Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Willow Vale Lavender: Deep Violet Spanish Lavender with Height
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Willow Vale lavender is a Spanish lavender with some height to it. It grows about 31 inches tall and 20 inches wide, bushy and compact in habit, with gray-green leaves and flower heads in deep violet and reddish-purple. The scent is strong, bold and resinous, with the camphor and eucalyptus notes Spanish lavender is known for.
It is listed as Lavandula stoechas 'Willow Vale' and is rated for USDA zones 7a to 9b. In colder gardens, that height makes it a standout centerpiece for a large patio container.
Willow Vale at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula stoechas 'Willow Vale' |
| Flower color | Deep violet and reddish-purple |
| Foliage | Gray-green |
| Size | About 31 inches tall and 20 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early May, peaks late May, high rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 7a to 9b |
| Fragrance | Strong, resinous and herbal with camphor and eucalyptus-like notes |
| Best uses | Large containers, fragrance, pollinators, cut stems |
Making use of its height
Most Spanish lavenders stay knee-high or lower. At around 31 inches, Willow Vale can be the tall element of a container planting rather than the filler. Try it in the center of a big pot with low, trailing herbs spilling over the edge, or as a pair of tall planters flanking a sunny doorway. In zone 7 and warmer, it works at the middle or back of a dry, sunny border.
The deep violet and reddish-purple tones look rich against light stone, gray containers and silver foliage. Bees rate it great; deer usually skip it.
Container care
- Size: a pot at least 14 to 16 inches wide and fairly deep, to balance the plant's height.
- Weight: a heavier clay or stone pot is less likely to tip in wind than a light plastic one.
- Mix: fast-draining potting soil with plenty of grit or perlite.
- Water: water deeply, then let the top inch or two dry. Low water needs once established.
- Feeding: a light spring feeding is enough.
Deadheading and pruning
Spanish lavender does not need a winter chill and blooms on new growth. Willow Vale has a high rebloom rating, so cut spent heads back to the leafy growth after each wave. A taller plant can get leggy, so after the spring flush, trim the whole plant lightly to keep it bushy. Stay in the green growth; bare wood resprouts slowly.
Winter protection
Below zone 7, move the pot to a bright, cool, frost-free space before a hard freeze. An enclosed sunny porch or a cool room with a big window works. Water sparingly until spring and move it outside after your last frost. If the plant is too big to move easily, set the pot on a wheeled caddy at planting time; future you will be grateful.
Cutting
Willow Vale is rated good for cut flowers and large bundles. Stems are on the short side for a Spanish lavender of this height, but they make a nice dark accent in a small mixed arrangement. Drying is rated fair. It is an ornamental lavender and is not recommended for cooking.
Choosing a plant size
It is offered as 3-inch plugs, 4-inch pots and 1-gallon pots. For a big container this season, start with a gallon pot. See the product page for current sizes and availability, and use Notify Me there if a size is not ready.
Frequently asked questions
How tall does Willow Vale get?
About 31 inches tall and 20 inches wide, taller than most Spanish lavenders.
Is it hardy in Michigan?
It is rated for zones 7a to 9b, so it needs winter protection in most Michigan gardens.
Is Willow Vale different from Willow Vale Mauve?
Yes. They are listed separately: Willow Vale as a Lavandula stoechas and Willow Vale Mauve as a Lavandula pedunculata.
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