Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Violeta Purple XL Lavender: Spanish Lavender from Spring to Fall
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Violeta Purple XL lavender is a Spanish lavender with a long attention span. Its bloom window is documented from early spring through late spring, summer and into fall, with the first flowers in mid-April in mild climates and a peak in early May. It grows upright, about 20 inches tall and 16 inches wide, with silver foliage and purple flower heads.
It is a Lavandula stoechas in the Violeta series, rated for USDA zones 7a to 9a, with a strong, bold, resinous fragrance typical of Spanish lavender.
Violeta Purple XL at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula stoechas Violeta Purple XL |
| Flower color | Purple |
| Foliage | Silver |
| Size | About 20 inches tall and 16 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts mid-April in mild climates, peaks early May, repeats into fall; high rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 7a to 9a |
| Fragrance | Strong, resinous and herbal with camphor and eucalyptus-like notes |
| Best uses | Fragrance, containers, pollinators, fresh stems |
XL or regular?
The Violeta series includes both Violeta Purple and Violeta Purple XL. Based on their listings, the XL grows a little taller (about 20 inches versus about 16) and carries silver rather than gray-green foliage. If you want a bit more height in a container or more silver in a planting, the XL is the one; for a smaller pot, the regular version fits better.
Where to grow it
In zone 7 and warmer, plant it in a sunny, well-drained bed, a gravel garden or along a dry walk. In colder regions, it belongs in a container you can move: a tall pot by the door, a pair of planters on a deck, or a mixed container with other drought-tolerant sun lovers. The silver foliage looks sharp against dark pots and brick.
Its upright, narrow shape is handy for containers because it adds height without sprawling. Bees love it, with a great pollinator rating, and deer generally avoid it.
Care for a long season
- Light: full sun. More sun means more flowers and tighter growth.
- Soil: gritty, fast-draining mix in pots; sandy or gravelly soil in the ground.
- Water: water deeply and let the top inch or two dry. Low water needs once established.
- Deadheading: clip faded heads back to leafy growth each time a wave finishes. That is what keeps blooms coming into fall.
- Shaping: a light trim after the spring flush keeps it upright and full. Avoid cutting into bare wood.
Winter in cold climates
Below zone 7, bring the pot indoors before a hard freeze. A bright, cool, frost-free room or an enclosed sunny porch works best. Water sparingly until spring, then move it back outside after your last frost. The Frost Date Estimator helps with timing.
Cutting and scent
Violeta Purple XL is rated good for cut flowers and large bundles, so a healthy plant gives plenty of stems for small arrangements. Drying is rated fair. Its bold, camphor-forward scent is great on a warm patio but not suited to sweet sachets or cooking; Spanish lavender is grown as an ornamental.
Choosing a plant size
It is offered as 3-inch plugs, 4-inch pots and 1-gallon pots. See the product page for current sizes and availability, and use Notify Me there if a size is not ready.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Violeta Purple and Violeta Purple XL?
By their listings, the XL is a little taller and has silver foliage, while Violeta Purple is a bit smaller with gray-green leaves.
Can it stay outside in Michigan?
No. It is rated for zones 7a to 9a. Grow it in a pot and protect it from hard frost.
How long does it bloom?
Its documented bloom runs from spring into fall in warm conditions. Deadheading keeps it going.
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