Species

Lavandula stoechasSpanish Lavender

8 other cultivars

shrub

Spanish Lavender 'Major'

Lavandula stoechas 'Major'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as Spanish lavender, is a compact evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean Basin that thrives in dry, sunny climates. The species is distinguished by its dense, aromatic gray-green foliage and distinctive cylindrical flower spikes topped with upright, ear-like sterile bracts.

'Major' is a robust cultivar featuring plump, deep purple flower spikes crowned with exceptionally showy, bright purple bracts resembling rabbit ears. This selection maintains a highly compact, rounded form reaching just over two feet in height and width.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides structural interest with its compact, rounded evergreen form and vibrant, rabbit-eared purple flower spikes.

Yields highly aromatic foliage and flowers suitable for drying, potpourri, and essential oil extraction.

Attracts a wide range of pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies, while remaining unpalatable to deer.

SpeciesLavandula stoechasSpanish Lavender

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

26"

Width

26"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

5-10 years

Native To

Mediterranean Basin

Toxicity

Non-toxic (mild skin/gastric irritant in large amounts)

Bloom period

Early spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil that drains rapidly.
Amend heavy soils with coarse grit or plant on raised mounds to ensure excellent drainage around the root zone.
Water sparingly after planting, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings once established.
Shear the foliage back by one-third to two-thirds immediately after the summer flowering flush to maintain a tight, rounded habit.

Pro Tip

Plant in gritty, fast-draining soil and prune immediately after the summer bloom; cutting back into old, leafless wood will kill the branch as it cannot regenerate from bare stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly porous, mineral-rich soils to prevent root rot.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage, especially in humid regions.
Trim the plant regularly after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained, waterlogged soils.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless gray wood.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients weaken the stems and reduce essential oils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensMediterranean gardensCoastal bordersContainer plantingLow hedges

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana Thymus vulgaris Ceanothus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spanish Lavender 'Major' questions

What zones can Spanish Lavender 'Major' grow in?

Spanish Lavender 'Major' is hardy in USDA Zones 8–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Spanish Lavender 'Major' deer resistant?

Yes — Spanish Lavender 'Major' is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Spanish Lavender 'Major' bloom?

Spanish Lavender 'Major' typically blooms in early spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spanish Lavender 'Major' need full sun?

Spanish Lavender 'Major' does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Spanish Lavender 'Major' drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Spanish Lavender 'Major' handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.