French lace (Lavandula multifida)

Overview

French lace, or Lavandula multifida, brings a uniquely textural element to the garden with its highly aromatic, dissected, fern-like gray-green leaves. This species offers exceptional tolerance for summer heat and humidity, making it a wonderful alternative to traditional English lavenders in warmer regions. Its bloom period, extending from June through September, features attractive blue-violet flower spikes rising above the distinctive foliage.

As an herbaceous perennial in suitable climates, Lavandula multifida develops woody stems over time but is often grown as a fast-growing container plant or annual outside its preferred zones. Its ornamental appeal lies in the contrast provided by the lacy leaves against other garden textures, whether used in borders or aromatic scented gardens.

This lavender is highly valued not just for its ornamental qualities but also for its functional uses in the herb garden, including potpourris and culinary applications. Successful cultivation of French lace hinges on providing excellent drainage, particularly during the winter months.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Southern Europe, northern Africa
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: Blue-violet
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Lavandula multifida thrives when planted in average, alkaline, very well-drained soils. Full sun exposure is crucial for robust growth and flowering, although it can tolerate partial shade. If growing this lavender in zone 8, select a sheltered location and apply a good winter mulch, as plants unprotected below 20°F are unlikely to survive the cold.

Watering should be consistent but never excessive; this plant prefers dry to medium moisture levels. Cool, moist conditions are detrimental, often leading to fatal root rot or stem rot, emphasizing why soil drainage is paramount, especially during winter. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, adhering to typical lavender cultural needs.

Maintenance involves routine care to maintain shape and promote continuous bloom. Remove faded flowers promptly to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new spikes. Prune the French lace lightly in the spring once new foliage emerges to shape the structure.

For gardeners outside of Zones 8-10, Lavandula multifida can be successfully grown in containers, allowing the fast-growing plants to be brought indoors to a sunny location for overwintering. Alternatively, it performs admirably as a summer annual, with seeds started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date.

Landscape Uses

French lace is a versatile addition that transcends the traditional herb garden role. The combination of fragrant, silver-green, lacy foliage and blue-violet flowers provides excellent visual contrast when placed at the front of perennial borders or integrated into rock gardens. Mass planting containers of Lavandula multifida creates a striking, textural display throughout the summer season.

This lavender’s suitability extends to edging paths and walkways where its fine texture creates a soft transition. Beyond aesthetics, its utility as an excellent cut or dried flower adds value to indoor arrangements. Herb garden enthusiasts utilize the leaves for flavoring and the dried flowers for aromatic sachets and potpourris.

Consider placing French lace near seating areas or doorways to maximize enjoyment of its pleasing scent. It pairs well with plants requiring similar dry, sunny conditions, such as many Mediterranean herbs, sedums, or drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, creating a unified, low-water landscape design.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lavandula multifida, commonly called fern leaf lavender, is a highly aromatic, fast-growing, everblooming plant that typically grows to 24” tall on straight stems clad with dissected fern-like gray-green leaves. It looks like a perennial but is technically a sub-shrub capable of developing woody stems where winter hardy. Its deeply-lobed, lacy leaves are notable, and the blue-violet flowers bloom profusely atop stems rising above the foliage.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

The primary concerns when growing Lavandula multifida revolve around moisture management. The plant is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and, most critically, root rot. These issues arise when soil drainage is inadequate or when the plant experiences cool, constantly moist conditions, especially through winter. Always ensure the planting site drains exceptionally well before establishing your French lace. Furthermore, ensure protection if winter temperatures are predicted to dip below 20°F, as survival is unlikely without shelter or deep, protective snow cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is French lace suitable for?

Lavandula multifida is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10.

How large does French lace grow?

This variety typically reaches a height between 1 and 2 feet, with a similar spread of 1 to 2 feet at maturity.

What sun exposure does French lace need?

French lace prefers full sun conditions but is tolerant enough of part shade to perform adequately in slightly less bright exposures.

When does French lace bloom?

This lavender generally offers blooms beginning in June and continuing through September, displaying attractive blue-violet flowers.

Conclusion

The visual appeal of the dissected foliage combined with its heat tolerance makes Lavandula multifida a superb choice for adding texture and fragrance to sunny, dry garden spots. By ensuring impeccable soil drainage, you can reliably grow this aromatic French lace year after year in warmer climates. Always check your local hardiness zone compatibility before planning your planting schedule.

Companion Planting for Thriving Lavandula multifida

Since Lavandula multifida requires excellent drainage and thrives in full sun, companion plants should share these xeriscaping preferences. Pair French lace with other drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs like Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Thyme (Thymus species), or Sage (Salvia officinalis). These companions compete for water similarly, preventing overly moist conditions around the lavender roots.

Alternatively, incorporate low-growing, silvery foliage plants such as Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or various Sedums for a cohesive, textural tapestry. These groupings emphasize the unique, lacy texture of the Lavandula multifida leaves while maintaining a cohesive, low-maintenance aesthetic that benefits from identical cultural needs.

Design Ideas for Scented Gardens

The exceptional leaf structure of French lace makes it an asset in formal or cottage garden designs where texture matters as much as color. Plant it along the interior edge of a mixed border, allowing its 1-2 foot height to create a transitional zone between low-growing groundcovers and taller perennials like Coneflowers or Russian Sage. This positioning ensures the foliage of Lavandula multifida is visible all season long.

For contemporary container gardening, use the French lace as a thriller or a slightly cascading filler in large pots alongside upright ornamental grasses or spiky Phormium varieties. The soft, gray-green of the leaves softens the linear elements of modern hardscaping and pathways. Its aromatic qualities benefit small patios or entryways where traffic brushes against the foliage, releasing its scent.