When choosing lavender for the strongest outdoor scent, you're primarily looking for varieties that produce a high concentration of essential oils and release their fragrance effectively into the air. This generally points to two main types of lavender:
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Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia): These are hybrids, a cross between English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). They are typically larger plants, more vigorous, and produce a significantly higher yield of essential oil. Their scent is strong, often with a more pronounced camphorous (herbaceous, slightly medicinal, or "menthol-like") note, which many people associate with the classic, bold lavender scent used in products like soaps or cleaning supplies. Lavandins are excellent for filling a garden with fragrance and are widely grown commercially for essential oil production.
Top Lavandin varieties for strong outdoor scent:
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'Grosso': This is perhaps the most famous and widely planted lavandin for its exceptionally strong fragrance and high essential oil content. It's a robust grower with long flower spikes.
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'Provence': Another popular choice, known for its strong, classic lavender aroma, and often used in dried arrangements and sachets because it retains its scent so well.
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'Phenomenal': A newer, very resilient lavandin that also boasts a strong, pleasing fragrance, and is known for its tolerance to various climates.
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'Hidcote Giant': A large lavandin with very fragrant violet flowers.
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English Lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia): While English lavenders generally have a sweeter, more floral, and less camphorous scent than lavandins, many varieties are still very strongly scented and highly prized for their "true lavender" aroma. These are often preferred for culinary uses due to their lower camphor content. When planted in groups or or as hedges, their combined fragrance can be very noticeable outdoors.
Top English lavender varieties for strong outdoor scent:
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'Hidcote': A classic, very popular English lavender with a rich, sweet, and strong fragrance. Its compact habit makes it great for borders and pathways where its scent can be easily appreciated.
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'Munstead': Another highly fragrant English lavender, known for its sweet aroma and compact, bushy growth. Like 'Hidcote', it's excellent for mass plantings to amplify the scent.
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'Royal Velvet': Features deep purple flowers and a strong, sweet scent, making it excellent for both garden display and cutting.
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Which is "strongest" depends on your preference:
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If you define "strongest" as the most potent, robust, and noticeable aroma, often with a camphorous undertone, then Lavandins like 'Grosso' are generally considered to have the strongest outdoor scent. They are large plants that produce a lot of fragrant material.
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If you prefer a rich, sweet, pure floral lavender aroma (less camphorous), then English varieties like 'Hidcote' or 'Munstead' will deliver a powerful and delightful fragrance, especially when in full bloom and planted in quantity.
For maximizing outdoor scent, ensure the plants are in full sun and well-drained soil, as these conditions promote healthy growth and strong essential oil production.