Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Lavandula stoechas or Spanish lavender

The genus Lavandula, family Lamiaceae, includes about 60 species of subshrub plants native to the Azores and Canary Islands, Asia, and the Mediterranean basin. Some species are: Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula dentata, Lavandula lanata, Lavandula spica, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula x intermedia.

Common names: Spanish lavender, French lavender, Topped lavender. This species is native to southern Europe.

They are small compact evergreen shrubs that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The hairy, erect narrow leaves are grayish-green, turning silvery in direct sun. The scented and showy purple flowers appear in spikes above the leaves.

Spanish lavender is used in rockeries, borders, along walls and in pots for patios and terraces. It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Lavandula stoechas needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. It resists occasional frosts down to -3 ºC (26.6 ºF).

The soil can be a normal garden soil with 20% coarse sand and a little organic matter.

Water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry. Topped lavender resists drought well.

Fertilize with a little compost at the end of winter.

Lightly prune the branches after flowering to maintain a compact habit.

Lavandula stoechas is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to the accumulation of water in the roots.

Spanish lavender is propagated from seeds sown in late winter or early spring and by cuttings.

Images of the shrub Lavandula stoechas or Spanish lavender