I prefer good old fashioned lavandula angustifolia because its tough and reliable.

Calendula dentata because it has the strongest fragrance of all the lavender and blooms it's socks off without pausing for breath until well in Oct and sometimes Nov. However it's not winter hardy here.

Lavandula viridis but that is because I like to grow unusual plants (it has green flowers)

L. x heterophylla, because of its showy flowers, and heat tolerance.
Admitted, it may not winter over in London.

French lavender.... Stoechas, not hardy for me so short lived

Hidcote or Munstead would be my choice, hardy and reliable. I can understand the fascination with the French lavenders always look wonderful when first purchased at the garden centre but as Pam says, not hardy, short lived and I might add, not as delightful in subsequent years.

I have to agree with Cottagekarer. Have tried many others but all seem to last a few years only whereas Angustifolia
goes on for ever and the plants are always smothered in flowers. A large shrubby one loves its place against a wall.

I love them all, but Munstead is currently top of my list for its compact growth.

Sorry Resi Calendula isn't a lavender!

Chances are it's a typo, MG, though there is a Calendula dentata! :)

Blimming predictive text Mg , I typed in lavandula.... btw this time it came up as "tarantula" ?
I didn't know a calendula dentata existed Tb, learned something again.

I think I prefer calendula to tarantula ?
( its hiding its other legs ?)

Thanks everyone.

That's why I disabled the predictive text on my old phone, Resi. At least my new one gives me a choice!

Lavendula angustifolia for me too, for much the same reason as Karen's. I have four in my herb bed, which I replace when they eventually become too woody and leggy. They last for at least five years, though, produce loads of flowers and keep the bees happy well into Autumn.