Someone who has grown Spanish lavender for years can tell you that these fragrant beauties are really interesting! One of the most common questions I get from other gardeners is about how big they are. I will tell you everything you need to know about how to grow Spanish lavender and make it grow to its full size.
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
Lavender from Spain is one of those plants that you get back what you put into it. It grows to be about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide on its own, but with the right care and conditions, it can reach its full size. Remember that these Mediterranean beauties do best with good drainage, lots of sun, and the right way to prune them!
Keep in mind that every garden is different, so the way your Spanish lavender grows may be a little different from the way mine does. But if you follow these tips, your plants will grow into beautiful, healthy big ones that will make your garden look great!
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 bugs can gather on the new growth of Spanish lavender and feed on its sap, which makes the leaves curl and warp. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: These bugs like it dry places and can make the leaves of Spanish lavender look stippled. 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 keep this from happening, put the plant in soil that drains well and only water it 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? This plant comes back every year. Sometimes it can live even longer than that if you take good care of it. Spanish lavender can live for many years if you do. If you take care of your Spanish lavender by pruning it after it flowers, making sure it has well-drained soil, enough sunlight, and some fertilizer every so often, it will live longer. Regularly checking for pests and diseases and taking care of any problems right away can also help the plant last longer.
- What’s wrong with my Spanish lavender? It could be dying for a number of reasons. It’s important to make sure the plant gets enough sun, since Spanish lavender grows best in full sun. Too much water can also cause root rot, so make sure the soil can drain well. Pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew and aphids, can also be a problem. Check the plant for any signs of infestation. You might be able to bring your Spanish lavender back to life by taking these things into account and changing how you care for it accordingly.
- Is Spanish Lavender poisonous? The Spanish lavender plant, Lavandula stoechas, is thought to be safe for people to use. If you have pets, you should know that cats and dogs can get sick if they eat a lot of Spanish lavender.
- How do you take care of Spanish Lavender? Spain lavender does best in full sun, so make sure it gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you don’t want your Spanish lavender to get root rot, plant it in soil that drains well. This plant does well in soil that is sandy or rocky. Give Spanish lavender a moderate amount of water and let the top inch of soil dry out in between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. If you want to grow Spanish lavender indoors, make sure it gets lots of sun and stays between 60°F and 85°F so it can grow well. Spanish lavender is hardy in USDA zones 8-9. In colder places, it might need to be protected from frost because it does best in warm places. In the spring, use a balanced fertilizer to lightly feed Spanish lavender to help it grow well. Don’t give your plants too much fertilizer; it can make them grow leggy and flower less.
- How to prune Spanish lavender? To prune Spanish lavender, first cut back any branches that are dead or damaged. Then, cut back the rest of the growth by one-third to encourage new growth and keep the plant’s shape. Don’t cut into old wood because it can stop the plant from making new flowers.
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).