Royal Crown French Lavender

Royal Crown French Lavender (Lavandula dentata 'Royal Crown') is a scented, fast growing shrub about 1m high and 1m wide, taller than most French lavenders. Serrated grey-green foliage carries light purple flowers topped with long tufts in spring. It suits hedging, cottage gardens, rockeries and pots, and the cut flowers dry very well.

Why you'll love it

• Taller and faster than most. It is faster growing and taller than other French lavenders, so a hedge fills in sooner.
• Tufted purple flowers. Light purple flowers topped with long tufts open in spring.
• Scented foliage and flowers. The grey-green leaves and the flowers both carry the classic lavender fragrance.
• Bees and butterflies. The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
• Good for drying. Cut flowers dry well for arrangements or potpourri.

Where it works best

Hedging. Plant 70cm apart in a single row for a scented hedge about a metre high. It is taller than other French lavenders, so it makes a more substantial hedge.

Cottage gardens and borders. Use it with roses and perennials, where the grey foliage lifts the planting.

Rockeries and pots. Sharp drainage suits it, and it grows well in a large terracotta pot.

Growing Royal Crown French Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in a free-draining position. It is right at home in cool, dry climates, and French types generally handle warmth better than English lavender. It will tolerate lower light, although flowering will be affected, and it tolerates light frost once established.

Soil. Free-draining soil is essential. Avoid wet feet, and in heavy ground plant on a mound or in a raised bed.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks until the plant establishes. Fertilise once a year with a slow release fertiliser after flowering to maintain compact growth.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, removing no more than a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood. The base of the plant turns woody with age, and lavender will not reshoot from bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Royal Crown French Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tube is a small plant that grows quickly, and a row of tubes at 70cm spacing closes into a scented hedge over a few seasons. Plant out in full sun and water in well.

Royal Crown French Lavender tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it is not always on hand. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page will email you the day it returns. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Explore all lavender
• Lavender care guide for Australian gardens
• Best hedging plants
• Rockery plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 70cm apart in a single row. It reaches about 1m high and wide, so that spacing lets the plants meet without crowding at the base.

How should I prune it?

Prune twice a year, taking no more than a third of the foliage and staying out of old wood. Lavender does not reshoot from bare wood, so light and regular pruning is safer than one hard cut.

Is it safe for pets?

Not entirely. Lavender can upset the stomach of a dog or cat if a lot is eaten, so we do not class it as pet friendly.