Continuously Blooming Lavenders

While Lavender is usually regarded as a summer-blooming flower, some Lavender plants are early bloomers, with their magnificent blooms appearing early in spring. Others are late bloomers, with blooms opening up in midsummer and lasting until late summer.

Planting one of each in your garden will reward you with heavenly fragrance and attractive flower spikes from spring until late summer. Alternatively, you can choose a variety of Lavender which blooms almost continuously from spring to the end of the summer.

Fitting this description are Lavandula stoechas cultivars (Spanish Lavender), which produce several full flushes of flowers during the growing season, provided their flowers are cut after each flush.

What is Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)?

Spanish lavender, also known as Lavandula stoechas, is an exceptional plant cherished for its vibrant colors, unique bloom shape, and Mediterranean charm it brings to gardens.

• Description and Growth Habit: Spanish lavender features upright growth and typically reaches a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and a spread of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). Its foliage is evergreen, linear, and grey-green in color, adding an element of visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
• Flowers and Blooming Season: One of its standout features is the dense, dark purple, pinecone-shaped flowers that bloom as early as May (in areas with mild summers and winters), with another flush of blooms in June followed by another flush of color in late summer or fall. The blooms are topped with a tuft of lavender-colored bracts that look like rabbit ears, giving the plant a unique appearance.
• Hardiness: Spanish lavender is hardy and thrives in USDA Zones 8-9. It’s resistant to heat, drought, and wind, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes.
• Uses: This plant’s striking appearance and fragrant blooms make it perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy and perfumes.
• Pollinators: The rich nectar of Spanish lavender attracts many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The plant’s strong scent acts as a natural deterrent to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where these animals are common.
• Drought Tolerance: Its Mediterranean origin makes Spanish lavender highly drought-tolerant, ideal for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes.

Note: Bloom times highly depend on weather conditions. Spring may arrive sooner or later in your area than in California or New England. But the bloom sequence of Lavenders remains unchanged. Early blooming Lavenders will always be the first ones to show off in the garden, whether this is in May or June in your area.