Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Common Spanish Lavender: The Classic Rabbit-Ear Lavender
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Common Spanish lavender is Lavandula stoechas in its species form, the lavender most people recognize by its rabbit ears: plump purple flower heads topped with upright, petal-like bracts. It grows into a compact plant about 24 inches tall and 16 inches wide, starts blooming in early May and reblooms freely.
Its fragrance is rated strong, a bold, resinous and herbal scent with camphor and eucalyptus-like notes. Very different from English lavender, and very good at announcing itself on a warm patio.
Common Spanish lavender at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula stoechas (species stock) |
| Group | Section Stoechas |
| Flower color | Purple, with showy bracts |
| Habit | Compact |
| Size | About 24 inches tall and 16 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early May, peaks early June, high rebloom |
| Fragrance | Strong; resinous, camphor and eucalyptus-like |
| Best use | Fragrance |
Species stock versus named cultivars
Many Spanish lavenders on the market are named cultivars selected for a particular color, size or habit. This listing is the species itself, sold as commercial stock, and traits can vary among source lines. You get the classic Spanish lavender look and scent, with a little natural variation from plant to plant. If you need a specific color such as pink or white, or an exact size for a matched pair of pots, choose a named cultivar instead.
Growing Spanish lavender in a cold climate
Spanish lavender does not need winter chill to flower, which is why it is such a popular spring and summer container plant in the north.
- Containers: a 10 to 12 inch pot with drainage holes and a gritty mix.
- Beds: plant after the last frost in full sun and fast-draining soil; enjoy it as an annual.
- Water: let the top inch or two dry between waterings. Pots dry faster in high summer.
- Feeding: very light. Rich soil means soft stems and fewer heads.
- Deadheading: clip each faded head at the first leaf pair to keep the reblooms coming.
Keeping it over winter
The listing does not give a hardiness range, and Spanish lavender is generally less cold-hardy than English lavender, so a West Michigan winter outdoors is not a safe bet. Bring pots in before a hard frost to a bright, cool room. Water sparingly and expect slower growth until spring. Move it back outside gradually after the last frost; the Frost Date Estimator helps with dates.
Uses in the home and garden
Spanish lavender is rated good for fresh and dried flowers and great for pollinators, and its early bloom gives bees a spring option. Cut heads when the bracts are colored and use them in small vases, or hang them to dry. Its oil rating is weak, so it is grown for fragrance and display rather than oil. Culinary use is not recommended.
It comes as a 3-inch plug, a 4-inch pot or a 1-gallon pot. See the product page for current sizes and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Spanish lavender smell different from English?
Spanish lavender is resinous and camphor-like, often with fenchone notes, while English lavender is sweeter and more floral.
Will it come back next year?
Not reliably outdoors in Michigan. Overwinter it inside or replant each spring.
Can I plant it with English lavender?
Yes. They like the same sun and drainage, and Spanish lavender blooms earlier, which extends the season.
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