Spanish Lavender

Lavandula stoechas

    Spanish Lavenders are hardy to zones 8-10 and have beautiful blossoms. These Lavenders have unusual blooms which are tufted and pineapple shaped in appearance with dark purple flower bracts accompanied by dark green leaves.

     Another name for Spanish Lavender is French Lavender or Italian Lavender because you can find Lavandula stoechas growing wild along the French countryside and also parts of Spain and Italy. You know it has to be good when everyone lays claim to it! These names refer to regions where it is most commonly growing and not actual plant varieties. See Kew Red Lavender which is a fuchsia red color variant of Spanish Lavender originating from the southern region of Spain.

    The two tufts at the top of Spanish Lavender blooms are actually sterile bracts and they are cute in that they resemble rabbit ears. Spanish Lavender is a heavy bloomer during the spring and needs to be cut back after flowering to maintain it's shape.  Under excellent conditions Spanish Lavender is a tall growing lovely plant.

                                          
   There are also color variants for Spanish Lavender. Lavandula viridis is a yellow Lavender variant and Lavandula stoechas var 'alba' has white blooms. The white version is native to Italy and some say it is not as showy as the purple.

     Spanish Lavender is a tender perennial in most regions and is best grown in a pot in full sun where you will be rewarded with an abundance of fragrant blooms.  Spanish Lavender lends a Mediterranean feel to outdoor patios and walkways and is extremely drought tolerant once established. They are an excellent choice when planning for a water conserving low maintenance landscape.