Spanish lavender is a bushy evergreen shrubs and native to the Mediterranean area. The pink to purple flowers of are produced in spring and early summer in terminal spikes on leafless stems that rise above the foliage. A cluster of larger bright lavender purple bracts emerges from the top of the flowering spike. The highly aromatic leaves are greyish green, hairy, and entire. They are long and narrow and usually grow downward. The stems are mostly upright and become woody with age. Spanish lavender is an excellent choice for borders as well as containers. Many cultivars are available but in some places such as parts of Australia L. stoechas has become weedy and choked out native plants.
Type: Evergreen shrub
Outstanding Features: Flowers
Form: Upright, dense mound
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom: Spikes of pink to purple flowers produced in terminal spikes on leafless stems in sping and early summer.
Size: 10-14″ H x 12-18″ W
Light: Full sun; some afternoon shade in very sunny climates
Soil: Average fertility, average to dry, alkaline; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness: Zones 8-9
Pests and Diseases: None of significance but suceptible to rots if climate hot and humid or plant is over-watered
Propagation: Seed, semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Outstanding Selection: ‘Willow Vale’
Karen Meyers