Lavandula stoechas

Common Names

Spanish Lavender, French Lavender, Butterfly Lavender, Topped Lavender, Bract Lavender

Summary

Spanish lavender is a Mediterranean evergreen subshrub native to the Mediterranean Basin, growing 0.3–0.9 m tall with grey-green, highly fragrant foliage. It forms a compact to upright habit with long flower spikes topped by tufted bracts resembling rabbit ears, and blossoms in purple, pink, or white depending on cultivar, accompanied by a strong fragrance.

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought- and wind-tolerant. Water established plants sparingly; in prolonged hot weather, water every 2–3 days, especially in pots. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and density; propagate by seed or cuttings. Uses include informal hedges, mixed borders, herb gardens, and containers; essential oils, potpourri, and dried arrangements; attracts pollinators; deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun and partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, preferably alkaline or neutral to alkaline, with a sandy, loamy, or rocky texture

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.5-6.5, acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Purple (also pink or white)

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Gray-green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Medium growth rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds