | Edging Paths / Containers | Very Hardy | Compact, colourful and particularly effective in containers. | Loddon Blue |
| Rosea | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 50cm | Pink | June to August, potential light second flush | Grey - green | Strong | Gravel Gardens / Borders | Very Hardy | A lovely pink-flowered variety that brightens sunny borders. | Hidcote Pink |
| Lullingstone Castle | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 80cm | 60cm | Light Blue | Mid-summer to early Autumn (June to September) | Grey - green | Very Strong | Pots & Borders | Very Hardy | Vigorous growth and excellent fragrance make this a rewarding garden plant. | Bridehead Blue |
| Loddon Pink | Angustifolia | Compact / 50cm | 50cm | Pale Pink | June to August | Grey - green | Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | Widely regarded as one of the finest pink-flowered lavenders available. | Melissa Lilac |
| Lulluaby Blue | Angustifolia | Compact 35cm | 35cm | Lavender - Blue | Early to mid-summer (June & July), light second flush | Silver - green | Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | A beautifully compact English Lavender, with strong fragrance and abundant early flowers | Princess Blue |
| Loddon Blue | Angustifolia | Compact / 50cm | 50cm | Purple / Blue | June to August, potential light second flush | Grey - green | Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | Attractive flower colour and a tidy growth habit. | Munstead |
| Little Lady | Angustifolia | Dwarf / 45cm | 45cm | Lilac / Blue | June to September | Silver-grey | Strong | Hedging / Borders | Very Hardy | Compact and easy to grow, making it ideal for patios and smaller gardens. | Rosea |
| Hidcote Pink | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 50cm | Pink | Early summer to late summer, potential second flush after trimming | Grey - green | Strong | Hedges | Very Hardy | Combines the reliability of Hidcote with attractive pink flowers. | Grappenhall |
| Grey Hedge | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 90cm | 90cm | Pale Lavender Blue | Summer (June to August) | Silver-grey | Strong | Hedging / Large Borders | Very Hardy | Outstanding silver foliage and vigorous growth make this one of the best hedging lavenders. | Munstead |
| Fragrant Memories | Lavandin Intermedia | Medium / 50cm | 60cm | Purple | Late summer to early Autumn | Very narrow, Grey-green | Exceptional | Fragrance Garden / Containers | Very Hardy | Lives up to its name with some of the strongest fragrance among lavenders. | Grey Hedge |
| Grappenhall | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 90cm | 90cm | Violet Blue | Mid to late Summer (June - September) | Grey-green | Very Strong | Hedging / Field Planting | Very Hardy | A robust, reliable variety that performs particularly well as a large hedge. | Hidcote |
| Ashdown Forest | Angustifolia | Medium / 60cm | 60cm | Deep Purple | Mid to late Summer (June - July) | Grey-green | Strong | Borders / Cottage Gardens | Very Hardy | Rich flower colour and excellent garden performance. | Princess Blue |
| Cedar Blue | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 60cm | Blue Violet | Summer (June to August) | Silver-green | Strong | Borders / Containers | Very Hardy | Attractive blue flowers and compact habit make this a versatile garden lavender. | Arctic Snow |
| Nana Alba | Angustifolia | Dwarf / 30cm | 35cm | White | June - July | Silver-green | Strong | Containers / Front Border | Very Hardy | One of the finest compact white lavenders for smaller spaces. | Hidcote |
| Folgate | Angustifolia | Medium / 60cm | 60cm | Deep Violet Blue | May to Early August | Grey-green | Strong | Borders / Hedging | Very Hardy | A long-flowering variety with excellent flower colour. | Royal Purple |
| Beezee Dark Blue | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 50cm | Dark Blue Violet | Summer (June to August) | Grey-green | Very Strong | Containers / Borders | Very Hardy | Produces particularly dark flowers on a compact plant. | Compact |
| Havana | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 60cm | Purple | Summer (June to August) | Grey-green | Strong | Containers / Gravel Gardens | Very Hardy | A neat and attractive variety suited to modern planting schemes. | Peter Pan |
| Dwarf Blue | Angustifolia | Dwarf / 30cm | 35cm | Blue Violet | Summer (June to August) | Grey-green | Strong | Edging / Containers | Very Hardy | Compact, tidy and ideal where space is limited. | Grosso |
| Provence | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 90cm | 90cm | Soft Violet | Mid-summer to early Autumn (June to September) | Grey-green | Exceptional | Drying / Fragrance / Field Planting | Hardy | Famous for its long stems and exceptional fragrance. Typically found in southern France. | Alba |
| Purity | Angustifolia | Medium / 50cm | 60cm | Pure White | June to July | Silver-green | Strong | White Gardens / Containers | Very Hardy | One of the brightest white lavenders available. | Grosso |
| Saint Jean | Angustifolia | Medium / 60cm | 50cm | Pale Pink | July to August | Grey-green | Very Strong | Hedging / Drying | Hardy | Excellent flower production and strong fragrance. Slender stems topped with pale pink flowers and contrasting dark purple calyces | Provence |
| Abrialii | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 80cm | 70cm | Violet-blue | June to September in favourable conditions | Silver-grey | Exceptional | Oil Production / Drying | Hardy | A classic French lavandin valued for fragrance and productivity. | Grosso |
| Hidcote Giant | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 90cm | 90cm | Deep Violet | Mid to late summer (July to August) | Grey-green | Very Strong | Feature Plant / Hedging | Hardy | Larger than Hidcote with impressive flower spikes and strong scent. | Royal Purple |
| Impress Purple | Lavandin Intermedia | Large / 90cm | 60cm | Rich Purple | Mid-summer to early Autumn (June to September) | Silver-grey | Strong | Borders / Containers | Very Hardy | Deeply coloured flowers create a striking summer display. | Hidcote |