spanish lavender plant Lavandula stoechas 'Otto Quast' (4")

Spanish lavender is one of the earliest blooming lavenders, often beginning to flower as early as mid February. Plants are up to 2 1/2 feet tall, but will grow to 4 feet wide. Occasional heavy pruning will keep the plant tidy so it doesn't sprawl. In very hot climates, Spanish lavender tends to only bloom once, but in moderate coastal climates will bloom all spring and summer, especially if sheared. Flower stems are short, usually only to 3 inches, and spikes are about 2 inches long, fat and topped with 4 dark blue-purple petals resembling rabbit ears.

 

This is another lavender grown for its ornamental value - its flowers do not dry well, and it is not a good culinary variety. It is a favorite for mixed containers, especially in mild climates where it will bloom over a longer period.