French lavender
(L. dentata)
Description.
Bright green leaves with toothed leaf margins and a strong camphor-lavender or rosemary-like scent. Has an inflorescence (spike) that has reduced sterile bracts. Upright medium-sized shrub with medium length spikes. Whole plant looks silvery grey due to a dense covering of fine very soft hairs.
Compact flower heads have showy, light purple bracts on top. Corollas a light lavender blue, sterile bracts a slightly deeper color.
Blooms nearly all year if given enough light and warmth.
One of finer species for warmer gardens. Fairly cold tender. May need to come
into a greenhouse for the winter.
Not as fragrant as other lavenders but the spikes are very colorful.
Uses.
Mainly used as aromatic ornamental but may be used for dried potpourris.
A good lavender for topiaries. Nice in containers.
Significant landscaping plant. Attracts hummingbirds more than other lavenders.