How to Grow Parasol Lavender
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Parasol Lavender
Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas
shrubParasol Lavender, also called Spanish or French Lavender, is an ornamental shrub prized for its distinctive purple flower spikes topped with showy purple bracts that resemble tiny parasols or rabbit ears. It blooms prolifically from spring through summer and is highly fragrant, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. The silvery-green foliage provides year-round interest and the plant is drought-tolerant once established.
When should you plant Parasol Lavender in your zone?
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Example Parasol Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Parasol Lavender
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Parasol Lavender
Around Sep 14≈ 150 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Parasol Lavender dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; can be grown in zone 7 with winter protection
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Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplant with limited foliage; roots developing into garden soil
Water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering. Stake if windy. Do not fertilize heavily.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksPlant develops bushy form with silvery-gray linear leaves; no flowers yet
Reduce watering as plant establishes. Prune lightly to encourage branching. Begin light fertilization with low-nitrogen formula.
Budding & Early Bloom
2-4 weeksFlower buds form at branch tips; distinctive bracts begin to elongate, creating parasol-like silhouettes
Maintain moderate watering during bloom initiation. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Do not overwater.
Post-Bloom & Dormancy
8-16 weeksFlowering slows in high heat; foliage may look tired; plant semi-dormant or resting in summer heat
Minimal watering. Prune back after main bloom to maintain shape and encourage fall rebloom. Prepare for dormancy in colder zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; ensure adequate air movement
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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency; remove affected plants; apply fungicide if caught early; ensure soil dries between waterings
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Hand-pick beetles; use neem oil or pyrethrin-based insecticide; maintain plant vigor
Uses
Culinary Flavoring & Tea
CulinaryFlowers can be used to infuse teas, honey, vinegars, and baked goods with a floral, slightly sweet flavor. The edible bracts and flowers add visual interest and delicate taste to desserts and beverages. [source]
Aromatherapy & Relaxation
MedicinalLavender is renowned for its calming essential oils, which can be used in aromatherapy, sachets, and herbal preparations to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements & Crafts
CraftThe distinctive parasol-like flowers dry beautifully and hold color exceptionally well, making them ideal for dried bouquets, wreaths, potpourri, and decorative arrangements. [source]
Fragrance & Natural Air Freshening
HouseholdDried flowers release a long-lasting fragrance that can be used in closets, drawers, and rooms as a natural alternative to chemical air fresheners. Fresh or dried stems brighten any space. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeParasol Lavender is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting garden biodiversity and ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower spikes when bracts are fully colored but before flowers fade, ideally in morning after dew dries. Cut stems 2-3 inches from base; this encourages bushier growth. Dry flowers by hanging bundles upside-down in a warm, airy location for 1-2 weeks. Harvest foliage anytime for fresh use.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Parasol Lavender's distinctive flower bracts (which resemble tiny umbrellas or rabbit ears) are actually modified leaves called 'bracteoles,' not the true flowers themselves—the actual tiny flowers sit beneath them.
- 🌱 Unlike English Lavender, Parasol Lavender is more heat and humidity tolerant and blooms earlier in the season, sometimes beginning in late winter in mild climates.
- 🌱 The plant has been used for centuries in Mediterranean cultures for perfumery, herbal medicine, and folklore; it was believed to ward off insects and evil spirits when dried and placed in homes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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