As someone who’s been growing Spanish lavender for years, I can tell you that these aromatic beauties are absolutely fascinating! One of the most common questions I get from fellow gardeners is about their size. Let me break down everything you need to know about Spanish lavender’s growth and how to help it reach its full potential.
The Quick Answer
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) typically grows:
- Height: 24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
- Width: 24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
- Flower stalks: Extra 6-10 inches above foliage
Size Characteristics in Detail
I’ve noticed that Spanish lavender has this amazing mounding growth habit that makes it perfect for gardens. The plant grows from multiple woody stems at the base creating this gorgeous rounded, bushy appearance when it matures. What’s really cool is that it tends to grow wider than tall, giving it this nice balanced look in the garden.
Factors Affecting Size:
- Growing conditions
- Variety chosen
- Climate zone
- Care and maintenance
- Pruning practices
Popular Spanish Lavender Varieties and Their Sizes
Let me share some of my favorite varieties and their specific sizes
-
‘Anouk’
- Height: 24-30 inches
- Notable for: Deep violet-purple blooms
-
‘Bandera Pink’
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Perfect for: Containers and edges
-
‘Regal Splendour’
- Height: 24-36 inches
- Spread: 24-36 inches
-
‘Fathead’
- Height: 24-30 inches
- Known for: Dark purple flowers fading to pink
Growing Requirements for Maximum Size
Sunlight
Ya know what? These plants are total sun lovers! For best results:
- Minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- South-facing location preferred
- Avoid partial shade spots
Soil Requirements
Spanish lavender isn’t picky, but it does have some preferences:
- Well-draining soil
- Sandy or gravelly texture
- pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
- Avoid heavy clay soils
Spacing Guidelines
When planting multiple Spanish lavenders, here’s what I recommend:
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Allow for mature spread
- Consider air circulation needs
Care Tips for Optimal Growth
Watering
These plants are pretty drought-tolerant once established:
- Water deeply but infrequently
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Avoid overwatering (they hate wet feet!)
Pruning
Here’s my tried-and-true pruning schedule:
- First pruning: After first bloom flush (spring)
- Second pruning: Late summer after second bloom
- Trim about 1/3 of growth each time
- Never cut into woody base
Fertilizing
Keep it simple with fertilizing:
- Avoid over-feeding
- No regular fertilization needed
- Maybe a light bloom booster occasionally
Climate Considerations
Spanish lavender grows best in:
- USDA Zones 8-9
- Mediterranean-like climates
- Areas with mild winters
- Minimum temperature: 10-15°F
Common Problems Affecting Size
Sometimes your Spanish lavender might not reach its full size potential due to:
-
Poor Growth
- Insufficient sunlight
- Improper soil drainage
- Overcrowding
-
Stunted Size
- Over-fertilization
- Improper pruning
- Root rot from overwatering
Tips for Container Growing
Growing in containers? Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Choose pots 2-3 inches larger than root ball
- Ensure multiple drainage holes
- Use high-quality potting mix
- Consider slightly smaller mature size
Seasonal Growth Patterns
Spanish lavender typically shows:
- Active growth in spring
- First bloom flush in late spring
- Second bloom possibility in late summer
- Slower growth in winter
Practical Uses Based on Size
Given its mature size, Spanish lavender works great for:
- Border plantings
- Container gardens
- Low hedges
- Rock gardens
- Pollinator gardens
Winter Protection
To maintain size and health through winter:
- Apply mulch around base
- Protect from harsh winds
- Consider moving containers indoors
- Reduce watering frequency
Final Thoughts
From my experience, Spanish lavender is one of those plants that gives back what you put into it. While it naturally reaches about 2-3 feet in height and width, proper care and ideal conditions can help ensure it achieves its full potential. Just remember – good drainage, lots of sun, and proper pruning are your best friends when growing these Mediterranean beauties!
Remember, every garden is different, and your Spanish lavender might grow slightly differently than mine. But with these guidelines, you’re well on your way to growing healthy, full-sized plants that’ll make your garden shine!
Pests & Common Problems of Spanish Lavender
The Spanish Lavender is generally a pest-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to a few common problems, including:
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, affecting the plants overall health. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Aphids: These tiny insects can cluster on the new growth of Spanish lavender, sucking sap from the plant and causing leaves to curl and distort. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: These pests are common in dry conditions and can cause stippling on the leaves of Spanish lavender. Regularly misting the plant and keeping the humidity levels stable can help deter spider mites.
Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot in Spanish lavender. To prevent this issue, ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fungal Diseases: Spanish lavender is susceptible to various fungal diseases like Botrytis and Fusarium wilt, especially in humid conditions. To prevent fungal infections, avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation, and prune the plant to improve ventilation.
Browning of Leaves: Excessive exposure to intense sunlight can cause sunburn on Spanish lavender leaves, leading to browning and damage. Providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can help protect the plant from sunburn.
Drooping Leaves: Spanish lavender drooping leaves may be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage in the soil. To remedy this issue, allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure the plant is in a well-draining pot or garden bed.
By being proactive in monitoring pests, maintaining proper growing conditions, and addressing any issues promptly, you can help ensure that your Spanish lavender stays healthy and vibrant.
Key Takeaways
Overall, the Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant with striking blooms and a unique fragrance. Its compact size, butterfly-like bracts, and aromatic, evergreen foliage make it a standout in borders, containers, or Mediterranean-style landscapes. For optimal growth, plant it in full sun and well-draining soil, and water sparingly once established. Lavandula stoechas thrives in USDA zones 8-9, tolerating hot, dry conditions, and requires minimal pruning aside from deadheading spent blooms. With its ability to attract pollinators and provide year-round interest, Spanish Lavender is both an ornamental and ecological asset to any garden.
***HOW WE PREPARE YOUR PLANTS FOR SHIPPING***
Before sending your plants, we often trim the leafy parts and remove flowers or buds. This helps them survive shipping and adjust to transplanting better. Dont worry – these hardy plants have strong roots and should settle in quickly once planted.
If you plant in fall, you might not see much growth above ground at first. This is normal for perennials planted in autumn. They focus on developing a robust root system first. Youll enjoy well-established plants in the next growing season.
| Bloom Season | Late spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lavandula stoechas |
| Common Name | Spanish Lavender |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Flower Color | Purple, pink, white |
| Genus | Lavandula |
| Growth Habit | Bushy mound |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 8, 9 |
| Mature Size | 24 in. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Europe |
| Plant Type | Drought-tolerant, Perennial |
| Propagation | By stem cutting |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat tolerant, pest resistance, mild frost tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Specialized potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Long lasting blooms, easy to grow |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, mildly toxic for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- How long will Spanish lavender last?Spanish lavender is a perennial plant. When well cared for, Spanish lavender can live for several years, typically around 5 to 8 years or even longer in some cases. Proper maintenance, such as pruning after flowering, providing well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and occasional fertilization, can help extend the lifespan of Spanish lavender. Regularly monitoring for pests and diseases, as well as addressing any issues promptly, can also contribute to the longevity of the plant.
- Why is my Spanish lavender dying?There could be several reasons why it might be struggling. Its essential to check if the plant is getting enough sunlight, as Spanish lavender thrives in full sun. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, so make sure the soil has good drainage. Additionally, pests or diseases like powdery mildew or aphids can cause issues. Check the plant for any signs of infestation. By addressing these factors and adjusting care accordingly, you might be able to help revive your Spanish lavender.
- Is Spanish Lavender poisonous?The Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is considered safe for humans. If you have pets, its worth noting that Spanish lavender can be mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large amounts.
- How do you care for Spanish Lavender?
- Spanish lavender thrives in full sun, so its essential to place it in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Plant Spanish lavender in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, as it is susceptible to root rot. A sandy or rocky soil mix works well for this plant.
- Water Spanish lavender moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- If growing Spanish lavender indoors, ensure it receives plenty of sunlight and maintain a temperature range of around 60-85°F for optimal growth.
- Spanish lavender is hardy in USDA zones 8-9. It thrives in warm climates and may need protection from frost in colder regions.
- Fertilize Spanish lavender sparingly with a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
- How to prune Spanish lavender?To prune Spanish lavender, start by cutting back any dead or damaged branches. Then, trim back the remaining growth by one-third to promote new growth and maintain a compact shape. Avoid cutting into old wood as this can harm the plants ability to produce new blooms.
Tech Tip, Spanish Lavender
FAQ
How much does Spanish lavender spread?
| Hardiness | 6 – 11 What’s My Zone? |
|---|---|
| Spread | 2′ – 3′ (60cm – 90cm) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Where is the best place to plant Spanish lavender?
Spanish lavender is a good choice for gardens with alkaline soil and rock gardens with good drainage.Sep 24, 2021
Does Spanish lavender come back every year?
Yes, Spanish lavender is generally a perennial, meaning it comes back year after year, provided it’s grown in a suitable climate and receives proper care.
How tall and wide does Spanish lavender get?
Evergreen in warm winter climates, this Lavender typically grows in a bushy mound, up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).