Lavandula stoechas, Spanish lavender
Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Lavandula stoechas

Spanish lavender

Lamiaceae

Mediterranean region, including southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, northern Africa, Canary Islands, and Madeira

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height18-36 inches (45-90 cm)
Width18-36 inches (45-90 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

An aromatic evergreen shrub forming a dense, rounded mound 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) tall and 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) wide. Growth rate is moderate; plants reach full size within 2-3 years from transplant. Leaves are opposite, narrow, linear, 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm) long, gray-green with dense short hairs and a more camphoraceous scent than L. angustifolia. Stems are square in cross-section, becoming woody and gray at the base. Flower heads are distinctive: ovoid to cylindrical spikes 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, densely packed with small dark purple tubular flowers, topped by 2-4 showy sterile bracts ("rabbit ears") that extend 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm) above the spike in purple, pink, or white. Bloom begins earlier than L. angustifolia, often starting in April in mild climates, and may continue intermittently through fall with deadheading. Less cold-hardy than L. angustifolia; foliage damage occurs below 15°F (-9°C) and plants are killed outright at temperatures below 5°F (-15°C). In zones 9-10, plants may bloom nearly year-round. Lifespan is typically 3-5 years; plants become woody and open with age. Root rot is the primary cause of death in poorly drained soils. The camphoraceous foliage is less desirable for culinary use than L. angustifolia but is used in sachets and potpourri.

Native Range

Native to the Mediterranean region, including southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and northern Africa. Found on dry, rocky, acidic to neutral soils in open scrubland, garrigue, and maquis habitats from sea level to approximately 2,600 feet (800 m) elevation. Also native to the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in Mediterranean-style gardens, rock gardens, and mixed borders at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing. Low informal hedges are planted at 15-18 inch (38-45 cm) spacing. Suitable for containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) with fast-draining potting mix; container culture allows overwintering indoors in zones colder than 7. Tolerates coastal conditions including salt spray.

How to Identify

Immediately distinguished from other lavender species by its distinctive flower heads: ovoid spikes topped with 2-4 elongated sterile bracts ("rabbit ears" or "butterfly wings") that extend 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm) above the densely packed flower spike. Foliage is gray-green and narrowly linear, similar to L. angustifolia but with a more camphoraceous rather than sweet floral scent when crushed. The overall plant habit is typically broader and more open than L. angustifolia.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple
pink
white

Foliage Colors

gray
green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks
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SpringSummer
April through June in zones 8-10, with intermittent rebloom through October if deadheaded regularly. In zones 7, bloom begins in May and extends through July. Individual flower heads remain colorful for 3-4 weeks; total bloom period extends 6-10 weeks in the initial flush. Plants in zones 9-10 may produce flowers intermittently through mild winters.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Dark purple with purple, pink, or white sterile bracts

Foliage Description

Gray-green with dense short hairs

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
sandloamchalkrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil; this species is less tolerant of winter wet than L. angustifolia and requires raised beds or amended soil in areas with heavy clay. Water sparingly after establishment—approximately every 2-3 weeks during summer dry periods. Avoid overhead irrigation, which promotes foliar disease. Apply gravel or crushed rock mulch around the crown rather than organic mulch to prevent moisture retention. No supplemental fertilization is needed in average soils; excess nitrogen promotes soft growth susceptible to cold damage and reduces flowering. In zone 7, provide winter protection with a layer of horticultural fleece during sustained freezes below 15°F (-9°C).

Pruning

Prune in mid-spring (April) after new growth is visible, cutting back the previous year's growth by one-third to one-half; do not cut into bare, woody stems as regrowth from old wood is unreliable. Deadhead spent flower spikes throughout the blooming season by cutting stalks back to the foliage mound to encourage continuous rebloom. A light shearing after the main bloom flush promotes a compact, dense habit. Replace plants that have become severely woody with open, bare centers, typically after 3-5 years.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic