Lavandula stoechas ‘Silver Anouk’ (Spanish Lavender)

Lavandula stoechas ‘Silver Anouk,’ also known as Spanish lavender or butterfly lavender, is a distinctive and elegant variety that stands out for its unique flower structure and aromatic qualities. This plant has garnered admiration from gardeners and landscapers alike for its decorative and practical attributes, blending seamlessly into various garden designs while offering a myriad of uses.

Spanish Lavender – Silver Anouk: An In-depth Look

‘Silver Anouk’ is a standout variety of Lavandula stoechas with striking silver foliage and deep purple flowers, each topped with delicate, butterfly-like, lighter purple bracts. This contrast creates a visually arresting display in the garden, making it a favorite among those seeking to add a touch of sophistication and color to their outdoor spaces.

Native: Lavandula stoechas, the species from which ‘Silver Anouk’ originates, is native to the Mediterranean region. Lavender belongs to the mint, deadnettle, or sage family, Lamiaceae.

Plant Type and Habit: This shrub grows with a compact, bushy habit. Its growth pattern is characterized by a rounded, mounded form that lends itself well to structured garden designs, including formal borders, herb gardens, and more casual, naturalistic settings.

Size: Typically, ‘Silver Anouk’ lavender reaches a modest height of 14 to 18 inches (35-45 cm) and spreads to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm). This size makes it particularly versatile for various garden applications, from mass plantings to container gardening, where its compact size can be fully appreciated.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Silver Anouk’ are its most notable feature. Deep purple flowers emerge in dense spikes, each topped with distinctive, lighter purple bracts that resemble butterflies perched atop the flower head. This Spanish Lavender blooms almost continuously from mid-late spring to late summer.

Foliage: The foliage is a striking silver-green, lending the plant a luminous quality even when not in bloom. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and highly aromatic, contributing to the plant’s sensory appeal both visually and olfactorily.

Hardiness: This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 6-9, making it a resilient choice for a variety of climates.

Uses: Lavandula stoechas ‘Silver Anouk’ is prized for its ornamental beauty, aromatic foliage, and flowers. It is commonly used in gardens for hedging, borders, and container planting, where its compact size and striking appearance can be showcased.

Wildlife: The flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

Deer and Rabbits: Lavender is deer and rabbit resistant, owing to its fragrant foliage, making it an excellent choice for gardens plagued by these pests.

Drought Tolerance: This lavender is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and thriving in dry conditions.

Toxicity: Lavender contains compounds toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested in large quantities, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. Use caution around pets.

Invasiveness: Spanish lavender is not considered invasive. It grows well where planted without spreading aggressively.

How to Grow and Care for Spanish Lavender

Light: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily).

Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Excellent drainage and air circulation are essential, specifically in hot, humid climates. Lavender tolerates dry soils.

Water: Allow soil to dry out between watering. Established plants are drought-tolerant.

Fertilizer: Minimal fertilization is needed. Apply a light, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, if at all.

Pruning: Prune after the first flush of blooms to encourage a second bloom and maintain shape. Cut back in late summer or fall to prevent woodiness.

Propagation: Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or by softwood cuttings of new growth in early summer

Spanish Lavender – Pests, Diseases, and Common Problems

Spanish Lavender is relatively low-maintenance but can encounter some pests, diseases, and common problems

Pests

• Aphids: These insects can cause curling and distortion of the leaves and stems, as well as the production of sticky honeydew.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, as well as the formation of webbing.
• Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, sap-sucking insects often found on the undersides of leaves, where they feed on plant sap and excrete sticky honeydew.
• Thrips: These insects feed on the plant’s flowers, causing them to become deformed and discolored.

Diseases

• Septoria leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause small, dark spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause them to turn yellow and drop off.
• Root rot: Overwatering and poorly-draining soil can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can create a powdery white coating on the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off.

Common Problems

Woody Growth: Lavender becomes woody with age. Regular pruning can delay this, but plants may need replacing every few years.
Insufficient Blooming: Often due to too much nitrogen or insufficient sunlight. Ensure full sun and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Legginess: Caused by inadequate light. Plant in a location that receives full sun to promote compact growth.