Friday, April 22, 2011

SPANISH LAVENDER

In full bloom now in the Herb Garden at the Arboretum you will find Lavandula stoechas or commonly called Spanish Lavender.  It is also sometimes called the Bunny Ears Lavender.  Searching the web for growing tips, this was found at everything-lavender.com:


Spanish Lavender
Growing Spanish Lavender - Gardening lavender is an easy and rewarding experience and this type of lavender is no different. It will grow in USDA Zones 6-10, but is probably best in Zones 7-8. It requires well drained soil and little water after it is established. Although it is drought tolerant, it also does well in humid weather better than other varieties.
This lavender blooms in the spring and should be pruned when it is done blooming. It propagates through seeds or cuttings. The blooms don't typically attract butterflies or hummingbirds, but honey bees do seem to enjoy them. The scent from these lavender blooms is not quite as sweet as the English Lavenders and has been compared to rosemary."