How to Grow Spanish Lavender
Lavandula dentata
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula dentata) is a tender, evergreen shrub with distinctive toothed grey-green leaves and a lighter, rosemary-like scent. It flowers almost continuously in mild climates. Hardy only to about -5C, so in cooler regions grow in containers that can be moved to a frost-free spot in winter. Needs full sun and very well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dislikes chalk. Space plants 60 cm apart. Deadhead regularly to extend flowering and give a light prune in spring to maintain shape.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. A light liquid feed in spring for container-grown plants. Avoid rich feeds — Spanish lavender prefers lean, well-drained soil.
Watch For
- Root rot in wet soil
- Grey mould in humid conditions
- Frost damage (tender to about -5C)
- Rosemary beetle
Companions
Rosemary, Cistus, Santolina, Pelargonium
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential; at least six hours direct sunlight
Full sun is essential — at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Spanish lavender becomes leggy and stops flowering in shade. In the UK, the sunniest, most sheltered spot available is ideal.
Watering
Drought-tolerant; let soil dry between waterings
Drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly and only in prolonged dry spells. Container plants need more frequent watering but always let the compost dry out between waterings. Never let roots sit in water.
Fertilizing
Rarely needed; light feed for container plants only
Rarely needed. A light liquid feed in spring for container plants is sufficient. Avoid rich feeds — Spanish lavender thrives in lean, well-drained soil.
Pruning
Deadhead regularly; light spring prune; never cut old wood
Deadhead spent flower heads throughout the season to encourage repeat blooming. Give a light shape in spring, cutting back by about a third but never into old bare wood. Replace plants every 5-7 years as they become woody.
Growing Tips
Grow in containers for winter protection
Spanish lavender is not frost hardy. In the UK and northern Europe, grow in containers that can be moved to a frost-free greenhouse or bright porch in winter. Only plant in the ground in very sheltered coastal gardens.
Avoid chalk and alkaline soil
Unlike English lavender, Spanish lavender dislikes chalk and alkaline soil. Use a slightly acidic to neutral, gritty compost. Add ericaceous mix if your soil is chalky.
Deadhead for continuous flowers
Deadhead spent flower heads regularly throughout the season to encourage continuous blooming. Spanish lavender will flower almost non-stop in mild conditions if spent blooms are removed promptly.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 60 cm |
| Row spacing | 90 cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 75 cm |
Allow 60 cm between plants for good air circulation. Larger specimens may spread to 90 cm.
