Species

Lavandula stoechasSpanish Lavender

7 other cultivars

perennial

Lavender Winter Bee

Lavandula stoechas 'Winter Bee'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as French or Spanish lavender, is a woody perennial with aromatic, narrow gray-green leaves and distinctive flower spikes topped with colorful, rabbit-ear shaped bracts, blooming in vibrant purple shades.

Lavandula stoechas 'Winter Bee' is distinguished by its compact growth habit and its ability to produce fragrant flowers during the cooler months, making it an excellent choice for winter interest and aromatic gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Lavender Winter Bee adds visual interest and fragrance to gardens, thriving in dry, sunny spots.

Its drought tolerance reduces water needs, making it ideal for sustainable landscaping.

Attracts beneficial insects like pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.

SpeciesLavandula stoechasSpanish Lavender

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

22 inches

Width

22 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Late summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-draining soil
Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil and water lightly
Mist cuttings regularly to encourage root growth
Fertilize sparingly in early spring with low-nitrogen fertilizer
Mulch lightly to retain moisture and control weeds
Transplant young plants in early spring after last frost

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot; avoid overwatering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly once established 💧
Prune after flowering to shape and promote bushiness ✂️
Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer
Place in full sun for best blooms 🌞

Don't

Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
Allow soil to stay soggy ❌
Prune in late fall or winter ❌
Use high-nitrogen fertilizer 🌱❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Harvest
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Scented border with aromatic foliageDrought-tolerant shrub for sunny bedsVanilla-scented hedge

Companion Plants

Rosemary Sage Sedum EchinaceaLavender

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lavender Winter Bee questions

What zones can Lavender Winter Bee grow in?

Lavender Winter Bee is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lavender Winter Bee deer resistant?

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

When does Lavender Winter Bee bloom?

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

Does Lavender Winter Bee need full sun?

Lavender Winter Bee does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Lavender Winter Bee drought tolerant?

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