When choosing lavender for the strongest-smelling variety, especially for beginners, it's helpful to know there are two main types known for their fragrance, each with a slightly different scent:
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Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia): These are hybrid lavenders. They are known for having a very strong, robust scent that often includes a noticeable camphorous (herbaceous, slightly medicinal) note. If you think of that bold, classic "lavender" smell often found in essential oils or cleaning products, this is typically what you're smelling. Lavandins tend to grow into larger, more vigorous plants, which makes them quite easy for beginners to manage once they are established.
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Recommended Lavandin for Strongest Scent (Beginner-Friendly):
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'Grosso': This is one of the most famous and widely grown lavandins. It produces long, thick flower spikes with an exceptionally strong, clean, and camphorous fragrance. It's a robust plant that's generally easy to grow and yields a large amount of fragrant flowers.
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English Lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia): These varieties usually have a sweeter, more purely floral, and less camphorous scent. Many people prefer this aroma for culinary uses or for a softer, more traditional lavender smell. English lavenders are generally smaller plants than lavandins, but many are still very fragrant and are widely available, making them a good choice for beginners.
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Recommended English Lavenders for Strong Scent (Beginner-Friendly):
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'Hidcote': A classic English lavender known for its rich, sweet, and strong fragrance, along with beautiful deep purple flowers. Its compact size makes it manageable for beginners, whether in garden beds or larger pots.
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'Munstead': Another very popular and reliable English lavender. It offers a sweet, strong aroma and grows in a compact, bushy shape. It's quite hardy and easy for beginners to grow.
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So, if you're a beginner trying to decide which smells strongest:
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For the most potent, robust, and camphorous (bold, classic "lavender" smell), 'Grosso' is typically the top recommendation. It's very vigorous and produces abundant fragrant flowers.
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If you prefer a strong but sweeter, more purely floral scent, then 'Hidcote' or 'Munstead' English lavenders are excellent choices that are also very forgiving for new gardeners.
Important Tips for Beginners to Maximize Lavender Scent:
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Plenty of Sun: Lavender needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day to produce strong essential oils and healthy blooms.
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Excellent Drainage: This is absolutely essential for lavender. Its roots will rot if they sit in soggy soil. Make sure your soil drains very well. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in plenty of sand or grit when planting. If using a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
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Don't Overwater: Once established, lavender prefers drier conditions. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
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Prune Regularly: Learning to prune is key! Pruning your lavender after it flowers helps keep the plant bushy, healthy, and encourages it to produce even more fragrant blooms the next season. Without regular pruning, lavender can become woody and produce fewer flowers over time.