Lavandula stoechas
Spanish lavender
Mediterranean region, including southern France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, northern Africa, Canary Islands, and MadeiraLearn more
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
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 bractsFoliage Description
Gray-green with dense short hairsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons