The Spanish lavender, botanically known as Lavandula stoechas, is a fragrant evergreen subshrub native to the Mediterranean region. This variety is easily recognizable by its unique flower spikes, which are topped with showy, petal-like purple or pink bracts often nicknamed “rabbit ears” or “butterfly wings.” Determining how large a Spanish lavender plant will ultimately grow depends on a combination of its genetic makeup and the environment in which it is cultivated. This natural variability means the plant’s mature size is best described as a broad range.
Standard Mature Dimensions
A typical, mature Spanish lavender plant grown in the ground forms a compact, mounding shrub. The standard size for the species falls between 18 and 30 inches tall, with a similar spread of 18 to 36 inches wide. This bushy growth habit makes it well-suited for low hedges, borders, or container planting. The plant establishes relatively quickly, often reaching its mature size within two to three years.
The overall shape is usually a rounded mound, with the silvery-green foliage providing year-round structure in warmer climates. While the plant’s height and spread are often roughly equal, some varieties may spread slightly wider than they are tall, creating a dense, hemispherical form. Individual flower spikes will extend several inches above the foliage, adding temporary height during the long blooming season.
Environmental and Varietal Influences on Size
The final dimensions of a Spanish lavender plant depend on its surroundings and the specific cultivar planted. The species requires a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun daily to maintain a dense, compact habit. Plants grown in less light often become “leggy,” stretching out, which results in a taller, weaker, and less full appearance. Soil composition also plays a role, since the plant thrives in poor, rocky, and extremely well-draining soil.
Excessively rich soil or the use of nitrogen-heavy fertilizers can encourage rapid but weaker vegetative growth, leading to a larger, more sprawling plant with fewer flowers. The size is also genetically controlled, varying significantly across different cultivars. For instance, dwarf varieties such as ‘Lutsko’s Dwarf’ or ‘Curly Top’ are intentionally bred to remain small, maturing at just 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, making them ideal for small spaces or pots. Larger selections, like ‘Ann’s Purple’ or ‘Anouk,’ may consistently reach the upper end of the spectrum, growing up to 30 inches in all directions.
Pruning Techniques for Size Management
Consistent pruning is the most effective method for managing the size and maintaining the dense shape of Spanish lavender. Pruning prevents the lower stems from becoming overly woody and unproductive. The first substantial prune should occur immediately after the initial bloom cycle finishes in late spring or early summer. This removal of spent flower stems and a portion of the foliage encourages the plant to produce a second flush of blooms and branch more densely.
Gardeners should trim approximately one-third of the plant’s current year’s growth during each pruning session. Avoid cutting into the old, leafless, woody base of the plant, as Spanish lavender does not readily sprout new growth from this old wood. A second, lighter trim can be performed in late summer after the second bloom to reshape the plant before winter.