How to Grow Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane
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Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane
Lavandula stoechas 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane
shrubA compact, evergreen shrub known for its striking deep purple flower spikes topped with distinctive purple bracts that resemble butterfly wings. This cultivar is a selected form of Spanish lavender, prized for its intense color and ornamental appeal in Mediterranean gardens and containers. It blooms prolifically from spring through early summer and attracts pollinators while offering aromatic foliage.
When should you plant Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane in your zone?
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Example Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane
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 Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10; can be grown in zone 7 with winter protection
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Get my Spanish Lavender 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplants with small linear leaves and woody stems beginning to develop structure
Water regularly to establish root system but allow soil to dry between waterings. Provide full sun. Stake if necessary in windy locations.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsCompact mounding plant with increasing foliage density; feathery, gray-green needle-like leaves developing full fragrance
Reduce watering as plant establishes. Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. No fertilizer needed; thrives in poor soil.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (spring through early summer)Plant covered with dense royal purple flower spikes; each spike topped with distinctive purple petal-like bracts creating a butterfly or crown appearance
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water during dry spells but maintain dry conditions. Avoid overhead watering.
Summer Rest
6-8 weeksFlowering slows or ceases as temperatures rise; plant remains evergreen and ornamental with foliage focus
Minimal watering needed. Can pinch back leggy growth. Provide afternoon shade in very hot climates (above 95°F regularly).
Fall/Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsGrowth slows significantly; plant maintains structure and foliage color; may produce sparse secondary flowers in mild winters
Discontinue fertilizing. Minimal water; only when soil is very dry. Prune lightly in late winter (zone 8) before spring growth resumes. Provide frost protection in zone 7.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Usually minor impact; hand-pick if numerous. Ensure good air circulation to reduce pest habitat.
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Prevent with excellent drainage; never overwater. Remove and destroy affected plants. Do not replant in same location without soil amendment.
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Increase humidity slightly with occasional misting; use insecticidal soap if severe. Maintain good air circulation.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in early morning or evening.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur spray or fungicide if severe; remove heavily infected stems.
Uses
Culinary flavoring and garnish
CulinarySpanish lavender flowers and leaves add floral, slightly camphoraceous flavor to teas, infusions, honey, baked goods, and desserts. The edible purple bracts and florets make dramatic garnishes for cocktails, cakes, and salads. [source]
Fragrance and aromatherapy
HouseholdThe intensely aromatic leaves and flowers are used fresh or dried in potpourri, sachets, drawer liners, and aromatherapy diffusers. Spanish lavender essential oil contains linalool and camphor compounds with traditional calming and cleansing properties. [source]
Traditional herbal remedies
MedicinalSpanish lavender has been traditionally used in Mediterranean folk medicine for nervous tension, mild anxiety, sleep support, and digestive comfort. Infusions of dried flowers and leaves were used topically for skin healing and inflammation. [source]
Dried flower arrangements and crafts
CraftThe distinctive purple flower spikes retain their color and form beautifully when dried, making them ideal for long-lasting floral arrangements, wreaths, lavender wands, and decorative crafts that last months without water. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeBlooms attract abundant bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent plant for pollinator gardens and supporting local insect populations during spring and early summer. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flowers in mid-morning after dew dries but before intense heat, when flowers are fully open and color is most vibrant. Cut stems 6-8 inches from base. Dry by hanging in small bundles in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. For fresh arrangements, strip lower leaves and use within 1-2 weeks. Best harvested during peak blooming period (May-June in zone 9).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Spanish lavender gets its common name 'butterfly lavender' from the distinctive purple bracts that crown each flower spike, which resemble colorful butterfly wings and are actually modified leaves, not true petals.
- 🌱 The 'Royal Purple' Francisco Coloane cultivar was selected and named for its particularly intense deep purple coloration, superior to standard Spanish lavender, and is often used in premium ornamental and Mediterranean garden plantings.
- 🌱 Unlike English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Spanish lavender blooms earlier in spring and for a longer period, making it one of the first lavenders to flower and a valuable early-season nectar source for hungry spring pollinators.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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