French/Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Butterfly Lavender with Showy Bracts

French Lavender: The Butterfly Lavender with Rabbit-Ear Bracts

French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), called Spanish lavender in the U.S., is instantly recognizable by its "rabbit ears"—showy, sterile bracts at the top of each flower head. It blooms earlier and longer than English lavender, with a more pungent, camphoraceous scent.

Botanical Profile

Native to the Mediterranean. Grows 1–3 feet tall. The flower heads are dense cylinders topped by large, colorful bracts (purple, pink, white). Blooms spring to fall in mild climates. Less cold hardy than English lavender.

Uses and Cultivation

• Ornamental: Unique flower form for containers, borders.
• Essential oil: Different profile; more camphor, used in cleaning products.
• Dried flowers: Bracts retain color well.
• Pollinators: Bees and butterflies love it.

Full sun, alkaline, well-drained soil. More heat and humidity tolerant. Prune after flowering. Hardy in USDA zones 8–10; often grown as annual in colder zones.