English Lavender ‘French Perfume’ – Fragrant Cottage Perennial Flowers
English Lavender ‘French Perfume’ (Lavandula angustifolia) is a beautifully compact, richly aromatic lavender variety prized for its deep purple flower spikes and silvery-green foliage. Known for its strong fragrance and clean, classic lavender scent, ‘French Perfume’ is ideal for herb gardens, borders, and cottage-style plantings. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering long-lasting blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial pollinators while staying drought tolerant once established. A standout choice for gardeners who want dependable color and exceptional fragrance.
Applications in the Garden
Excellent for cottage gardens, herb gardens, and Mediterranean-style plantings
Perfect for mass plantings where uniform color and fragrance are desired
Works well in borders, walkways, and foundation plantings
Great for cut flowers, dried arrangements, and fragrant sachets
Suitable for pollinator gardens, attracting bees and butterflies
Pairs beautifully with roses, salvia, yarrow, and ornamental grasses
Planting Tips - English Lavender
Choose a full-sun location to encourage abundant flowering and strong aroma
Plant in well-drained or sandy soil; lavender will not tolerate wet roots
Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow airflow and natural shaping
Water consistently during establishment, then sparingly as the plant matures
Add a small amount of bone meal at planting time to support root development
Avoid rich or heavily amended soils, which diminish lavender’s vigor
Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a compact, rounded form
Plant Biography and Growing Environment
| Botanical Name: | Lavandula Angustifolium |
| Variety Name: | French Perfume |
| Height: | 14″ |
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-10 |
| Sun or Shade: | Full sun |
| Plant Classification: | Perennial |
| Planting Season: | Spring or Summer |
| Bloom Season: | Summer |
| Bloom Cycle: | Only blooms once |
| Bloom Duration: | 3-4 weeks |
| Planting Depth: | 2″-3″ |
| Soil Requirements: | Well-draining pH 6.5-7.5 |
| Water Requirements: | Once or twice weekly new plants, mature plants 1-2 gallons ever 2-3 weeks |
Troubleshooting - English Lavender
Winter dieback: Often caused by wet soil—improve drainage or plant in raised beds
Weak fragrance or limited blooms: Typically due to too much shade—move to full sun
Woody growth: Normal with age; prune lightly each year to slow woodiness
Root rot: A sign of excessive moisture—reduce watering and improve soil drainage
Yellowing leaves: Usually from overwatering or poorly draining soil
FAQ - English Lavender
Q: Is English Lavender ‘French Perfume’ deer resistant?
A: Yes. Lavender is naturally deer and rabbit resistant due to its aromatic foliage.
Q: Is it safe around pets?
A: Lavender is generally considered non-toxic, though pets should not ingest large quantities.
Q: Does this variety attract pollinators?
A: Absolutely. Bees and butterflies especially love lavender blooms.
Q: Is ‘French Perfume’ a perennial?
A: Yes. It’s a hardy perennial that reliably returns each year in well-drained soil.
Q: Can English lavender be grown in containers?
A: Yes. Its compact growth makes it an excellent choice for pots and patio planters.