Spanish Lavender

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 18-24 inches
Spread: 18-24 inches
Flower Color: deep purple
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) – Fragrant, Drought-Tolerant Perennial for Arizona Gardens

Enhance your Phoenix Valley garden with the elegant Spanish Lavender, a Mediterranean native known for its unique blooms and aromatic qualities. Scientifically referred to as Lavandula stoechas, this perennial herb brings both visual charm and a soothing fragrance to landscapes, thriving in Arizona’s hot and dry climate. With its butterfly-like bracts atop deep purple flower spikes, Spanish Lavender adds a whimsical touch to xeriscapes, sensory gardens, and rock gardens alike.

Distinctive Features of Spanish Lavender

Spanish Lavender grows into a compact, bushy mound with a height and spread of approximately 1 to 2 feet, ideal for various landscape uses. Its flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, displaying deep purple flower spikes topped with petal-like bracts in lighter shades of purple or pink, resembling delicate butterfly wings. This unusual floral structure makes Spanish Lavender a standout plant that enhances both traditional and modern garden designs.

The gray-green, narrow foliage is also aromatic, releasing a pleasant lavender scent when touched or brushed against, adding sensory appeal to garden pathways or seating areas. Spanish Lavender’s fragrant leaves and striking blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity while adding seasonal beauty to the landscape.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Spanish Lavender is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water to thrive in well-drained soil. This resilience makes it a perfect choice for xeriscaping, sustainable gardens, and other water-wise landscaping projects in Phoenix Valley. By choosing Spanish Lavender, gardeners can enjoy vibrant color and fragrance while conserving water, aligning with eco-conscious gardening practices essential for Arizona’s climate.

Versatile Uses for Spanish Lavender in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Borders and Edging: Spanish Lavender’s compact growth habit and unique blooms make it an attractive border plant, providing color and fragrance along pathways, beds, and garden edges.

• Herb and Sensory Gardens: Its Mediterranean heritage and aromatic foliage make Spanish Lavender a lovely addition to herb gardens, where its scent can be enjoyed by passersby.

• Rock Gardens and Xeriscapes: Spanish Lavender thrives in dry, well-drained soils, making it ideal for rock gardens and xeriscapes where other plants may struggle.

• Container Gardens for Patios and Balconies: Its manageable size and aesthetic appeal make Spanish Lavender perfect for container gardening, bringing color and fragrance to patios, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces.

Care Tips for Growing Spanish Lavender in Phoenix Valley

For optimal growth, plant Spanish Lavender in full sun with well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Although drought-tolerant, it benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods, particularly in the hottest months. Prune lightly after the blooming period to maintain shape, encourage new growth, and stimulate a potential second bloom. With minimal maintenance needs, Spanish Lavender is ideal for busy gardeners seeking lasting beauty and fragrance with little upkeep.

Why Spanish Lavender is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Spanish Lavender offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a low-maintenance, drought-resistant plant that provides year-round color, fragrance, and ecological benefits. Its unique blooms, reminiscent of butterfly wings, create an eye-catching focal point, while its fragrant foliage supports sensory experiences in the garden. Whether used in borders, herb gardens, rock gardens, or containers, Spanish Lavender brings Mediterranean charm, durability, and beauty to Arizona landscapes. For a water-wise, visually appealing addition that supports local pollinators, Spanish Lavender is an exceptional choice.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Spanish Lavender

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and vibrant blooms)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart for a compact growth habit
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Spanish Lavender is a self-supporting perennial that requires no staking and grows in a compact, bushy form with purple flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Spanish Lavender is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks