Do you want to add an eye-catching pop of color to your garden? Spanish Lavender is a beautiful flowering plant that is sure to turn heads.
But before you get started, youll want to know how big Spanish Lavender can get and what its sun, water, and pruning requirements are.
In this article, well cover all that and more, including the benefits of growing Spanish Lavender, how to plant it, common pests and diseases, and when and how often to water it.
Lets dive in and learn more about Spanish Lavender!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) typically grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches and a width of 12 to 24 inches, with a mounding shape.
The flower spikes are usually 6 to 8 inches long, and the fragrant foliage is gray-green and evergreen.
The plant blooms in the late spring and summer, with flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
Overview of Spanish Lavender
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a beautiful and fragrant flowering shrub native to the Mediterranean region.
It is one of the most popular garden plants due to its vibrant purple flower heads and its strong scent.
It is a member of the mint family and is known for its distinctive look, with its narrow grey-green leaves and long, slender stems that can reach up to 36 inches tall.
The plant typically grows to be between 24 to 36 inches tall and wide, making it a perfect choice for adding a pop of color to any garden.
It is also very drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for drier climates.
Its flowers are small, but they are abundant and very fragrant, and they can last up to three months in the summer.
It blooms in early spring with new growth appearing in late spring.
While Spanish Lavender doesn’t require much maintenance, it should be pruned in the spring and watered regularly during the growing season to ensure maximum flowering.
Pruning should be done to remove any dead or dying branches as well as to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth.
It should also be fertilized in the spring and midsummer to promote healthy growth.
Additionally, it should be planted in well-drained soil in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Benefits of Growing Spanish Lavender
Growing Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) in your garden can add a vibrant pop of color and a strong scent to your outdoor space.
Not only does this flowering shrub add beauty to your landscape, but it also has many practical benefits.
Spanish Lavender is incredibly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for drier climates, and it requires minimal maintenance.
Plus, its average height of 24 to 36 inches makes it a perfect choice for borders and walkways.
Spanish Lavender is also known for its medicinal properties.
It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammation, headaches, and skin conditions.
The plants essential oils can also be used as an insect repellent.
In addition to its practical benefits, Spanish Lavender also provides a strong visual impact.
Its vibrant purple flower heads and pleasant scent draw the eye and create a peaceful atmosphere.
The plant can also be used in a variety of ways, from dried flower arrangements to fresh-cut bouquets.
Finally, Spanish Lavender is easy to care for.
It should be pruned in the spring and watered regularly during the growing season to ensure maximum flowering.
With minimal effort, you can have a beautiful, fragrant addition to your garden that will last for years to come.
How to Plant Spanish Lavender
When it comes to planting Spanish Lavender, it is important to know that it needs lots of light and well-draining soil in order to thrive.
This means that you should avoid planting it in areas that are too shaded or that have heavy clay soils.
To ensure optimal growth, it is best to plant Spanish Lavender in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Additionally, it is important to prepare the soil before planting by digging a hole that is twice the size of the root ball of the plant.
Add compost or other organic matter to the soil to help retain moisture and provide nutrients to the plant.
When you are ready to plant, place the root ball into the hole and cover with soil.
Make sure to water the plant thoroughly after planting.
Water & Sun Requirements for Spanish Lavender
When it comes to watering and sun requirements for Spanish Lavender, there are a few things to consider.
Despite being drought-tolerant, the plant still needs a regular source of water to ensure optimal growth and flower production.
Generally, it should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and more often in particularly hot or dry conditions.
It is also important to note that too much water can actually be detrimental to the plant, so it is important to find a balance that works for your particular climate.
In terms of sun exposure, Spanish Lavender prefers to be planted in a sunny location.
It should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate some shade.
If the plant is not receiving enough sun, it may not flower as much or at all.
In addition, too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch and the flowers to fade, so it is important to find a spot with the right balance of sun and shade.
Pruning & Maintenance for Spanish Lavender
When it comes to pruning and maintenance for Spanish Lavender, it is important to keep in mind that the plant can become quite large if not regularly pruned.
To keep the plant looking its best, it is recommended to prune it in the spring and then again in the late summer.
In the spring, prune the plant back to the desired size and shape.
This will encourage new growth and help the plant fill in nicely.
In the late summer, prune the plant again to remove any dead or diseased branches and to keep the plant from becoming too large.
When it comes to watering Spanish Lavender, it is important to remember that the plant is very drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal water.
However, during the growing season, the plant should be watered regularly to ensure its health and flowering.
During the summer, it is best to water the plant deeply every few weeks.
Additionally, mulching the plant with a layer of organic material can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the amount of water needed.
Finally, Spanish Lavender can also benefit from an application of fertilizer in the spring.
Choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for flowering plants and be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Overall, with regular pruning and maintenance, Spanish Lavender can be a beautiful addition to any garden.
With its vibrant purple flower heads and strong scent, this flowering shrub is sure to bring a bit of beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.
When & How Often to Water Spanish Lavender
Watering Spanish lavender is an important part of keeping this beautiful and fragrant flowering shrub healthy and vibrant.
While Spanish lavender is fairly drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering during the growing season to ensure optimal flowering and growth.
The best time to water Spanish lavender is in the morning or evening, when temperatures are coolest and there is less evaporation.
Additionally, its important to water the plant deeply and infrequently; shallow, frequent watering can actually be detrimental to the health of Spanish lavender.
During the growing season, Spanish lavender should be watered every 5-7 days, depending on the weather conditions and how quickly the soil dries out.
If the soil is very dry, it may be necessary to water more frequently.
If the weather is particularly hot and dry, it may also be necessary to water more often.
Its also important to remember that Spanish lavender should not be watered too often, as this can lead to root rot.
As a general rule of thumb, Spanish lavender should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
If youre unsure, stick your finger in the soil and feel how dry it is; if its dry, its time to water.
Common Pests & Diseases of Spanish Lavender
Spanish Lavender may be a beautiful addition to any garden, but it is not immune to pests and diseases.
Some of the most common pests and diseases associated with Spanish Lavender include aphids, spider mites, and root rot.
Aphids, which are small sap-sucking insects, can cause damage to the leaves of the plant, as well as spread disease.
Spider mites, which are tiny spider-like creatures, can also cause damage to the leaves and can be difficult to control.
Root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil, can cause the plant to decline in health and even die.
In order to prevent and control pests and diseases, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and take the necessary steps to remove any infestations or signs of disease.
If aphids are present, their numbers can be reduced by spraying with a mild soap solution or rubbing alcohol.
Spider mites can be removed by hand or treated with an insecticide.
Root rot can be avoided by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not overwatered.
Additionally, Spanish Lavender should be pruned back in the spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
By taking the necessary steps to prevent and control pests and diseases, Spanish Lavender can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any garden.
With proper care, this flowering shrub can reach a height and width of 24 to 36 inches, adding a pop of color and fragrance to any outdoor space.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Spanish Lavender is a great option for adding a splash of color and fragrance to any garden.
Its low-maintenance requirements and drought-tolerant nature make it an ideal choice for drier climates.
With proper care and maintenance, Spanish Lavender can grow up to 36 inches tall and wide, and its vibrant purple flower heads will surely make an eye-catching addition to any garden.
So, if you’re looking for a hardy and fragrant flowering shrub, Spanish Lavender is the perfect choice!