Spanish Lavender - Lavandula stoechas

[charisstoma]

Spanish Lavender - Lavandula stoechas ‘Otto Quast’


This aromatic, silvery-gray herb is an outstanding
perennial in the xeriscape. Spanish lavender is
sometimes referred to as ‘rabbit ears’. The colorful "ears"
are actually sterile bracts. The Spanish lavender is the
best variety that thrives in our hot Texas summers.
English lavenders, Lavandula angustifolia wilt as the heat
of the summer approaches. This is one of the most
reliable bloomers in the Lavandula family, the rosy plumpurple
blooms appearing in mid spring and bloom
through early summer. However, prune back when it
finishes. The result will be an attractive, fragrant shrub
throughout the rest of the year. Plant this lavender in full
sun to part shade with a well-drained, sandy loam mix.
Spanish lavender forms a compact, dense shrub to about
2ft x 3ft with grayish-green 1in long leaves. This lavender
is hardy to about 15°F. The fragrance of this species is
kind of between a true lavender scent and a pungent
rosemary fragrance. It’s also a good substitute for
rosemary-which may be over used in some cases.

The antiseptic, piney fragrance of Spanish Lavender
makes it an exceptionally fragrant landscape plant but
not the first choice for use in cooking. English Lavenders,
both Lavandula angustifolias and Lavandula latifolia, are
preferred in the kitchen. French Lavender, Lavandula
dentata is not culinary lavender but used as sachet
fragrance. Spanish Lavender is often referred to in older
publications as French lavender.

Spanish Lavenders rangy shape and thicker flower heads
make a bolder statement than its less-rugged relatives. A
great filler for shrub beds, as edging or in a clump of
three to five. Cluster next to landscape boulders to make
them appear more natural or near columns and fence
posts to soften the transition. Spanish lavender can
withstand reflected light. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish
a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in
spring. For a formal appearance, it can be sheared after flowering.

Companion plants can include pink skullcap, rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’, salvia farinacea ‘Victoria’, or
damianita. Spanish Lavender is also loved by bees and butterflies. For added enjoyment, place this
lavender next to walkways so people can smell the clean aroma. Excellent in rock gardens and on
slopes.

Propagation:
Lavender may be propagated by cuttings or
seed. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring.

Interesting tidbits:
• From this lavender is extracted French Oil which is used for air fresheners, deodorants,
disinfectants, and insecticides.
• A facial wash from lavender flowers stimulates cell growth and helps against acne.
• Native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa, Spanish Lavender is probably what the
ancient Greeks and Romans used to scent their bath water. Hence, the word Lavender is from
Latin lavare (to wash).
http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.texasasla.org/resource/resmgr/docs/spanish_lavender.pdf

Buy: http://www.highcountrygardens.com/lavandula-stoechas-purple-ribbon

Comments

[mee-eep.livejournal.com]

I've always known that as French Lavender.
Tried growing it but it didn't take so bought two little starter pots to try it again this year *hopeful*

https://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/lavendercareandtips.htm

Didn't know you could get Yellow Lavender, except for the round cotton flower.