Spanish lavender, French lavender
lavandula stoechas
Also known as: ["butterfly lavender","fairy lavender"]
Overview
A fragrant, evergreen shrub with distinctive winged bracts atop flower spikes, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","deer resistant","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Lavandula |
| Botanical Name: | Lavandula stoechas |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, herb gardens, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil with sand or gravel added for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after the first flush of flowers in late spring or early summer.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant’s height and width.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust for intense summer heat by providing partial afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot regions to prevent scorching. Place outdoors in spring/summer and indoors near a sunny window in winter if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid sudden light changes; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, alkaline soil with sand or gravel
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; use alkaline-enhancing amendments if needed.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, dry conditions. Reduce watering in cooler temperatures.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken from non-flowering shoots.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid environment with bright indirect light and good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems just above a leaf node or pair of leaves. Avoid cutting into old wood, as lavender resents hard pruning.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and promote flowering. Remove dead or woody stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Prune after flowering; cut just above foliage; remove dead stems; clean tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Use a fast-draining soil mix; gently tease out circling roots; place in a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Lavender prefers being slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage holes; trim roots if necessary; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or gravel to heavy soils; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dieback, especially in wet soil.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; ensure good drainage; move potted plants to a sheltered location or indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering if combined with inadequate water.
Solution: Water deeply during heatwaves; provide afternoon shade; increase air circulation to reduce humidity.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; cease in dormant season.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during active growth. Avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are more sensitive to essential oils and may exhibit mild toxicity symptoms if they ingest significant amounts of Lavandula stoechas. The plant can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and, in rare cases, skin irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume large amounts of Lavandula stoechas. The plant's essential oils can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicLavandula stoechas contains volatile oils that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested in significant amounts. The plant is generally considered safe for topical use and aromatherapy, but internal consumption should be limited.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prune Lavandula stoechas?
A: Prune in early spring by cutting back about one-third of the growth to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Q: Is Spanish lavender suitable for container gardening?
A: Yes, it thrives in well-draining containers and can be brought indoors during harsh winters.
Q: What are the uses of Lavandula stoechas?
A: It is used for its aromatic flowers in potpourri, culinary applications, and as a decorative plant in gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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