How to Grow Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple'

Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple'

Lavandula stoechas 'Royal Purple'

shrub

Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its dramatic deep purple flower spikes topped with distinctive purple bracts that resemble rabbit ears. Unlike English lavender, it blooms profusely in spring and early summer with a longer flowering season, making it a striking ornamental choice for gardens and containers. The plant has fine, narrow silvery-green foliage and is highly fragrant, attracting pollinators throughout the blooming season.

Looking for a specific variety?

Royal Purple Kew Red Helmsdale Francisco Coloane Anouk Winter Flowering

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial afternoon shade in very hot climates

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Water: Low water needs once established. Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure. In established plants, water only during prolonged drought.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms begin 12-16 weeks from transplant; reaches full ornamental maturity in 1-2 years

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery container; seeds should be surface-sown or barely covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with low fertility

pH: 6.5-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand (30% by volume) Gravel or pumice Avoid compost or heavy organic matter that retains moisture

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-11; tender perennial in zones 7 and cooler regions

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

4-6 weeks

Tiny rosettes with fine, needle-like cotyledons emerge; very slow growing at this stage

Keep soil barely moist, not wet; provide bright light; seeds may germinate in 14-30 days with high variability

Vegetative Establishment

2-3 months

Silver-green feathery foliage develops into small mounding plants; no flowering yet

Gradually increase watering but never allow waterlogging; apply dilute fertilizer monthly if desired; allow good air circulation to prevent damping-off

Flowering Onset

4-8 weeks (spring peak), with scattered flowers into early summer

Dense purple flower spikes emerge with distinctive purple or pink bracts at the apex; main flush occurs in spring

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; reduce watering; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer which delays flowering

Peak Bloom & Mature Growth

Late spring through early summer (2-3 months primary); flowers may return in fall with proper care

Plant is fully established with abundant flowering and dense foliage; sturdy woody stems develop

Water sparingly; monitor for root rot if rainfall is heavy; deadhead for tidiness; minimal fertilizer needed

Post-Bloom & Dormancy Prep

Late summer through winter (varies by zone)

Flowers fade and dry; plant continues as evergreen; growth slows in hot summer or if winter approaches

Light pruning after main bloom to maintain compact shape; avoid heavy pruning into old wood; reduce watering further

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Rosemary Santolina (Cotton Lavender) Catmint (Nepeta) Germander (Teucrium) Eryngium (Sea Holly) Sedum Russian Sage Gaura Thymus (Thyme) Salvia

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering (hostas, ferns, moisture-loving perennials) Plants requiring rich, heavy soil (azaleas, hydrangeas) Aggressive spreading plants that compete for nutrients Areas with poor drainage or standing water

Common Pests

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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency; ensure excellent air circulation; remove affected plants; apply copper fungicide as preventative in persistently wet climates
Increase humidity if in very dry indoor conditions; spray with water; use horticultural oil or neem oil if severe; rarely problematic outdoors
Handpick; apply neem oil for moderate infestations; usually causes minimal damage
Spray foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; encourage natural predators
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide if needed

Uses

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Dried Flower Arrangements & Floral Crafts

Craft

Spanish Lavender's striking purple flower spikes with distinctive bracts are excellent for dried arrangements, wreaths, sachets, and decorative bundles. The flowers dry beautifully and retain color and fragrance for months. [source]

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Culinary & Beverage Flavoring

Culinary

Flowers and foliage can be used to infuse teas, honey, syrups, and baked goods for a floral, slightly fruity flavor. Spanish lavender has a more nuanced, fruity taste than English lavender with peppery undertones. [source]

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Aromatherapy & Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

Essential oil from Spanish lavender is used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief, and traditionally for minor skin irritations and inflammation. The essential oil (high in linalool and linalyl acetate) has antimicrobial and calming properties. [source]

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Pollinator Habitat

Wildlife

Spanish Lavender is highly attractive to honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Spring bloom timing makes it an excellent early-season nectar and pollen source. [source]

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Natural Fragrance & Pest Deterrent

Household

Dried flower sachets freshen closets and drawers while naturally repelling moths and other insects. Foliage can be placed in storage areas as a gentle, chemical-free deterrent. [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 for fresh arrangements when the purple bracts are fully developed but before flowers fully open (best fragrance and longevity). Harvest in morning after dew dries. For dried flowers, cut when bracts are colored but flowers are still tight, then hang upside-down in a warm, airy location. Foliage can be harvested year-round for culinary or craft use, but take no more than 1/3 of the plant at once.

Fun Facts

🌱 Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is native to the Mediterranean and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, but 'Royal Purple' is a modern ornamental cultivar prized for its vibrant color and prolific blooming.
🌱 The distinctive 'rabbit ears' or 'butterfly wings' on top of Spanish Lavender flowers are actually modified bracts (sterile leaves), not true flower petals; they serve to attract pollinators more effectively than the actual tiny flowers below.
🌱 Spanish Lavender blooms 2-3 weeks earlier than English Lavender and typically flowers twice per year (spring and fall) in mild climates, making it valuable for extending the lavender season in gardens.

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