Where to Buy Lavender in the UK
Choosing between English and French lavender for your UK garden depends on your taste and needs; both are readily available from well-regarded nurseries like Ashridge Nurseries and Roots Plants.
When it comes to adding a touch of elegance and fragrance to your garden, lavender is a superb choice. From the classic English varieties to the striking French types, there's a lavender plant to suit every gardener's desire. But where should you buy your lavender in the UK, and how do you choose between the English and French varieties?
English vs. French Lavender
English lavender, known for its hardiness and versatility, is perfect for the UK climate. It thrives in our gardens, whether planted in borders, pots, or as a low hedge. Varieties like Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote') and Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead') are popular choices, offering compact growth and a wealth of aromatic blooms.
French lavender, also known as Lavandula stoechas, brings a bit of Mediterranean flair with its butterfly-like blooms. It's slightly less hardy than its English counterpart but makes up for it with its exotic appearance. Papillon French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Papillon') is a striking example, perfect for pots or a sunny spot in your garden.
Buying Lavender for Your Garden
When purchasing lavender, it's wise to consider buying in quantities suited to your gardening plans. For a small hedge, consider purchasing plugs in multiples, as offered by Marshalls Garden. Their selection includes garden-ready plants in various groupings, such as 6, 12, or even 24 plugs, ideal for creating a uniform lavender border.
For established plants, Ashridge Nurseries and Roots Plants offer UK-grown lavender, known for their quality and ease of care. Ashridge Nurseries’ lavender is peat-free and hardy, thriving with minimal maintenance. Similarly, Roots Plants, with their Herefordshire-grown lavender, ensures you receive plants trialled for performance and sustainability.
Where to Buy
Ashridge Nurseries and Roots Plants are both reputable choices for purchasing lavender. Offering a range of varieties, these nurseries provide plants that are well-suited to the UK climate. Gardening Express and Marshalls Garden are also excellent options, with a broad selection and competitive pricing on their lavender offerings.
As you decide where to buy, remember to compare the offerings. Varieties like Grosso Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso') are available across several nurseries, and a quick look at ComparePlants can help you find the best deals for your chosen lavender variety.
Lavender is a garden favourite for a reason: it's easy to grow, smells divine, and looks stunning. Whether you're after the classic charm of English lavender or the unique appeal of French lavender, there's a plant ready to grace your garden. To explore the full range of lavender options and compare prices, take a glance at our lavender listings.