Spanish Lavender vs English Lavender: What Are The Differences?

Spanish and English lavender are stunning lavender plants that are often grown as ornamentals. Both are evergreen herbs known for their bright purple color and wonderful aroma. However, they look incredibly alike, making it difficult to tell them apart. But don’t worry, we’ll explore everything you need to know about French lavender vs. Spanish lavender!

Comparing English Lavender vs. Spanish Lavender

The 4 Key Differences Between Spanish Lavender and English Lavender

The main difference between Spanish and English lavender is their size.

English lavender is taller than Spanish lavender and typically has longer leaves. Other differences between these two plants include the color and appearance of their flowers and how well they tolerate the cold.

Although Spanish and English lavender are often mistaken for each other because of their appearance, there can also be some confusion because of their names. Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) goes by the name “French lavender” in the UK, yet outside of that country, it is called Spanish lavender. However, ironically, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) goes by the name “English” even though it is not actually native to the UK!

Spanish Lavender vs. English Lavender: Size

The first difference between these two types of lavender is their size. Although they have a similar width, English lavender reaches a slightly taller height than Spanish lavender. Spanish lavender is 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. However, English lavender is 12 to 24 inches tall and 20 to 24 inches wide.

Spanish Lavender vs. English Lavender: Leaves

Another difference between these two plants is the size of their leaves. Although both plants are evergreen, Spanish lavender has smaller leaves than English lavender. Spanish lavender has greyish-green leaves which are straight, narrow, and typically 0.4 to 1.4 inches long. English lavender also has straight, elongated leaves. However, they are usually 1 to 2.5 inches long.

Spanish Lavender vs. English Lavender: Flowers

The most distinctive difference between Spanish and English lavender is the appearance of their flowers. Spanish lavender flowers are produced on the top of leafless stems. They appear as a dense, cylindrical flowerhead topped by large petals in a distinctive upright position. Spanish lavender blooms in spring and early summer with pink to purple colored flowers.

English lavender also produces flowers at the top of leafless stems, and develop on spikes approximately 1 to 3 inches long. However, the flowers of English lavender have much shorter and broader petals than those of Spanish lavender and bloom in a loose, open shape all the way up the spike. English lavender blooms during the midsummer with rich purple flowers, which can be either light or dark in color, although they only remain for around four weeks.

Spanish Lavender vs. English Lavender: Cold Tolerance

The final difference between English and Spanish lavender is their tolerance of the cold. It’s important to understand which lavender is most suited to your area as it can make the difference between you have a plant that can survive the winter and one that cannot. Although most lavenders come from Mediterranean regions and therefore are not theoretically suited to harsh weather, English lavender is actually quite tolerant of the cold. In fact, it is generally considered to be the hardiest of all of the lavenders and can withstand cold, snow, and frost. English lavender is best suited to zones 5 to 8, where it will typically thrive.

Spanish lavender is not as tolerant of the cold as English lavender and is suited to zones 7 and 9 as it thrives in dry, temperate regions. Anything colder than these zones puts the plant at serious risk of dying during the winter months.

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