French Lavender, Spanish Lavender, Butterfly Lavender
Spanish lavender is a common name for Lavandula stoechas, a species of lavender native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and France. It is also known by other common names such as French lavender, butterfly lavender, or topped lavender.
Appearance: Spanish lavender is a small, evergreen shrub with narrow, aromatic, soft gray-green leaves and dense, cone-shaped clusters of flowers at the top of each stem. The flowers are typically purple, although they can also be pink or white, and are topped with distinctive “rabbit ears” or bracts that resemble wings.
Blooming season: Among the earliest Lavenders to bloom, Spanish lavender boasts a fairly long blooming season from mid-spring to late summer. Flowering typically occurs as early as May (in areas with mild summers and winters), with another flush of lavender flowers in June, followed by another flush of color in late summer or fall.
Fragrance: Spanish lavender is known for its strong, sweet fragrance, which makes it a popular choice for use in perfumes, essential oils, and other aromatherapy products.
Height/spread: This lavender species typically grows in a bushy mound, up to 24-30 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
Heat/hardiness: This lavender loves hot weather but is more tender (Hardiness 8-9) than other lavenders.
Uses: Spanish lavender is commonly used in gardens and landscaping, as well as in cut flower arrangements. It is also used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties. Its silvery aromatic leaves are used extensively for essential oils or potpourris.
Pollinators: This lavender is an excellent plant for attracting pollinators to your garden. The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, making them an important food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Deer/rabbit: While lavender is not completely deer-proof, it is generally considered to be deer-resistant due to its strong fragrance and fuzzy leaves. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents or textures that they find unappealing, and this lavender has both of these qualities.
Here are some tips for growing beautiful lavender flowers:
Sunlight: Spanish lavender needs full sun to thrive. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: It prefers well-drained soil that is poor, light, and sandy. Excellent drainage and air circulation are essential, specifically in hot, humid climates.
Water: Spanish lavender is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.
Fertilizer: This plant does not require much fertilizer. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year, in the spring and fall.
Pruning: Prune Spanish lavender in late summer or early fall after the flowers have faded. Trim back the plant by one-third to one-half its size to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Winter protection: This lavender can be damaged by frost and cold temperatures. In colder climates, cover the plant with a layer of mulch or burlap to protect it from the cold.
Propagation: Spanish lavender can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. Cuttings are the easiest and most reliable method. Take cuttings in late summer or early fall, and root them in a well-draining potting mix.
Pests and diseases: Spanish lavender is generally resistant to pests and diseases, although it may be susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained soil. Be sure to water the plant sparingly and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can also lead to root rot.
Spanish lavender is a versatile and beautiful plant that can be used in a variety of garden designs. Here are some tips for incorporating lavender flowers into your garden:
Mass plantings: Create a stunning display of Spanish lavender by planting multiple plants together in a mass planting. This can create a beautiful, fragrant border or a striking focal point in the garden.
Mixed borders: Combine this lavender with other flowering plants to create a mixed border that is both beautiful and functional. Choose plants with contrasting colors and textures to create interest and variety.
Container gardening: Spanish lavender can also be grown in containers, making it a great choice for small gardens, patios, or balconies. Use a well-draining potting mix and place the container in a sunny location for best results. Find the best lavenders for pots and containers.
Cottage garden: Spanish lavender is a great choice for a cottage-style garden, with its fragrant flowers and informal growth habit. Combine it with other classic cottage garden plants like roses, peonies, and delphiniums for a charming, romantic look.
Mediterranean garden: Spanish lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and is a perfect fit for a Mediterranean-style garden. Combine it with other Mediterranean plants like rosemary, thyme, and sage for a garden that is both beautiful and functional.
No matter how you choose to incorporate Spanish lavender into your garden design, be sure to provide it with well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and moderate water. With proper care, this wonderful lavender can thrive and provide beauty and fragrance to your garden for years to come.
Hardiness |
6 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
8 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials, Shrubs |
Genus | Lavandula |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Edging, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Fabrizio Guarisco, Shutterstock
Hardiness |
6 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
8 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials, Shrubs |
Genus | Lavandula |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Edging, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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