Lavandula pedunculata, commonly known as Spanish Lavender, brings Mediterranean charm to gardens. Its visual appeal and aromatic qualities make it a favored choice for gardeners. This low-maintenance plant thrives in conditions mimicking its native habitat, enhancing outdoor spaces. Spanish lavender is an excellent addition to herb gardens, borders, or containers.
Unique Characteristics of Spanish Lavender
Spanish lavender stands out for its distinctive flower structure. Blossoms feature plump, oblong spikes topped with prominent, petal-like bracts resembling butterfly wings or rabbit ears. These bracts appear in shades of purple, pink, or white, depending on the cultivar. The foliage consists of small, gray-green leaves that are highly aromatic, similar to rosemary. Spanish lavender grows as a compact, rounded evergreen sub-shrub, reaching 18-36 inches tall and 1-3 feet wide, providing year-round interest in warmer climates.
Essential Cultivation and Care
Light Requirements
Spanish lavender flourishes in full sun, requiring a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. This promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Soil Preferences
Well-draining soil is a requirement for Spanish lavender, as it is susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions. Sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils are ideal, promoting necessary drainage and preventing standing water. While it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, it tolerates a range of pH levels and thrives even in poor, low-nutrient soils. For clay-heavy soils, amending with sand, gravel, peat moss, or coconut coir improves drainage.
Watering Guidelines
Established Spanish lavender plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot. For newly planted specimens, consistent watering helps establish a strong root system, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, water deeply every two weeks or when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry. Watering at the soil level helps prevent fungal diseases by keeping the foliage dry.
Temperature and Humidity
Spanish lavender thrives in hot, dry climates. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10, though some cultivars tolerate Zone 6. This species is more heat-tolerant than other lavender types, enduring temperatures up to 90°F. However, it is less cold-hardy and requires protection if temperatures drop below 10-15°F. In colder regions, consider bringing potted plants indoors or providing mulch for outdoor protection during winter.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning maintains the health, shape, and flowering of Spanish lavender. The plant benefits from being trimmed twice a year to encourage branching and a denser form.
An initial pruning should occur after the first flush of flowers in spring, removing about one-third of the plant’s growth. This encourages reblooming and prevents legginess. A second, lighter pruning can be done in late summer after the second flush of blooms fades to reshape the plant.
Always cut into new, green growth and avoid old, woody stems, as lavender does not readily regenerate from old wood. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season also promotes continuous flowering.
Fertilization
Spanish lavender typically thrives without additional fertilizer. It prefers lean, nutrient-poor soils, reflecting its native growing conditions. Excessive fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen products, can inhibit flowering and promote foliage growth. If soil conditions are extremely poor, a very light, balanced fertilizer application once or twice a year in spring or fall might be considered, but it is generally unnecessary.
Propagating Spanish Lavender
Propagating Spanish lavender is most reliably achieved through stem cuttings rather than seeds. Cuttings offer a quicker and more consistent method, ensuring the new plant retains the parent’s characteristics. The process can be done in spring or early fall, selecting healthy, non-flowering stems.
Propagating from Cuttings
To propagate from cuttings:
Gather disinfected, sharp garden snips, a small pot, and well-draining soil.
Take a 4-6 inch cutting from new, non-flowering growth.
Remove all leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Insert the stripped end into the prepared soil, pressing firmly for good contact.
Cover the pot loosely with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Roots typically develop within two to four weeks.
Propagating from Seed
While less common for consistent results, Spanish lavender can also be grown from seed. Seeds often benefit from cold stratification to mimic winter conditions, which improves germination rates. Seeds are usually started indoors about 12 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow them on the surface of well-draining soil and lightly cover, as light is needed for germination.
Common Issues and Solutions
Spanish lavender is generally a resilient plant, but issues can arise from environmental conditions.
Root Rot
The most common problem is root rot, occurring when the plant is exposed to overly wet or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing, browning, or droopy leaves, indicating suffocating roots. To address this, reduce watering and ensure the plant is in well-draining soil; in severe cases, replanting may be necessary.
Lack of Flowers
A lack of flowers can be caused by insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization. Spanish lavender requires full sun for optimal blooming, so relocating the plant to a sunnier spot can help. If the plant receives too much nitrogen from fertilizer, it prioritizes foliage growth over flower production. In such instances, cease fertilization and ensure the soil is lean.
Environmental Stressors and Pests
Environmental stressors can also impact Spanish lavender. While tolerant of heat, extreme cold can cause damage, leading to browning and foliage loss. Providing winter protection, such as mulch or moving potted plants indoors, can prevent cold-related issues. Few pests typically bother Spanish lavender, but foliage problems can indicate subpar soil or moisture conditions. Ensuring proper drainage and light exposure helps maintain plant vigor and resistance.