English vs French Lavender - What Lavender We Grow + Why

Lavender is a Mediterranean plant. It's been used + cultivated for thousands of years, but in much warmer + drier climates than Southwestern Ontario.

We have lavender plant breeders/enthusiasts to thank for our ability to enjoy this beautiful plant in Ontario.

Originally only a few "tried and true" English varieties (or more correctly referred to as "cultivars") grew successfully here, mainly Munstead. But over the last 20 years, more cultivars have become available to commercial growers + consumers. 

Ps. We're now taking pre-orders for spring 2026 plants. 

What Lavender Grows Well in Ontario, Canada

There are two main types of lavender that survive our climate - Lavandula Angustifolia (English) and Lavandula x intermedia (French-Hybrid). Our farm is located in Zone 5b.

Traditional English lavender does well in most Ontario locations, as it was originally bred for the damp climate of the British countryside. Since the 1980's, American plant breeders have taken their survivability a step further by developing varieties that can handle our colder temperatures. We also have American plant breeders to thank for the creation of the French Hybrid cultivars. These cultivars that have many of the same characteristics of French lavender, but the survivability of English. The best of both worlds.

We grow nine cultivars on our farm right now with plans to plant small test sections of four more cultivars this spring. We're always testing our new plants to see how they survive on our farm + see what potential products we can make from them. 

Here's a bit more on the cultivars we grow, and information on the difference between English lavender and French Hybrid lavender:

Because our farm is small-scale, we try to utilize our plants in the products that best suit their aromas/characteristics. Here are some of my favourite uses for our different cultivars:

• Phenomenal + Sensational - Dried buds for sewn products, essential oil + dried bouquets
• Munstead + Super Blue - Culinary
• Royal Velvet - Culinary, essential oil + dried bouquets
• Folgate - Dried bouquets
• Melissa Lilac - Essential oil

What Lavender We Don't Grow

We grow lavender as a perennial plant, meaning we want it to survive the winter and return year after year.

We don't grow any "spike" or "Spanish" lavender as it does not survive Ontario winters. You'll often see these plants for sale at large box stores or nurseries. You can purchase and enjoy these plants as an annual, but don't bother trying to plant them in your garden - as they will die as soon as cold weather arrives.

Another cultivar, that some Ontario lavender farmers have luck with is Grosso. Sadly, Grosso doesn't survive on our farm. It is also a French-hybrid cultivar, but we've never been able to overwinter the plants due to our cold temperatures, winter wind + clay-loam soil.

Have any additional questions about what lavender does well in Zone 5b? Or which type of lavender is best for your garden? Comment below.

And, if you're keen to add new types of lavender to your own garden, we're now taking pre-orders for spring 2026 plants. 

xo,
Stephanie