About Lavandula dentata L.
Lavandula dentata, commonly called fringed lavender or French lavender, is a flowering plant species in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean basin, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, and the Arabian Peninsula, and is also found on Madeira and the Canary Islands. In its native habitat, it grows on low hills with limestone substrates among other shrubs. This species grows up to 60 cm (24 in) tall. It produces gray-green leaves that are linear or lance-shaped, with toothed edges and a lightly wooly texture. Long-lasting, narrow spikes of purple flowers, topped with pale violet bracts, first bloom in late spring. The entire plant is strongly aromatic, with the characteristic fragrance common to lavender. This is one of several species that share the English common name French lavender, which also includes Lavandula stoechas. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant, and its essential oil is used in perfumes. Like other lavenders, it grows best in dry, sunny locations with well-drained alkaline soil, though it can tolerate a range of other conditions. Plants grown outside its preferred conditions are often short-lived. It needs some shelter in regions prone to frost. The cultivar L. dentata var. dentata 'Royal Crown' has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
