Spanish lavender, also known as Lavandula stoechas, is one of the most vibrant and eye-catching lavender varieties. With its distinctive fat flower spikes topped with colorfully winged bracts, Spanish lavender adds a dramatic pop of color and irresistible fragrance to gardens and landscapes
But before planting this Mediterranean native, it’s helpful to understand exactly how big Spanish lavender gets, along with other key growing requirements.
In this complete growing guide. you’ll learn all about Spanish lavender. including
- Its mature size and growth habit
- The best planting conditions
- Care and maintenance needs
- Varieties to choose from
- How to harvest Spanish lavender
So if you’re considering adding this showy lavender to your garden, read on to get the complete scoop on how big Spanish lavender gets and how to grow it successfully.
How Big Does Spanish Lavender Get?
One of the first things to understand about Spanish lavender is its mature size. This helps ensure you have enough space for it to reach its full potential.
On average, Spanish lavender grows to be 24 to 36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and wide when grown in ideal conditions. However, some varieties may remain shorter while others can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) high and wide at maturity.
Spanish lavender has a mounding growth habit, with multiple woody stems arising from the base. It tends to grow wider than tall, with a nicely rounded, bushy appearance when mature.
The flower stalks emerge above the foliage, typically reaching 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm) long. The blooms themselves are fairly small, but massed together on each stalk for big visual impact.
Growing Conditions for Spanish Lavender
To enjoy Spanish lavender at its best, it’s key to provide suitable growing conditions. Here’s what this Mediterranean native requires:
Sun Exposure
Like most lavenders, Spanish lavender thrives in full sun. It should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily for the best flowering and strongest growth. Insufficient sunlight can result in weak, sparse growth and reduced bloom.
Soil Needs
Spanish lavender prefers lean, sandy or gravelly soil that drains quickly. Avoid planting in heavy clay soil or areas that collect standing water after rains. Amending dense soil with sand or small gravel creates better drainage.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Most Spanish lavender varieties grow best in USDA Zones 7 to 10. However, there are some cultivars suitable for Zone 6. In marginally hardy climates, plant in a protected, south-facing spot.
Spacing
When planting multiple lavender plants, space them 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart to allow for mature growth. Do not crowd them.
With the proper growing conditions met, Spanish lavender will thrive and reach its full size potential. Next, let’s go over care and maintenance.
Caring for Spanish Lavender Plants
Spanish lavender is relatively easy care once established. Here are the key things to provide:
-
Watering: Drought tolerant, but needs occasional deep soakings during summer dry spells. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
-
Fertilizer: Avoid over-feeding, as Spanish lavender thrives in lean soil. At most, use a diluted bloom-boosting fertilizer occasionally.
-
Pruning: Clip back flower stalks after bloom finishes. Shape and trim as needed in spring and fall to keep compact. Avoid shearing into woody base.
-
Winter care: Protect from harsh winter conditions. Apply winter mulch in cold climates. Can treat as an annual and replace plants each year where not winter hardy.
With proper care, Spanish lavender will thrive for years, re-blooming each summer. Just be sure not to overwater and avoid excessive winter chill.
Best Varieties of Spanish Lavender
There are several stunning Spanish lavender varieties to choose from. Here are some of the best for landscapes and gardens:
-
‘Anouk’ – Deep violet-purple blooms with pale purple bracts. Long bloom season.
-
‘Madrid Blue’ – Vivid bi-colored flowers with dark purple and white bracts.
-
‘Ballerina’ – Prolific bloomer with feathery white bracts over purple flowers.
-
‘Bandera Pink’ – Soft pink blooms and bracts on a compact 10-12 inch plant. Ideal for edges and containers.
No matter which you choose, Spanish lavender’s unique beauty and fragrance make it a standout!
Harvesting Spanish Lavender
The fragrant flower spikes of Spanish lavender are perfect for cutting to add to bouquets or for drying.
For best results, harvest the stems when flowers are just starting to open. Cut the stems long, leaving plenty of foliage. Freshly cut lavender blooms will last 1-2 weeks in a vase.
To dry the flowers, gather stems into small bundles and hang upside down in a warm, dry spot out of direct light. The dried blooms and bracts retain their color and fragrance beautifully.
And there you have the complete scoop on these ornamental beauties! With its compact rounded form and fabulous flower spikes, Spanish lavender is one of the showiest lavenders for warm climate gardens. Just be sure to give it full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal watering once established for best results.
Plant Spanish Lavender
FAQ
Does Spanish lavender come back every year?
How much does Spanish lavender spread?
|
Hardiness
|
8 – 9
|
|
Exposure
|
Full Sun
|
|
Seasons
|
Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Late)
|
|
Height
|
2′ – 3′ (60cm – 90cm)
|
|
Spread
|
2′ – 3′ (60cm – 90cm)
|
Should Spanish lavender be cut back?
How tall does Spanish lavender grow?
Spanish lavender is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height between 30 and 100 centimeters, depending on the subspecies. The Lavandula stoechas luisieri can achieve a height up to 2 meters. Spanish lavenders are characterized by their silvery green leaves that measure 1 to 4 centimeters long.
What do Spanish lavender flowers look like?
The Spanish lavender, in particular, stands out for its beautiful pineapple-shaped bluish-purple blossoms with colorful bracts. The bracts resemble “bunny ears” and emerge from within the flower spikes. Spanish lavender plants can turn your home garden into a spectacular beauty when in bloom.
How long does it take to grow Spanish lavender?
Germination should occur in about two weeks. Keep the seedlings in a sunny location. When seedlings are big enough to handle, transfer them to their own pots or plant in the garden in the spring. Spanish lavender grows very well in containers. When choosing a container, be sure it has multiple drainage holes and drains water freely.
How to grow Spanish lavender in winter?
The plants require at least six hours of direct sunshine every day, and even longer during their flowering stages. If growing Spanish lavender in colder climates, you may have to winter-protect them. You can do that by covering the plants with a mulch of straw to insulate them from cold. Alternatively, you could grow the plants in a pot.
Is there a Spanish lavender?
When you think of lavender, it is probably English and French lavender that comes to mind. Did you know though there is also a Spanish lavender? Spanish lavender plants can give you the same aroma and delicate flowers as the English variety, but they are better able to tolerate hot climates.
Is Spanish lavender a winter hardy plant?
Since the Spanish Lavender is not a winter hardy plant, it should be planted as a container or balcony plant.