Spanish Lavender Lavandula stoechas 'Spring-break Princess'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Spanish lavender 'Spring-break Princess' is distinct for its showy and aromatic flowers. This variety features vibrant purple blooms that are densely packed into elongated cone-like shapes, which are topped with delicate, lighter purple petals that resemble small butterflies fluttering at the tips. The flowers stand out against a backdrop of narrow, silvery-green leaves that have a slightly furry texture, which is common among lavender varieties. The foliage releases a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or crushed. The plant's overall form is a compact mound of aromatic foliage, which remains attractive even when it is not in bloom. The leaves are evergreen in milder climates, which means the plant retains its color and presence throughout the year, making it a valued addition to gardens for both its visual appeal and its scent. The striking appearance of the 'Spring-break Princess' makes it a popular choice for garden borders, containers, and as an accent plant in ornamental landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Spanish Lavender, French Lavender, Top Lavender, Butterfly Lavender, Stoechas Lavender
Common names
Lavandula stoechas 'Spring-break Princess'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Spanish Lavender is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion in large amounts could potentially cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the plant’s oil might lead to allergic skin reactions in some individuals. Inhaling its strong fragrance might also cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. It is recommended to use caution and avoid ingesting any part of the plant, as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Spanish Lavender is generally considered not highly toxic to pets. However, if ingested in significant quantities, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in animals such as dogs and cats. Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. As with humans, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting the plant to avoid any potential adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Lavandula stoechas 'Spring-break Princess', commonly known as French lavender, has striking purple flowers that add beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant and strong scent, often used in perfumes, scented products, and aromatherapy.
- Drought tolerance: French lavender is well-adapted to dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and areas with low rainfall.
- Low maintenance: This variety of lavender generally requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional pruning and watering.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Edible uses: The flowers and leaves can be used in culinary dishes, providing an herbal flavor.
- Landscape versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including rock gardens, borders, and as a low hedge.
- Evergreen foliage: French lavender has evergreen leaves, which provide year-round greenery and texture in the garden.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Spanish lavender has compounds that may reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic: It can be used for its antiseptic properties to cleanse and protect wounds from infection.
- Anxiolytic: Often used in aromatherapy, it is believed to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Antispasmodic: May help in relieving muscle spasms and cramps.
- Analgesic: Spanish lavender is sometimes used for its potential pain-relieving effects.
- Antimicrobial: Contains chemicals that might have antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and fungi.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender 'Spring-break Princess' can be used as a natural dye, offering a range of purples and greens depending on the mordant used during the dyeing process.
- When dried, the flowers can be used in potpourri to impart a pleasant fragrance to drawers, cupboards, and rooms.
- The plant's essential oil can be used to freshen laundry by adding a few drops to dryer balls or a cloth to include in the dryer.
- Lavender 'Spring-break Princess' can be used to create a soothing bath soak by adding dried flowers to bath salts.
- Dried lavender sprigs can serve as a natural insect repellent, warding off moths and other pests in closets.
- Pressed lavender flowers can be used in crafting, such as making bookmarks, cards, or other paper goods.
- The woody stems can be repurposed as skewers for grilling, imparting a subtle lavender flavor to vegetables or meats.
- The flowers can be used in homemade candles to provide a relaxing scent when burned.
- Used to flavor sugar, lavender buds can be mixed with granulated sugar to create a floral-infused sweetener for teas and baking.
- Lavender 'Spring-break Princess' can also be used in homemade soaps for its scent, color, and gentle exfoliating properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spanish Lavender is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySpanish Lavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Lavender is commonly associated with tranquility and relaxation, often used to soothe anxiety and induce calm.
- Purity: Due to its clean and fresh scent, lavender symbolizes purity and cleanliness.
- Silence: Historically, lavender represents silence, likely because of its association with calming effects and peacefulness.
- Devotion: Lavender can symbolize devotion and undying love, making it a plant used in wedding bouquets and gifts between loved ones.
- Healing: With its antiseptic properties and use in aromatherapy, lavender represents healing and restoration of mind and body.
WaterSpanish Lavender requires well-drained soil and does not like to be waterlogged, so it's essential to water it only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, watering once or twice a week during active growth in warmer seasons should suffice, with reduced frequency to every two weeks or less during the winter when the plant is dormant. When watering, aim to provide about 1 gallon per plant to ensure the soil is moistened thoroughly but not oversaturated. Adjust the amount of water depending on weather conditions—less during cool, rainy periods and more during hot, dry spells.
LightSpanish Lavender thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this lavender variety would be an area where it's exposed to ample sun throughout the day, away from the shadow of taller plants or structures. Partial shade is tolerated, but the plant will produce fewer flowers and may become leggy.
TemperatureSpanish Lavender is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from about 10°F in the winter to temperatures well above 100°F in the summer. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. It's crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below the hardiness threshold, as this can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning Spanish Lavender is essential for maintaining a compact, bushy shape and encouraging prolific blooming. Prune lightly in early spring just as new growth begins and again after the first flush of blooms fade to encourage a second bloom period. Pruning up to a third of the plant's height is usually recommended, focusing on removing spent flower stalks and any dead or woody stems. The best time to perform a more significant pruning is after flowering but before fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for French Lavender is light, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mixture of two parts coarse sand or pea gravel, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part standard potting soil can work well.
RepottingFrench Lavender should generally be repotted every two to three years or when it has outgrown its current container. It's best to repot in spring just before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingFrench Lavender thrives in dry conditions and does not require high humidity. It prefers the ambient humidity of a typical Mediterranean climate; anything between 40-50% is usually adequate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, infrequent watering, well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water sparsely, shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleLavandula stoechas 'Spring Break Princess', commonly known as Spanish Lavender or French Lavender, starts its life as a seed that germinates in warm, well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Upon germination, the seedling develops a root system and foliage in a rosette pattern, entering a vegetative growth stage where the plant focuses on leaf and stem development. As it matures, it begins to form distinctive purple flower spikes with petal-like bracts in spring or early summer, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seeds that are either dispersed by wind or harvested for propagation. Spanish Lavender is a perennial, so after flowering, the plant will go into senescence, during which the foliage may die back, especially in colder climates, before re-emerging from its rootstock in the following growing season. To promote vigor, the plant is often pruned after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the French Lavender 'Spring-break Princess' is through semi-ripe cuttings. This process typically occurs during the summer months when growth is vigorous. To start, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a section approximately 3 to 5 inches long. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root growth; this step is optional but can improve success rates. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat and perlite or sand, moistened but not waterlogged. Enclose the potted cutting in a plastic bag or place it under a plastic dome to create a humid environment that mimics a greenhouse. The cutting needs to be kept out of direct sunlight but in a bright area, ensuring warmth and consistent moisture until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually planted in its permanent location.
![Bugle [Black Scallop]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b624330cd1.png&w=640&q=75)
